How Many Variations of Blackjack Exist?

July 17, 2024
7 Minute Read

Gamblers around the world love playing classic blackjack and that has led to some interesting variations. Many casinos and online platforms now offer several types of blackjack. These have some unique twists and variations on traditional blackjack.

These can be fun casino games to add extra levels of excitement, such as side bets, when taking a seat in the casino. Here’s a look at some blackjack variants and what to expect when playing them.

What Is Blackjack?

Players at a casino blackjack table, with a focus on the dealer's hand and chips on the table.

Classic blackjack is one of the oldest games and is a casino game in which each player gets two cards. The goal is to get as close to 21 without going over while also beating the dealer’s hand. Many gamblers love to play blackjack because of the strategy and low house edge.

What Different Types of Blackjack Are There?

There are numerous blackjack variants available to players seeking to expand their horizons. Here are a few popular blackjack variants and beyond American and European blackjack (including online blackjack games).

American Blackjack

American blackjack varies some from European blackjack. In this version, sometimes called Las Vegas Strip blackjack, the dealer receives two cards and peaks to see if he has blackjack.

Some American blackjack games feature only 6 to 5 payouts for blackjack with 3 to 2 payouts becoming less common. Some rules may work in the player’s favor, such doubling down on more hands beyond 9, 10, or 11.

Players may also split hands more than once and games may include as many as eight decks. You can split aces and receive only one card. Games with a single deck may require higher stakes. The casino’s house edge depends on the rules at each casino.

European Blackjack

European blackjack rules differ from what might be found in the U.S. In this poker variant, blackjacks are paid our at 3 to 2. The dealer also must stand on soft 17 and players can only double down on 9, 10, and 11. Players can split a hand only once.

Another difference is the dealer receives only one card initially and can’t peak at the second card (the face down “hole card”) to check for blackjack. Most of these blackjack games are played with double decks.

Spanish 21

In this blackjack variant, all the 10s are removed from the deck. This gives the casino a considerable advantage. That’s offset by favorable rules for the player such as allowing a blackjack surrender, doubling after split, re-splitting aces, doubling on any number of cards, hitting and doubling after splitting aces, and more.

There are a few other interesting twists. A player’s 21 always wins and a player’s blackjack always beats dealer blackjack.

Pontoon

This popular blackjack variant is derived from an early British version called “Vingt-Un” and was regarded as a family game also played by children. Rules and variants differ by area. One key difference is that the dealer doesn’t expose a card, making it much more difficult for players.

Super Fun 21

In this blackjack game, players are given some unique options such as doubling after any number of cards and surrendering after any number of cards. The bad news? Most blackjacks pay only even money unless both cards are diamonds, which receives a payout at 2 to 1. 

Infinite Blackjack

Infinite Blackjack is a live dealer game where an unlimited number of players can join a single table, all dealt the same initial two cards. Players compete solely against the dealer, enjoying unique side bets like Six Card Charlie and 21+3, with the added thrill of a live casino experience.

California No Bust Blackjack

California No Bust Blackjack is a unique twist on classic blackjack, typically played with two decks. In this version, the dealer cannot bust; instead, if their hand exceeds 21, they continue drawing cards until they reach a value between 22 and 26. Players still aim to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over.

Vegas Strip

Vegas Strip blackjack may be a phrase used just to denote games played along this area of Sin City. Unless playing at higher stakes, players generally find less-favorable rules such as 6 to 5 payouts on blackjack and dealer standing on soft 17. This is the standard blackjack game on the Strip.

Blackjack Switch

This blackjack variation features playing two hands from two spots on the table. The interesting addition is that players can switch one of the cards after the initial bet. There is a catch – if the dealer’s hand totals 22, all players’ hands are a push, except when holding a blackjack. Also, blackjack pays only even money.

Perfect Pairs Blackjack

In this blackjack version, players can make an optional side bet before each hand that offers a chance at bonus payouts if a player is dealt a pair of matching cards. Payouts vary by casino. A pair of the same suit and color generally pays out 25 or 30 to 1 on the side bet. A colored pair (red diamonds and hearts for example) pays out 10 or 12 to 1 and a pair with mixed colors (red and black) pays out 5 or 6 to 1.

Blackjack in Online Casinos

Close-up of chips and dice on a table with a blurred laptop and colorful lights in the background, representing online casino gaming.

Playing blackjack online with crypto at Lucky Block offers the opportunity to play several of these types of blackjack variations and other casino games. Players can even check out live casino table games that have the feel and realistic experience of a real casino. Live dealer blackjack is the next best thing to being in a real casino.

Online casino blackjack games allow players to learn the mechanics of the game. There are also numerous options, from multi deck blackjack to single deck blackjack. Have a higher bankroll in blackjack? You can even find high roller blackjack. Playing online also allows you to work on basic blackjack strategy to reduce the house edge as much as possible.

Playing online blackjack allows you to play from anywhere and you’ll also find the more favorable blackjack rules to reduce the house edge further. Players can expect a fair game and an easy to navigate user interface. Hitting the blackjack tables online can make for a great experience.

Conclusion – Play Different Blackjack Types at LuckyBlock

Classic blackjack is a great game and some types of black jack available can also be highly entertaining. Players will find side bets, unique rules, additional payouts, and other options that can add to the experience.

Playing at online casinos like LuckyBlock allow players to test drive some of these from the comfort of home, without being intimidated and at lower stakes than what one might find at a brick and mortar casino.

Online games can still be fun and you can play a few hands in each popular blackjack variation to see which game best suits you. Jump in the action on a blackjack variant for some fun and a chance to win.

Learn more on blackjack:

FAQ

Which is the best type of blackjack to play?

That depends on a player’s own personal tastes. Some may like American blackjack while others might enjoy Blackjack Switch or simply playing one of the other different blackjack games.

What are the different names for blackjack?

Some people may simply refer to this popular casino game as “21” while others may use the traditional name. Some of the names of the other most popular blackjack variants include Perfect Pairs, Blackjack Switch, Spanish 21 (or Spanish deck), Super Fun 21, and others.

How many versions of blackjack are there?

There are numerous options when seeking out a blackjack table. Check out some of the variants above.

What is the difference between American and European blackjack?

There are a few different rules, such as using only two decks in Europe. In American blackjack, the dealer can often hit soft 17 while that’s not the case in Europe.

In Europe, all blackjacks are paid out at 3 to 2 while 6 to 5 is becoming more common in the U.S. In the American style, players can usually double down on more hands than just 9, 10, or 11 as found in Europe. For more, see these sections above.

Tom Middleton

Tom is a crypto gambling expert with more than a decade of experience in the industry and Master’s Degree in Journalism. He has written thoroughly researched guides and reviews for several major publications.

Sign up to Lucky Block

Deposit and claim a 200% welcome bonus.

Sign Up