The different types of blackjack

Blackjack, the famous table game whose reputation is well established, is the main attraction of the largest land-based and online casinos worldwide. Centuries and eras have not added any wrinkles to this casino entertainment solution. On the contrary, it seems that, like good wine, it improves with time. The trend is such that today, there is an almost unlimited range of blackjack variants available. black jack We review in this guide some of the most popular variations of this game, as well as what makes them unique.

Blackjack Switch

Blackjack Switch is a relatively recent variant, as it was only patented by Geoff Hall in 2009. However, this did not prevent it from becoming a highly popular and sought-after variation. In fact, Blackjack Switch is available in many land-based and online casinos. This type of blackjack closely follows the current trend among developers of designing table games that appeal to fans of electronic gambling and video poker.

The parameters that have been added are specifically designed to please game enthusiasts. The only downside, despite the entertainment offered to you, is that the house is heavily favored here, unlike in regular blackjack.

Switch Blackjack Features

One of the distinguishing factors of Switch blackjack is that in each playing position, instead of one hand, two hands are dealt. After receiving his two hands, the player can then exchange the card located above each hand for another It is from this technique (Switcher: exchange) that the game gets its name. It should be noted that each hand is unique and that the first bets must be made in order for the players to receive their cards. It is also possible that the player's advantage over the house is thus increased.

A casino being, however, an establishment designed to make the most possible profits, certain rule modifications have been made in order to compensate for this player advantage. The first of these modifications is that here, unlike in regular blackjack, naturals (A-10) are rewarded 1-1 instead of 3-2. This single change is enough to significantly disadvantage the players.

The other change made to the rules is even more detrimental to the players. A hard total of 22 (hand totaling 22 without an Ace) ties all hands, except for a natural blackjack. This method thus renders several elements of the basic blackjack strategy obsolete.

How a Switch Blackjack Game Works

There is no difference between a game of Blackjack Switch and regular blackjack. Once the players have placed the required minimum bet, they each receive two hands from the dealer, starting from the player seated on the left. The dealer deals last and is always the last to act during a round.

Switch Blackjack Player Options

Players can use the hands they receive from the dealer in various ways, the first being to determine whether or not they should pass the cards over each hand. Once this decision is made, they can then act separately on each hand by resorting to one of the standard options in blackjack, namely hitting, doubling, or splitting their hands. Several casinos have very strict rules regarding splitting, which is why it is recommended to inquire about the house rules related to this option before taking a seat at the table.

Switch Blackjack Dealer Options

Once all the options of the players have been exercised, the dealer acts in turn on their own hand. Just like in regular blackjack, the dealer is subject to strict rules in a game of switch blackjack. Indeed, the dealer is required to draw any total with a value of 16 or less, and to stand on a total of 17 or more. Some casinos also require the dealer to draw on a total of 17, which further decreases the player's advantage.

As previously mentioned, if the dealer has a hard 22, all participants' hands are tied to him, except for a natural blackjack. Therefore, it is possible to have a 20 and be tied to the dealer as long as he has a hard 20. As a result, players will not be able to recover their initial bet. Blackjack Switch was designed for strategy game enthusiasts, as here, mastering the appropriate technique allows the player to effectively take action on their hands after the switch. However, a different strategy is essential in order to exchange in the first place.

The Blackjack Bonus

It would not be an exaggeration to say that Bonus Blackjack is the best in terms of blackjack variants for the player. The rules that apply to this variation are the same as for regular blackjack and it is subject to the same basic strategy that is beneficial for players during a standard game. Card counters will also find it suitable as this variant is compatible with all counting systems. The ultimate advantage is that Bonus Blackjack is played with only two decks of cards.

Due to the bonus structure of this variant, players are encouraged to make increasingly larger bets. If you succeed in a natural blackjack during a Bonus Blackjack, you have a strong chance of receiving a rather convenient return on investment.

Bonus Blackjack Fundamentals

The Bonus Blackjack, as previously mentioned, follows the same basic rules as regular blackjack. The only difference is that a bet only qualifies for a bonus if you have obtained a natural. In addition to the minimum bet at the table, you can place a bonus bet, provided that it is done before the cards are dealt.

The bonus bet in question is generally made in a circle located near the minimum bet for the hand. Only the player's initial two cards are affected by the bonus bet, and the player only needs to place it to bet the bonus. The bonus bet is not impacted by any actions taken on the hand. When participating in a game of Bonus Blackjack and receiving your pair of cards, you are guaranteed a sizable payout on them if you achieve a natural. Although they can vary from casino to casino, here are some examples of bonus payouts:

• An Ace of Spades or Jack of Spades is rewarded at odds of 50-1;
• For any other suited blackjack, you are paid at odds of 25-1.

It should be mentioned that winnings are also offered in some casinos for a total of 21 once you have acted on your hand; however, this is a very rare scenario. When this does happen, the total of 21 as well as all cards of the same color can result in a net gain of 5-2, and so on.

How a Bonus Blackjack game works

Before the game begins, the present players place an initial bet that must be equal to or greater than the table minimum. Once this is done, they have the option of a bonus bet, where they can wager an amount that must also be equal to or greater than the table minimum. In most casinos, the bonus bet far exceeds the maximum bet allowed on the table, for reasons that are obvious.

Once the bets have been placed, the dealer gives each player two face-up cards before dealing to themselves last; they are also the last on the table to act on their hand. In Bonus Blackjack, one of the dealer's cards is face down, just like in regular blackjack. The players then act on their hands, starting with the player seated to the dealer's immediate left.

If after making a Bonus Blackjack bet a player obtains a natural, the bonus bet is paid by the dealer according to what he has and which is indicated on the table. After this payment, the player has the possibility to act on his hand in the same way as he would for a regular blackjack. In case the players do not receive a blackjack on a hand, they lose the bonus bet in favor of the dealer.

Bonus Blackjack Player and Dealer Actions

For this variant of blackjack, the actions of the player are in all respects identical to those of standard blackjack. The dealer, on the other hand, has the following options:

• He must shoot a total of 16 or less;
• He is required to pass on a total of at least 17.

If the dealer achieves a blackjack during a game of Bonus Blackjack, he automatically wins and causes all players at the table to lose their bets. For a skilled card counter and a master of basic strategy, the potential for winnings in Bonus Blackjack can be very high. For this, all they need to do is place the bonus bet only when the game is in their favor and when many Aces are present. Furthermore, counting Aces and maintaining an accurate running count is easy to achieve, as this variant only uses two decks of cards.

