European Blackjack Strategies Guide
Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world. Players will find a fun game with a low house edge, meaning there is a real shot at some winnings for those who make use of basic strategy. European blackjack is a bit different than the game that players might find in casinos, but can be a rewarding experience.
The basics are the same as classic blackjack, but with a few interesting twists. This article takes a deep look at this game as well as European blackjack strategy to get a better chance to win at the tables, whether at a live casino or at a crypto casino like Lucky Block.
What is European Blackjack?
As most players know, the goal in classic blackjack is to get as close to 21 without busting while also beating the dealer. Players receive two cards and can then hit, stand, double down, or split based on the cards they are dealt.
In Europe, players will find a slightly different game than in Las Vegas. European blackjack rules feature some unique aspects and favorable rules that can benefit players (although a few rules are also unfavorable). One of the most obvious differences in European blackjack games is that the dealer isn’t dealt a hole card until all players have acted. The dealer starts with one card dealt face up. This means the dealer won’t check for a blackjack before the hand. Here’s a look at some other key rules:
- Two decks are usually used, but this can vary by casino.
- Blackjacks pay out at 3 to 2, not 6 to 5 as found in many American casinos now.
- The dealer does not get to peak for blackjack, as there is no hole card.
- A dealer blackjack beats a player’s hand totaling 21 (non-blackjack). If both players have a blackjack, the hand is still a push.
- Dealer stands on a soft 17, whereas they often hit soft 17 in other variants.
- Doubling down is usually limited to only 9, 10 or 11. This is a contrast to a blackjack game at a Las Vegas casino, which may allow doubling on more numbers.
- Splitting a hand is only allowed once.
- Players cannot double down on a split hand.
- Surrender is usually allowed, an advantage of European blackjack rules. However, surrender in blackjack isn’t allowed if the dealer’s face up card is an ace.
- Blackjack insurance bets are allowed, but don’t pay out until the entire hand is complete.
Basic Strategy for European Blackjack
Basic strategy is a mathematical system to help players determine the correct play to make depending on the dealer’s hand. European blackjack basic strategy offers you the best chance to lower the house edge and potentially walk away a winner.
By using basic strategy, you’ll know when to hit, stand, double down, or split. According to a European blackjack basic strategy chart, a player dealt 13 to stand against the dealer’s 2 through 6. Because there are so many 10-value cards in the deck, you’ll be hoping the dealer busts. But against 7, 8, 9, 10 or ace, you’ll want to take a hit.
Basic strategy is critical in reducing the house edge in any blackjack game. One of the great things about playing European blackjack games online is that a player can easily make use of a blackjack strategy chart, ensuring fewer errors as you play.
Advanced European Blackjack Strategies
Card Counting
Players looking to tilt the house edge in their favor may consider card counting. This advanced European blackjack strategy involved keeping a running count of high cards versus low cards that come out of the deck.
This allows players to bet larger when the count is in their favor and it’s more likely to be dealt the best hands in blackjack and have a better chance of winning. Counting cards isn’t possible when playing at online casinos because these platforms make use of random number generators to deal completely random hands.
Betting Systems
Gamblers have long sought to maximize winnings at the casinos and that has included creating some interesting betting systems. Here’s a look at a few:
- Martingale – This system involves doubling a bet after every loss in hopes of recouping that. However, this doesn’t account for losing streaks and can be costly in the long run.
- Win Goal – This involves simply setting a goal for winning and quitting when that is reached.
- D’Alembert System – This is a less-aggressive version of the Martingale with players raising the stake size after losing while decreasing bet size after winning.
Whether using a system or not, it’s important to realize that the house always has an edge (except when card counting) and the best way to win is to follow European blackjack basic strategy.
Dealer’s No Hole Card
Under European blackjack rules, the dealer not having a hole card requires a bit of am adjustment in basic strategy. Players should be more conservative when it comes to doubling and splitting as the dealer can still draw an ace with a 10-value card showing for a potential blackjack. Using blackjack charts can help determine the right plays.
212 blackjack strategy
The Manhattan betting system, or 2-1-2 strategy, is a slightly progressive approach for games like blackjack, where players begin with a two-unit bet, decrease the bet by one unit following a win, and then add one unit with each additional win, restarting the cycle after a loss.
Tips for Playing European Blackjack Games
Ready to hit the tables at land based casinos or at online casinos? Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
- Set a Budget – Use only money you can afford to lose and don’t go over your budget.
- Know the Rules – This will make for a more enjoyable experience and a better chance at winning. There are some differences between European blackjack rules and American blackjack rules. Having an idea about the rules can help give you a better chance of winning.
- Practice Online – Playing at online casinos like Lucky Block allows players to work on European blackjack table strategy without even leaving home. This cuts down on the intimidation factor and you can also play at lower stakes than what you might find in a casino.
- Stay Focused – This is key and playing online makes this easier. Look at your own cards and the dealer’s hand then make wise decisions based on European blackjack basic strategy and blackjack charts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid when playing European blackjack
A few mistakes along the way can bring some big losses when playing European blackjack or any of the many variations of the game. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Ignoring Basic Strategy – Playing basic strategy offers you the best mathematical chance of winning.
- Chasing Losses – Know when it’s time to quit. Keep losing streaks to a minimum and live to fight another day.
- Over-Betting – Stay within the stakes that best fit your budget. Playing at levels you can’t afford can be a recipe for disaster.
Conclusion
Paying attention to European blackjack strategy offers players the best chance at winning. Basic strategy may have a few differences in this version of the game. The dealer doesn’t get a hole card in this variant of the game and there are some other slightly different rules of the game as well.
Playing smart and using correct basic strategy when playing online can make for a fun experience. For an even better experience at european blackjack, try to play cryptocurrency blackjack at Lucky Block casino today.
Learn more on blackjack:
- What is infinite blackjack?
- Side bets in blackjack explained
- Blackjack odds tables
- How is Spanish 21 different from blackjack?
- Blackjack 5 card rule
- No bust blackjack strategies
- What are the blackjack dealer responsibilities?
- Blackjack history
- Blackjack slang glossary
- Blackjack money management
- How many decks are used in blackjack?
- How do blackjack tournaments work?
- Blackjack table etiquette
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between European blackjack and American blackjack?
Some of the rules are different and that includes the dealer not receiving a hole card. If the dealer up card is an ace, there is no peeling a second card to check for blackjack. Other key rules is that the dealer stands on soft 17 and many casinos only use two decks of cards.
Can you count cards in European Blackjack?
Yes, you can count cards but this requires plenty of practice and skill. However, counting cards isn’t possible at online casinos, which use random number generators to determine how the cards are dealt.
What is the best strategy for European Blackjack?
Follow basic strategy, which gives players the best chance of winning with the correct plays in every situation based on your own cards and what the dealer has. Use blackjack charts to help with this when playing online or to practice
Are betting systems effective in European Blackjack?
It is better to stick with basic strategy and base your betting on this system. Many betting systems disregard losing streaks and the house edge.