Blackjack, aka 21, is one of the most renowned card games of all time, however not everyone is aware that there are a number of different variants found in casinos around the world. Each have certain core similarities that defines them as blackjack, though with special rules and features that makes each unique and entertaining in their own individual way.
Classic Blackjack & European Blackjack
What most people around the world recognise immediately as blackjack, is generally “Classic Blackjack”, aka “American Blackjack”. This popular variant commonly includes:
- Six to eight standard 52-card decks
- Standard blackjack rules.
- The dealer receives a face-down hole card before betting starts.
- The dealer always wins with 21.
European blackjack, on the other hand, is an older, stricter, version of blackjack, and commonly includes:
- Two standard 52-card decks.
- Stricter rules and aspects of gameplay.
- The dealer receives a face-down hole card after betting starts.
- The dealer always wins with 21.
Spanish 21
This variant of blackjack has also always been popular next to Classic Blackjack, though with a number of distinctly different rules and features. The game of Spanish 21 includes:
- Six to eight 48-card “Spanish” decks. Spanish decks have all the 10’s removed.
- Any two matching cards allow the option of “doubling down”.
- A unique payout system.
- The player always wins with 21, regardless of what the dealer gets.
Vegas Strip
A simplified variation of blackjack originating, and mostly played, in Las Vegas, USA. Special rules and features of Vegas Strip blackjack include:
- Four standard 52-card decks.
- Any two matching cards allow the option of “doubling down”.
- A player going bust is not always a loss.
- The dealer must have more than 17 to stand.
Blackjack Switch
A very unusual variant of blackjack. In this game:
- Players have the option of playing the initial two cards in a hand separately.
- Players also have the option to trade one of those cards for a new one.
- If the dealer gets 22, it is considered a “push” rather than a “bust”. This means that players do not automatically win, and must make sure not to go bust themselves.
Perfect Pairs
This variation is very similar to classic blackjack expect for a certain special aspect that gives it it’s name. Perfect Pairs includes:
- Six to eight standard 52-card decks
- Standard blackjack rules.
- The dealer receives a face-down hole card before betting starts.
- The dealer always wins with 21.
- A special option of a side-bet called “Perfect Pairs” which allows the player to win the extra wager if their hand contains a pair.
Australian Blackjack & Pontoon
Australia https://onlinebingoaustralia.org/instant-play/ blackjack is played much the same as Classic blackjack is played elsewhere. Specific rules, though many vary between casinos.
Another variant popular in Australia, and also Malaysia, is Pontoon, named after, and not be confused with, the old game from which blackjack was originally derived. This variant, however, more closely resembles Spanish 21.