Chinese Blackjack

Very popular in Southeast Asia, Chinese blackjack is much more offered in many casinos during the famous Chinese New Year. This variant has the reputation of being one of the most exotic blackjack games . Depending on the locality where you find it, this variant has a different name. Thus, you will have the 21-points and the Ban-Nag or Ban-Luk.

Just like the previous variant, Chinese blackjack is in several points similar to regular blackjack, both in the card distribution and in the basic rules. However, there are some differences that enhance the fun and playful side of Chinese blackjack.

The Basics of Chinese Blackjack

In a game of Chinese blackjack, just like in other variants, you are pitted against the dealer who represents the house. Although there is no limit to the number of participants here, there must be at least 5 to 6 players per table for the game to be played validly. In the Chinese variant of blackjack, only two decks of 52 cards are used. You will need to try to reach a total of 21 or a number close to it, without going over.

The value of the cards is the same as in regular blackjack, except for the Aces. The cards with numbers have their own face value, while those with characters are worth 10. In Chinese Blackjack, the value of the Ace depends on the number of cards held by the player. It can be worth between 10 and 11 if the player has two cards, and between 1 and 10 if they have three. But if the player has four cards, the Ace can only be evaluated as 1.

How a game of Chinese blackjack works

At the beginning of a Chinese Blackjack round, the cards are shuffled by the dealer before being cut by a player who proceeds by removing a portion of the cards from the top of the deck. The cut cards margin is subsequently set aside, and the dealer proceeds to deal, giving each player two face-down cards. Once again, the dealer is the last to receive cards. Once everyone at the table has received their cards, the remaining cards that were not dealt are combined with the portion that was set aside after being cut.

Player Options in a Game of Chinese Blackjack

After everyone has received their cards, the player directly to the left of the dealer can act on their hand. The options available to you here are the same as in regular blackjack. You can either draw or pass the hand, but in this variation, certain hands are immediately considered winners. These include:

• Of a Ban-Ban, which occurs when you have two Aces. When you receive a Ban-Ban, you immediately have a winning hand that grants you a payout of 3 to 1 from the house. However, if the dealer also has a Ban-Ban, you will be blocked and will not be able to retrieve your money.
• From a Ban-Nag, which is identical in every way to a regular blackjack. It consists of both an Ace and a card worth 10. Unless the dealer also has one, a Ban-Ban or a Ban-Nag is paid at odds of 2:1.
• From an Escape Hand, which is an initial hand totaling 15. If you have one, you will have the option to continue or abandon, in order to recover your initial bet. But this option is also valid for the dealer, as if they have a 15, they can also choose to abandon or continue the game. If they choose the second option, the cards will be reshuffled in preparation for a new round.
• From a 5-Dragon: this refers to a player's hand with 5 cards totaling 21 or less. If the 5-Dragon has less than 21, it is immediately rewarded at a 2 to 1 odds. However, a 5-Dragon with a total of 21 awards a payout of 3 to 1.

Dealer Options in a Game of Chinese Blackjack

Once again, as soon as the players have their hands, the dealer enjoys the flexibility to exercise their options. It is at this moment that the gap widens between Chinese blackjack and regular blackjack, as you then have a high chance of losing if the dealer has a strong hand.

But if the dealer has a total of less than 16, he is obligated to draw to improve his hand. However, if he has a total between 16 and 20, he can choose to reveal some cards before deciding whether to pass or draw. But if, by chance, he gets a total of 21 without going over, he wins the round and the other players lose their initial bets. In the event that the dealer exceeds 21, the players at the table will receive a payout of 1 to 1 on their hands.

Furthermore, when the dealer receives a 5-Dragon without having a total of 21, the players lose and are obligated to pay the dealer twice their initial bets. In the opposite case, that is to say if the dealer has a 5-Dragon totaling exactly 21, he can claim a payment valued at 3x the player's bet.

The House Profit in a Game of Chinese Blackjack

In this variant, the dealer, just like the house, has a definite advantage over the player, that's a fact. That's one of the reasons why anyone can play the role of the dealer in a game of Chinese Blackjack at home, so that the players are not disadvantaged. In fact, the risk of paying the dealer two or three times is what qualifies Chinese Blackjack as a true game of chance.

Although there are certain skills in this variant, in addition to the use of basic strategy, reducing the house edge is not always an easy task during a game of Chinese blackjack.

Double Exposure Blackjack

This is another variation of the standard blackjack that is very popular among enthusiasts. As long as one understands or has a relative mastery of the basic strategy, any player can succeed in this variant. But why the term Double Exposure Jackpot? Simply because players can see the dealer's pair of cards. This may seem like an advantage for them, but the house has implemented other rules to balance the odds.

The house having only a slight advantage during a game of Double Exposure Blackjack, it is not easy to find this variation in casinos both physical and online. It is recommended not to hesitate to take the plunge when coming across an establishment that offers this format.

What are the rules for Double Exposure Blackjack?

Many factors bring classic blackjack and Double Exposure together. A game is played with a shoe containing between 6 and 8 decks of cards, with the explicit intention of countering card counters. Indeed, it is not common to come across a game of Double Exposure in which only one or two decks of cards are used. Furthermore, in today's casinos, there are automatic shuffling machines that are responsible for shuffling all the cards after each hand, according to the house's preference.

All players present at a Double Exposure Blackjack table have the ambition to reach a total of 21 while avoiding going over it. In order to have a winning bet, players are obligated to exceed the dealer's total. It's not so complicated, as they have the advantage of automatically knowing this total before considering any action.

How a game of Double Exposure Blackjack works

Just as in regular blackjack, the dealer, before serving himself, distributes two face-up cards to the players, starting with the one on his immediate left. It is also this player who is the first to exercise the permitted options once everyone has been served.

Player options in a game of Double Exposure Blackjack

The options here are the same as in a regular blackjack game, but there are a few exceptions, namely:

• Each player has the option to pass on a total of 21 or less;
• All players may draw any total below 21;
• It is possible to double a total of 9,10 or 11. This exception varies by casino, however, as some establishments offer the possibility of doubling any total;
• Players can split any pair only once.

There are also player restrictions in this variant, namely:

• Insurance is not available to players as the dealer's hand is known;
• The surrender option is also not possible in Double Exposure Blackjack.

Dealer Options in a Game of Double Exposure Blackjack

Just like in regular blackjack, the dealer is required to draw any total lower or equal to 16 and stand on a total equal to or greater than 17, but there is a major difference. In Double Exposure, the dealer must draw on a Soft 17. This is a total of 17 with two cards containing an Ace. The purpose of this seemingly insignificant restriction is to bring the house advantage down to the same level as that of the player. By drawing on a Soft 17, the dealer gets a free card and cannot go over a total of 21. A soft 17 allows the dealer to either stay at 17 or improve their hand.

Some major aspects to consider in Double Exposure Blackjack

In this variant, players are paid at odds of 1 to 1 and not 3 to 2 as is the case in regular blackjack. This is another aspect that significantly weakens their advantage during a round. Moreover, the dealer is the only one who can take advantage of ties in Double Exposure Blackjack. In other words, you are doomed to lose your bet every time you are tied to the dealer, especially due to the absence of the insurance option. The dealer is even more advantaged because if both you and the dealer have a blackjack, he is the one who wins. This special rule in Double Exposure Blackjack lowers the average winning hand to 19.

Double Blackjack

Also known as Double Attack Blackjack, Double Blackjack is one of the more recent versions. Having made its debut in Atlantic City casinos, Double Blackjack has gradually become accessible through online casinos. It takes inspiration from several rules of Spanish 21, which is another variant of blackjack, hence why it is said to be a variant of a variant. Double Blackjack involves the presence of a difficult to reach side bet, but one that can prove to be very lucrative.

The Basics of Double Blackjack

It is necessary to take into account the standard rules available in most casinos in order to fully understand Double Blackjack. These rules may vary slightly depending on the casino, but the following aspects remain constant:

• Eight 48-card sets of 'Spanish' playing cards are used in a game of Double Blackjack. They are dealt after being shuffled from the shoe; but before that, all cards with a value of 10 are removed from the decks;
• In order to reduce the player's advantage, the dealer always stands on a Soft 17;
• After a split, players have the option to double;
• Apart from aces which cannot be split more than once, it is possible to split pairs into 3 or 4 hands;
• Once split, aces can only be dealt one more card;
• A player who performs blackjack is rewarded at odds of 1 to 1;
• Players have the option to surrender or double down at any time.

How a game of Double Blackjack works

Unlike the majority of other variants, the dealer serves first and the card they receive is face up. From this point, the player can, if they wish, double their bet. This operation is called the Double Attack or Double Blackjack bet. Once the player has exercised their options, the remaining cards undergo the same treatment as in regular blackjack, meaning they are dealt starting from the player to the left of the dealer.

What are the player options in Double Blackjack?

The options of regular blackjack also apply in this variant, in other words, players can stand, hit, split, or surrender. The only difference here is that they can at any time give up their hand or double their initial bets. This is a major advantage for a skilled card counter and a player who masters the basic strategy.

What are the dealer options in Double Blackjack?

As soon as all the players at the table have acted on their hands, the dealer can implement the options available to him, as specified by the game rules. On a total less than or equal to 16, he must draw, as well as on a Soft 17. However, he must remain on a total greater than or equal to 18, as well as on a Hard 17. The dealer's action of drawing on a Soft 17 is aimed at countering the player's advantage, who can double at any time.

Side bets in a game of Double Blackjack

The player is allowed to place a side bet before the start of any hand in Double Blackjack. This side bet is called 'Bust It' and is won when the dealer's total exceeds 21. The payouts for this side bet may vary depending on the establishment where one is playing, but there are standard examples:

• If the dealer has an 8-8-8, the payout is 200:1;
• If the dealer has a rainbow, the payout is 50:1;
• If the dealer has a total greater than 21 and including a 6, the payout is 15:1;
• If the dealer has a total over 21 with a 7, the payout is 10:1.
• The dealer has a total over 21 with an 8, the payout is 8:1;
• The dealer's total is over 21 with a 9, the payout is 6:1.

The objective of side bets is to add more fun to a game of blackjack, but it is recommended to only use them when all the odds are in your favor. Not being certain of this, it is better to refrain from using them.

Blackjack Elimination

If this variant of blackjack has become so popular, it is thanks to major events such as the World Series of Poker or Texas Hold'Em. Realizing that there was a potential market for competitions of this type, casinos took it upon themselves to promote this form of blackjack. It is thanks to Russ Hamilton, winner of the 1994 WSOP edition, that we owe the creation of Elimination Blackjack. The Elimination Blackjack tournaments subsequently experienced a meteoric rise, leading to the Ultimate Blackjack Tour, and even the scandal in which Hamilton became entangled did not greatly tarnish this popularity.

The Basics of Blackjack Elimination

Once again, there are many similarities between Elimination Blackjack and regular blackjack. The dealer, who represents the interests of the house, ensures the distribution of cards using a shoe of 6 or 8 decks. The only exception here is that players compete for a guaranteed prize. Bets are made in the same way as in a poker tournament. All participants receive an equal amount of chips, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, depending on the size of the tournament.

The avowed goal of each player is to increase their chips, as the more there are, the better the chances of being declared the winner. The actions to be taken in Elimination Blackjack are identical to those of standard blackjack, both for the dealer and the players. The dealer has to stand on 17, but draw on 16. In some tournaments, however, they are obliged to draw on a Soft 17.

How an Elimination Blackjack game works

Once the minimum bet has been placed, players sit down at the blackjack table and receive safety instructions from the tournament organizer. However, these instructions are generally published before the tournament starts. The game truly begins after the cards are dealt, following the same procedure as in a standard blackjack game. In Elimination Blackjack, however, only a certain number of hands can be dealt, depending on the casino where you are playing. However, the majority of casinos use a maximum of 30 hands for Elimination Blackjack tournaments. At the end of the predetermined number of hands, the remaining players' chips are counted, and the player with the most chips is declared the winner.

How are players eliminated in an Elimination Blackjack game?

As its name suggests, in a game of Elimination Blackjack and in accordance with the rules and limits of the game, players can be systematically eliminated. This elimination occurs in the following cases:

• When players have lost all of their chips;
• When they do not have enough chips to produce the required minimum bet;
• When they find themselves with a low number of chips following an elimination hand.

Elimination hands are an important aspect in a game of Elimination Blackjack. In most cases, these are hands with a value of 8, 16, and 25. At the end of each elimination hand, the dealer is responsible for counting the players' chips. The player with the fewest chips is automatically eliminated. The elimination hand aims to establish a betting strategy in the game. You must always be aware of your chip count and know when to adjust your bets in order to avoid being eliminated from the game.

The secret bet in an Elimination Blackjack game

During Elimination Blackjack tournaments, especially those that are televised, players have the option to make a so-called secret bet. This bet is not revealed to the other participants at the table and can be extremely strategic for the player making it. In the event that two players have an equal or similar number of chips, one of them can make a secret bet to force the other to bet low. However, in a land-based casino, it is not always possible to come across a rule that allows secret bets in an Elimination Blackjack tournament. This is because this option generally only applies to experienced players and professional tournaments.

The standard rules in force in a game of Elimination Blackjack

Below, we present some basic rules that apply to the majority of Elimination Blackjack tournaments. These may vary depending on the casino you are playing at and serve as guidelines in this type of tournament:

• The dealer has an obligation to hit for any total greater than or equal to 16, and stand for any total less than or equal to 17. But in some cases, the house must hit a Soft 17;
• Players have the possibility to split pairs up to four times, except for aces which can only be split once. Some tournaments only allow splitting of 10-value cards if they involve cards of the same suit, such as KK (kings), QQ (queens), JJ (jacks), or 10:10.
• It is possible to use a shoe of 6 or 8 games. The majority of Elimination Blackjack tournaments use a 6 deck shoe;
• Players can only bet within the limits of the minimum and maximum allowed. In most cases, the maximum bet is higher than the initial number of chips. Since it is not possible to reach the minimum results of your bet, you can be eliminated at any time.
• Players can give up their hand and regain possession of their starting bet. They can also get insurance if the dealer's highest card is an ace;
• The player has the option to double down on two random cards;
• A maximum of seven players can take part in an Elimination Blackjack tournament;
• In a normal hand, you have 25 seconds to decide. In an elimination hand, you have 45 seconds.

European Blackjack

The European variant of blackjack is considered to be the precursor of the blackjack currently known in the United States and in other countries. It has undergone constant evolution over the years to become identical in many ways to regular blackjack. However, there are a few points that distinguish it from the American version of the game.

The origins of European blackjack

Europe is the birthplace of blackjack, although its true origins are not very clear. However, it is in the writings of Miguel de Cervantes that the first allusions to this card game are recorded. Indeed, the author of Don Quixote had a reputation for being an inveterate gambler, hence the multiple references in his novels to skilled players cheating during games of 21. The works in question were produced between 1601 and 1602, and it is very likely that blackjack was already being played in Spain at that time.

But those who truly popularized blackjack in its original form were the Germans and the French. Known as 21, it was very famous in the 1700s and 1800s. It is to them that current players owe the rules of the game applied today.

Contemporary European Blackjack

The popularity of blackjack has never diminished in European countries, although some original elements have been retained. The basic rules of European blackjack are as follows:

• It has after each round 8 decks of cards which are shuffled again;
• The house is required to draw for results totaling up to 16 and must stand on a Soft 17;
• Blackjack awards a payout of 3 to 2, insurance pays 2 to 1 and odds of 1-1 awards 1 to 1;
• It is necessary to double on 9, 10 and 11 as well as on the divisions;
• There is no division on cards valued at 10, as well as on 4 and 5;
• It is not possible to split more than once and a player's ace results in the early return of 50% of the bet;
• In the event of No Peek, the player's total bet is lost to the dealer's blackjack, along with any doubles or splits.

There is some similarity between the rules of American blackjack and some of those of European blackjack. However, the aspects that create the difference between these two variants have a significant impact on the course and strategy of the game.

How's the European blackjack reshuffle going?

In a game of European blackjack, eight decks of cards are typically used, which is not favorable for card counters. It is indeed not possible to count cards in this variant. An automatic shuffling device similar to the one used for poker tables is used to shuffle the cards at the end of each round. The difficulty of counting cards in European blackjack is due to the fact that there are never enough cards dealt in a round to obtain an accurate estimation and determine the player's chances.

European blackjack does not allow splitting of 4s, 5s or 10s

This is a rule that has no significant consequence for blackjack pros as well as card counters, because pairs of 4, 5, or 10 are rarely split. But knowing that card counting enthusiasts can always find a way to split them in case the dealer's total is low or when they are on the verge of going over 21, casinos have established this rule to bypass the risk.

The No Peek Rule in European Blackjack

No Peek is the main feature of European blackjack. It is a restriction that applies to the dealer and prevents them from taking a look at their hidden card when all players have started to act on their hands. Therefore, they will not know if they have a blackjack or not until the players have made their decisions. The importance of the No Peek rule is that during a game of European blackjack, players can exercise all their options without knowing the card that will be revealed by the dealer. However, in American blackjack, the dealer's blackjack is instantly revealed, resulting in the loss of bets for players who do not have one.

High Streak Blackjack

A logical variant of regular blackjack, High Streak Blackjack allows you to get wins if you manage to accumulate a sequence or series of winning hands This is one of the aspects that make card counters love this variant. Knowing when the game is favorable allows them to gather a substantial profit by capitalizing on the side bet. High Streak Blackjack is currently only available through online casinos, but with its growing popularity, it should soon be available in physical casinos.

The Basics of High Streak Blackjack

Just like in standard blackjack, the objective for the player in High Streak Blackjack is to beat the dealer's total by reaching but not exceeding a total of 21. The only difference between the two variants is the option of a side bet. After making the side bet, players can win a bonus when they achieve two consecutive winning hands. However, in the case of a losing hand, the side bet is lost and it needs to be submitted again to qualify for the bonus.

Since High Streak is only played online, only two decks of cards are used in a game. However, after each hand, the cards are shuffled, making it difficult to count cards. After two consecutive winning hands in High Streak Blackjack, here are the values of the bonuses that the player can aspire to:

• Two consecutive winning hands pay 1-1;
• Three winning hands in a row award 2-1;
• Four consecutive winning hands award 5-1.

The fact that online casinos shuffle the games after each hand contributes to making a game of High Streak Blackjack more random. However, mastering card counting gives a certain advantage. Insurance is paid at 2 to 1 in this variant, while a blackjack is rewarded at odds of 3 to 2.

How a game of High Streak Blackjack works

It is very likely that you will find yourself alone at the table during an online blackjack game, as it is not common to find other players in this kind of game. The first step is to click on your bet after making sure you have placed the minimum required bet. If you are interested in making a High Streak side bet, you can place the corresponding minimum bet in a designated window. Once the bets are received, the cards are dealt and distributed face up by a virtual dealer. The dealer will then be dealt two cards, one face up and the other face down.

What options do players have at the High Streak Jackpot?

Once the distribution is complete, players can then act on their hands, unless the dealer has a blackjack. In this case, the game ends and the players lose their initial bets as well as their High Streak side bets. However, they can take the following actions if the dealer does not have a blackjack:

• Shoot or stand on their total;
• Doubling a total between 9, 10 or 11;
• Splitting a pair just once or taking insurance in case the dealer shows an ace.

It would be best if all of your decisions as a player in a game of High Streak Blackjack were guided by general basic strategy.

What options does the dealer have in High Sreak Blackjack?

As soon as the players have acted on their hands, it's the virtual dealer's turn according to the following options: he has the obligation to draw any total less than or equal to 16 and to stay on a total greater than or equal to 17. If he goes over 21 at any point in the game, the winning bet is awarded to the player and an additional victory is added to their streak.

What is High Streak Blackjack Strategy?

It is essential for the player to know when to make a bonus side bet in a game of High Streak Blackjack. Furthermore, repeated shuffling of the card decks makes it almost impossible to shuffle the cards, which is why you should consider another strategy to anticipate a streak. According to many players, one only benefits from side bets after missing out on at least three consecutive hands. But the most recommended trick is to make the minimum bonus bets and then do your best to achieve a High Streak.

Matchplay 21

Initially, Matchplay 21 Blackjack was only available on Online Casinos ; but recently, this variant is becoming increasingly available in land-based casinos and its popularity continues to grow. Most operators are indeed placing more and more emphasis on designing games that involve jackpots and bonuses. Matchplay 21 is a relatively recent variant that has a strong potential to attract players who crave massive winnings as well as card counters who focus on steady profit.

The Basics of Matchplay 21 Blackjack

This blackjack variant is much closer to Spanish 21 than regular blackjack. During a game of Matchplay 21, 6 to 8 decks of cards are used, minus those with a value of 10. Once again, the goal of the player is to reach a total of 21 or close to this number while avoiding going over it. Similarly, they must necessarily have a higher total than the dealer's if they want to win the game. Therefore, in Matchplay 21 as in regular blackjack, all players at the table play only against the house.

Some bonus levels allow rewarding players who have achieved particular winning hands. Here is the structure of regular payouts for specific wins:

• A total of 21 from 5 cards pays 3-2;
• Any total of 6, 7, 8 pays 3-2;
• Any 7-7-7 awards a payout of 2-1;
• A total of 21 with 6 cards awards a payout of 2-1;
• Any suited 6-7-8 awards 2-1;
• Any suited 7-7-7 awards 2-1.
• A total of 21 with 7 or more cards awards 3-1;
• A 6-7-8 spade awards 3-1;
• A 7-7-7 spade also awards 3-1;
• When the dealer's face up card is 7, a suited 7-7-7 awards 40-1.

The odds mentioned above are unique to Matchplay 21, but may vary from casino to casino.

How a game of Matchplay 21 Blackjack works

One of the main features of Matchplay 21 Blackjack it is the shuffling of the cards after each hand Also, as it is not common to find multiplayer tables online, the player and the dealer are face to face. These two features make card counting impossible during a game of Matchplay 21. Therefore, in order to hope to win, you can only rely on your knowledge of basic strategy.

To place his bet, the player must click on the value of the chip of his choice and then select the 'Bet' button. He must also ensure that his bet meets the minimum requirement. During a live game, the minimum bet is usually $5, while on an online platform, it can go as low as $1. This is followed by the distribution of cards by a computer dealer. The player receives his cards face up, and the dealer is given two cards, one face up and the other face down.

The options available to players in Matchplay 21

If the dealer does not have a blackjack after the cards are dealt, the player has the opportunity to act on their hand with the same options as those applied in a regular game of blackjack. But if the dealer has a blackjack, the game ends and the player loses their bets. In Matchplay, the player can take the following actions:

• Pull or stand on his hand;
• Double down on any of his pairs;
• He has the ability to split a pair using a re-split, also called Resplit;
• Split a pair of aces only once; each ace receives one more card;
• To give up his hand and regain possession of his starting bet.

Given the availability of bonus payments for certain hands in a game of Matchplay 21, the player may be encouraged to improve their hand by disregarding basic strategy. This serves as an alternative for the casino to maintain its advantage over the player.

The options available to the dealer in Matchplay 21

In general, the dealer is required to draw any total less than or equal to 16, and stand on a Hard total of 17 or higher; in Matchplay 21, they must draw on a Soft 17. All of these actions contribute to strengthening the house advantage and reducing the player's margin, because with a Soft 17, the dealer cannot exceed a total of 21. With the additional card, they only have the opportunity to improve or match their total.

The fact that the dealer is required to hit on a Soft 21 in Matchplay 21 modifies the winning hand to be more or less than 19. In order to win the majority of the dealer's hands, the player will therefore need to achieve a total of 19 or more.

Multi-Hand Blackjack

Just like Matchplay 21, Multi-Hand Blackjack is only available in online casinos This is also one of the first games that have been offered by these platforms, as it has been authorized for years in live casinos. In most cases, it is almost always possible to play multiple hands during a live blackjack game. Unlike live play, multi-hand is available 24/7.

Multi-Hand Blackjack Basics

Standard blackjack and Multi-Hand Blackjack are identical in every way. The goal is to beat the dealer with a total of 21 or as close as possible, without going over. A blackjack pays out at odds of 3-2, insurance at 2-1, and all other wins at 1-1. However, there are a few aspects that set this variant apart.

At first glance, it is not possible to count cards in Multi-Hand Blackjack. The cards are virtually shuffled at the end of each hand by the dealer, and each round starts with a shoe of 6 or 8 'cold' decks of cards. It takes precise counting in a shoe of 6 or 8 decks to develop a credible count, which is not easy due to the random reshuffling after each hand.

Next, the minimum bets are generally lower in online Multi-Hand Blackjack than in live blackjack; it is not uncommon to come across a minimum bet of $1 per hand in this version. The apparent goal of this modesty is to encourage players to try out all available hands. But it should be noted that the number of hands played is not impacted by a "cold" deck. A player therefore has a greater chance of losing more money in Multi-Hand when playing all available hands. This variant is tailored for those seeking intense thrills.

How a game of Multi-Hand blackjack works

The preliminary step is to log in to an online casino account and select Multi-Hand Blackjack from the game selection. A virtual table with five betting spots representing the hands will then appear. As a player, you have the option to choose all or some of these five hands.

Before dealing the cards, the player is required to place a bet for each hand they intend to play. They do this by clicking on the stack of chips visible in the bottom right corner of the screen. The chips are sorted by denomination, so if you want to bet 1 dollar for each hand, you should click on the corresponding chip and then on the 'Bet' button. You should do the same for all the other hands of your choice.

Once all bets have been placed, the dealer proceeds to distribute the cards in the same way as in a standard blackjack game, starting with the hand to the immediate left. The cards are dealt face up, and finally the dealer gives themselves cards, one face up and the other face down.

What are the player options in Multi-Hand Blackjack?

In case the dealer does not have a natural, players will be able to act on their hands to improve their total. But if the dealer has a natural, the round ends and players lose their hands in play, unless they also have a natural. In Multi-Hand, players can take the following actions:

• Stand on any total or hit any total under 21;
• Except for blackjack, they may double two original cards face down;
• They can only split a pair of aces once and get an additional card;
• They can take out insurance in case the dealer shows an ace.

What are the dealer options in Multi-Hand Blackjack?

The dealer can only exercise their options after the player has exercised theirs. The options available to the dealer here are the same as in the case of all variations of a standard blackjack:

• It must remain on a total greater than or equal to 17;
• He must hit any total less than or equal to 16.

Perfect Pairs Blackjack

This variant has gained popularity in gaming halls that strive to combine blackjack with other table games. Perfect Pairs Blackjack is a common feature in casinos in Macao, Australia, and London. It is still relatively unknown in most casinos in the United States, but with its potential for high house profits, that is sure to change soon.

The Fundamentals of Perfect Pairs Blackjack

Perfect Pairs Blackjack has similar rules to regular blackjack. The objective is to reach a total of 21 without going over to win the hand. This also applies to the choices available to players, as they can hit, double, stand, or split pairs to improve their hand. All Perfect Pairs games offer insurance, and some rules in casinos even permit late surrender.

The side bet is the only element that distinguishes this variant from others. The player can make a separate bet from the original bet in order to qualify for a bonus on specific hands. The side bet is considered independently of the minimum bet required by the table, although for this bet as well, Perfect Pairs Blackjack sets a minimum amount.

To benefit from a payment on the side bet of Perfect Pairs, you must receive a pair of cards. This payment usually applies to pairs with picture cards such as queens (QQ), kings (KK), and jacks (JJ). Below, we present a distribution table that uses jacks as an example:

• A JJ pair of mixed color and suit awards 5-1;
• A JJ pair of identical color and mixed suit awards 10-1;
• A JJ pair of identical color and suit awards 30-1.

The major detail about the side bet is that to collect it, you must have a perfect pair.

The Pitch Blackjack

Pitch Blackjack is a variant that is very common in Land based casinos , but it can also be found in online casinos under the name of Single-deck or Double-deck blackjack. Despite some differences, Pitch Blackjack has almost all the features of standard blackjack. It also requires a specific strategy to grant winnings. It is possible to play Pitch Blackjack online in free mode for fun or switch directly to real money mode.

What is the origin of the name Pitch Blackjack?

It is from the method used by the dealer to deal the cards that Pitch Blackjack gets its name. It does not treat them from the hoof, but holds them in hand before pitching them to each player. Dealers, in order to master this technique perfectly, undergo several hours of training. Indeed, the cards thrown must reach the players face down and must stop at their level. In Pitch Blackjack, no more than two decks of cards are used.

What makes Pitch Blackjack special?

The way cards are dealt is not the only aspect that characterizes Pitch Blackjack. It is also played with one or two decks of cards instead of six or eight like in most variants. Furthermore, because the cards are dealt face down, players are allowed to hold them in their hand, which also creates some differences in how they act on their hands. Another peculiarity here concerns the minimum bets, which are higher than those imposed in standard blackjack. This aspect applies because the house believes that, due to the reduced number of decks, a skilled player could be tempted to use card counting. The strategy is to push players to bet big to counterbalance this.

The last difference concerns how the cards are cut before the start of a round. Just like in the six or eight-deck variants, a cut card is used, although the position where it is inserted changes. In a game of Pitch Blackjack, the cut card is inserted near the top of the deck, almost halfway through the downward-oriented direction. The majority of cards will be placed below the cut card and they will be frequently shuffled.

Possibilities of action on hands in Pitch Blackjack

Once again, the gameplay options are the same as in regular blackjack, namely hit, draw, stay, split, or surrender. It is even possible to take insurance against the dealer if they have an ace. But the way players act on their hands is quite different from what happens in standard blackjack. With the cards being dealt face down, each player is the only one to see theirs until the end of the hand unless they have a bust, a split hand, or a double down. In the latter case, the player will be required to reveal their hand to claim their winnings or to act on it. The possible actions in Pitch Blackjack are as follows:

• Scrape the cards towards you to hit your hand;
• Sliding his pair of cards in front of him and under his chips to stay on his hand;
• Show cards and place an equal amount of chips near the original bet to double the hand. From then on one more face up card will be dealt to improve the hand;
• To perform a pair division, the said pairs must be revealed and an additional bet matching the initial wager must be made. Then, a face-up card will be assigned to each double in order to form a new hand.
• The player proceeds to surrender their hand by passing their hand over their bet; the dealer will then benefit from half of his initial bet and the hand ends.

Card Counting in Pitch Blackjack

Card counters love Pitch Blackjack because the reduced number of decks makes this exercise easy. In fact, in Pitch, there are only 4 or 8 Aces in the game, so even a novice card counter can easily track the remaining Aces in the game and assess their chances of making a natural. Similarly, there are not many cards with a value of 10 in the game. It is important to remember that an accurate application of card counting helps significantly reduce the house advantage while increasing the player's advantage.

Confrontation in a game of Pitch Blackjack

Every time you participate in an online blackjack game, it will be a face-to-face between you and the dealer; but the situation is not the same in a land-based casino, as here you can find yourself facing up to five players. However, the one-on-one formula with the dealer is the most recommended because card counting is more reliable and accurate there.

The Pontoon

It is the British variant of American blackjack and it is very suitable for entertainment outside of physical casinos. Pontoon indeed brings together some additional twists to the action of blackjack betting to create an exciting and immersive game. It is claimed that the origins of Pontoon are close to those of French 'Vingt-et-un'.

Pontoon Fundamentals

Here too, as with the other variations, the ultimate goal is to gather a total as close as possible to 21 without exceeding it. A game of Pontoon reaches its optimum when at least five to eight players are present at the table, but it can be played with two, three, or four players. To place bets on each hand, players use chips while one or two decks of 52 cards come into play.

The cards in Pontoon are evaluated the same way as in regular blackjack; numbered cards have their basic value (5, 6, 7...); 10s and face cards such as the king, queen, or jack are worth 10. The ace can be worth 1 or 11 depending on the player's preference.

Progress of a game of Pontoon

Before the start of a round, a player is chosen to defend the house's interests, as is the case in physical baccarat. The statistical advantage is held by the banker in Pontoon; therefore, each player takes turns assuming the role of the banker. To designate the first person who will hold the role, all players must cut the deck of cards and the one who receives the highest card is chosen. After each hand, the role will pass to the player seated to the left and so on, until everyone has had a turn.

The game begins with the dealing of face-down cards to all players, starting with the one to the immediate left of the banker. The banker always receives a card last, but is not allowed to look at it. All players, starting from the one seated to the left of the banker, can then place a bet, taking into account the minimum imposed by the table. The banker then deals a second series of face-down cards, increasing the number of cards to two.

Player Options in Pontoon

Once the card distribution is complete, players can act on their hands, unless the banker has a Pontoon. In this case, the hand ends and players' bets are lost. The options available to players during a game of Pontoon are as follows:

• They can buy an additional card in order to maximize their totals; to do this, they must declare, "I will buy" before placing a bet, the value of which can be double their initial bet. They will then receive a new card from the banker and can repeat the process until they have a maximum of 5 cards totaling 21 or more. As with other variations of blackjack, if the total exceeds 21, the player loses their bet;
• Players can also perform a Twist, which corresponds to purchasing a card without placing an additional bet. Here, you simply need to say "twist me one," which means "give me a Twist," to receive one more card from the banker. The limits for this option are the same as for the previous one.
• They also have the option to stay as soon as they reach a total of 15 or more. Here it suffices to say, "I will stay";
• The split is the ultimate option that players have in Pontoon. They can exercise it for any hand containing a pair. After declaring "I will split," they will turn over the first two dealt cards and place an additional bet equal to the initial wager. For each pair of cards, the banker will deal one of them facing down to form two separate hands.

The only cards that can undergo a division are those of identical value 10 (jack-jack, king-king, queen-queen…).

The actions of the banker at the Pontoon

After all the players at the table have acted on their hands, the banker reveals his own hand for them to see. At this point, the players' cards remain hidden from the banker, unless they have been split or have achieved a pontoon. The banker can then continue to add cards until they reach a total of 21, receive five cards totaling 21, or make the decision to stay or go for 21. In this way, the banker's hand is compared to each player's hand to determine the total that comes closest to 21 to declare the winner.

Special hands in Pontoon

The Pontoon is much closer to American blackjack, as it is made up of a card with a value of 10 and an ace for an unbeatable total of 21. Its payout represents double the initial bet. The second winning hand in Pontoon is called the Five-Card Trick; it occurs when 5 cards have a total less than or equal to 21. A Five-Card Trick cannot beat a pontoon and its payout is two times the initial bet.

There is also a possibility of obtaining a 3 ^th The best hand in Pontoon is a three or four-card 21. Only a pontoon or a Five-card Trick can beat this hand. The normal payout odds for a three or four-card 21 is 1-1. All other hands following the previous three are ranked based on their final total.

Spanish 21

If there is one variation of blackjack with a well-established reputation, it is Spanish 21, as there is almost no land-based or online casino that does not offer it. Furthermore, learning the rules and actions to be taken are accessible to anyone. Although it has its own characteristics, Spanish 21 closely resembles regular blackjack. Its beginnings in Nevada casinos date back to 1995. Masque Publishing Inc., a popular game publisher in Colorado, currently holds the license for Spanish 21. However, several illegal versions of this variation are widespread in various casinos in Malaysia and Australia.

The player is at a significant disadvantage in this variant in favor of the house, as all 10-value cards are removed from play. . This aspect contributes to making it more difficult to achieve a total of 21.

The characteristics of Spanish 21

Spanish 21, a highly immersive game, uses the same basic rules as blackjack, but a few adjustments contribute to favoring the player's victory over the house. All cards are defined with their face value in Spanish 21. Except for some minor exceptions, the card distribution process and player and dealer options are similar to those in blackjack.

The configuration of bonuses in Spanish 21

The payment of bonuses during specific hands is what makes the main difference between Spanish 21 and blackjack. While in blackjack, each winning hand of the players is paid at odds of 1-1 and a blackjack at 3-2, in Spanish 21, all hands that total 21 can aspire to one of the bonuses below:

• 5 cards with a total of 21: 3-2;
• 6 cards with a total of 21: 2-1;
• 7 cards with a total of 21: 3-1;
• 6-7-8 having a mixed suit: 3-2;
• 6-7-8 with identical suit: 2-1;
• 6-7-8 being all spades: 3-1;
• 7-7-7 having a mixed suit: 3-2;
• 7-7-7 with identical suit: 2-1;
• 7-7-7 being all spades: 3-1.

These are very advantageous bonuses for players, which however can encourage them to disregard basic strategy in order to take advantage of a bonus. According to basic blackjack strategy, the player is supposed to stand on a total of 14 against a dealer's 6. In Spanish 21, they may choose to ignore this and opt to hit in order to try and achieve a hand that qualifies for a bonus.

Most Spanish 21 games also offer a super bonus that resembles progressive jackpots. To qualify, the player must make a hand consisting of three 7s of different colors; the dealer must also have the other 7s. The rules related to the super bonus of Spanish 21 vary from one casino to another, but the basic configuration does not change:

• Wagers between $5 and $24 grant a super bonus of $1,000;
• Wagers of $25 or more award a super bonus of $5,000;
• Each other player gets an Envy Bonus of $50 that one of the participants pulls the super bonus;
• The super bonus is canceled when a hand is split or doubled.

Player actions in a game of Spanish 21

As soon as the cards are dealt by the dealer, the players can act on their hands according to the rules of blackjack. They have the choice to stand, hit, split, double, or surrender their hand. But there is an option called Double Down Rescue that is not available in regular blackjack. When a hand is doubled, the player has the opportunity to place a new bet that is equal to their initial bet. They then receive an additional card intended to improve their hand.

In case the player is unsatisfied with the total of their doubled hand, they can decide to abandon it in order to 'save' their doubled bet. By choosing this alternative, the side bet is saved, but the original bet is lost. The Double Down Rescue has the advantage of reducing the house edge, but it is advised to keep the doubled hand and try to beat the dealer.

Dealer Actions in Spanish 21

Unless the dealer presents an ace, the players are the first to act on their hands after the cards are dealt. In the case that the dealer has an ace, he ensures that he also has a blackjack, in which case the hand ends with no winner. If he does not have a blackjack, he is then obligated to either draw any total less than or equal to 16, or stay on a total greater than or equal to 17. In certain cases, he may be forced to draw a Soft 17 in order to improve the house advantage.

Superfun 21

It is not by chance that this variant is called Superfun, because the incredible number of ways to win adds an even more immersive dimension to this variant. This is what those who are tired of traditional blackjack need in order to have a personalized experience. It was in 1999 that Howard Grossman created and patented Superfun 21, which quickly became very popular. This variant stands out for the predominance of a one-spot bonus system.

The fundamentals of Superfun 21

A standard deck of 52 cards is used in a game of Superfun 21; but according to the rules of the establishment, one to eight decks of cards can be used Cards with faces are valued at 10, and aces are worth 1 or 11; the other cards retain their nominal value. Players are pitted against the dealer, who represents the house, and must try to beat them by getting as close as possible to a total of 21 without going over.

The player wins a round by making a hand that contains six cards with a total less than or equal to 20. They can also win if they have a blackjack; a diamond blackjack pays out at 2-1; the same goes for five cards with a total of 21. These are bonuses that give the impression of favoring the player, but that's without counting on the house's comeback. Therefore, the dealer is obligated to draw a Soft 17 and a natural from the player is paid out at odds of 1-1.

Progress of a game of Superfun 21

The game starts once each player has made the minimum required bet. The dealer then proceeds to distribute the cards, always starting with the player seated on their immediate left. The players receive their pairs of cards face up. The dealer, who is the last to be served, deals themselves two cards, one face down and the other face up. In case the dealer's visible card turns out to be an ace, players can take insurance.

The options available to players at Superfun 21

In the event that the dealer does not present blackjack, players have the option of taking the following actions:

• Stand on any total and draw any total less than or equal to 20;
• Split any pair, as well as aces, repeatedly up to a limit of four hands. It is possible to hit or double aces that have been split;
• Double any initial total of a pair of cards;
• Give up their hand to benefit from 50% of their starting bet.

Just like in Spanish 21, Superfun 21 offers the option of Double Down Rescue which allows the player to save his side bet.

The options available to the dealer at Superfun 21

The same rules that apply to the dealer in regular blackjack also apply in Superfun 21. He must hit on a Soft 17, stand on a Hard 17 or higher, and hit on any total lower than or equal to 16. Just like in standard blackjack, the house advantage significantly increases when the dealer hits a Soft 17.

Triple 7 Blackjack

This is also one of the most popular variants of blackjack, especially for those who are new to the game, but also for experienced players. Triple 7 falls into the long list of other variants designed for slot machine enthusiasts and offers substantial winnings. This variation introduces numerous options aimed at strengthening the house's advantage over players. Although some physical casinos offer it, Triple 7 is mostly accessible through online casinos.

Fundamentals of Triple 7 Blackjack

Five decks of cards are used in a game of Triple 7 Blackjack ; they are treated either from a shoe directly into the game or by a virtual dealer. After each hand in an online casino, the five decks are shuffled. While the basic strategy remains useful here, the online version of Triple 7 Blackjack makes card counting nearly impossible. Once again, the objective for players is to beat the dealer by reaching a total of 21 without going over.

But all hands containing a 7, players can benefit from an attractive bonus in Triple 7 Blackjack. Players must place an additional bet in addition to the required minimum bet to qualify for this bonus, in addition to a progressive jackpot. Here are some examples of bonuses for hands containing a 7 based on a $1 bet: One 7 gets $5, two 7s get $25, two consecutive 7s get $50, three 7s get $250, three consecutive 7s get $1,000, and three 7s of diamonds get a progressive jackpot.

The progressive jackpot in Triple 7 Blackjack

All Triple 7 Blackjack players aim to benefit from the progressive jackpot with the aim of getting three 7s of diamonds This may appear to be an advantage for the player, but it is far from the case. Indeed, every time the progressive jackpot is reached, the minimum bet is reset by the jackpot, which gives a considerable advantage to the house, about 37.94%. For every additional $10,000, this percentage is reduced by 3.45%.

By making a simple calculation, it emerges that the house no longer has an advantage on the player's bonus bet when the progressive jackpot reaches a total of $109,860. Therefore, it would be wise to only play the bonus bet once the jackpot reaches this total.

What are the player options in Triple 7 Blackjack?

Here are the options available to players after the cards are dealt:

• Pull or stand on their hands;
• Double down on a total of 9, 10 or 11 or split a pair of similar cards. 10 cards are only split if they are matching, just like kings (KK) or jacks (JJ);
• An Ace can only be split once; the additional card can also only be given to it once; splitting an Ace and a 10 gives a total of 21, but not a blackjack and is therefore paid at odds of 1-1; finally, it is not possible to double down after splitting.

What are the dealer options in Triple 7 Blackjack?

It is only after the players have acted on their hands that the dealer can then exercise his options, namely, to stay on a total of 17 or higher or to draw on a total of 16 or lower. In several casinos, the dealer receives his cards face up, which gives the player a certain advantage. This alternative is actually more recommended than the one where the dealer's card is dealt face down.