Seen from the perspective of play, blackjack is undoubtedly one of the most popular casino table games worldwide, due to its simple playing rules and lower house edge than many other table games. It is indeed experienced advantage players who can exploit this game.
Blackjack has different variants and, since each of them have their own rules and specificities, it is important that you get familiar with each of them before applying your method.
American
There is no casino card game as popular as blackjack. The simplicity of rules and the smallest house edge out of the competitive card games certainly helped blackjack to conquer the hearts of gamblers from all over the world. With this game growing day by day, countless blackjack variants have been created to give players more gaming choices and inject more fun to their blackjack gaming.
Depending on the particular version of blackjack you’re playing, your strategy might change to reflect the rule subtleties of that particular blackjack variant. The quickest way to become familiar with a set of rules is to practice with free games first.
Many different Blackjack variants include a side bet to kick up what would otherwise be a rather vanilla game. The extra bet adds to the tension and fun. But before you plunge into any of the hi-octane variants, don’t forget that side bets increase the house edge of the blackjack game overall.
European
Blackjack variants allow players to experience the classic card game in new ways. Each variant provides a new game experience with different house edges and bonus payouts, different side bets, and provide a fun-filled atmosphere that offers a great experience. All players should exhibit responsible gaming when partaking in these blackjack variants.
While the rules of different versions of blackjack vary slightly, the essential mechanics of the games are identical: get a hand that’s as close to 21 as possible without going over (busting) your dealer.
A big difference between American and European blackjack is that dealers are dealt only one card face up initially and receive their second card (referred to as ‘hitting their hole card’) only after all player hands have been resolved. This, in turn, can change strategy and the odds dramatically for them; furthermore, no hole cards with this format means that dealers cannot peek at potential blackjacks!
Multi-hand
Blackjack is a mentally stimulating hybrid of skill and strategy. Although it can be difficult to play, the house edge can, to a large degree, be reduced if players stick to basic strategy. All variants of this classic card game should be fully understood before play commences, including all its nuances and rules.
Some blackjack formats feature side bets – in Perfect Pairs, for example, you bet at the start of a hand and win if you get a pair on the first two cards. This adds stakes to the game and another win opportunity for you to enjoy and keep vested in the play – keep those hearts crossed and waiting for your first pair!
Also very hot is Free Bet Blackjack, in which blackjack players’ initial hands of nine, 10 and 11 can be freely split or doubled down without the risk of jeopardising the hand by busting (by getting out of 21) – a brisk pace of play for players who are accustomed to winning but don’t want to up the ante on doubtful hands.
Surrender
Blackjack is probably the most famous of all the casino games, and one that gives the player a huge range of versions to try – all containing the nous of their original, with gambling twists and tweaks, and some variations adding side bets with which to boost the winning potential.
In blackjack, the shoe will contain six (sometimes more) decks, aces are paid 3:2 for a natural blackjack, dealers optionally stand on soft 17, and you can split and re-split aces; some versions let you hit such hands instead, which will reduce the house edge by around 0.13 per cent.
In this version of blackjack, there is a side bet that pays out depending on how many suited pairs are in your hand; a full house is paid at 6:1, while three of a kind pays 30:1.
Blackjack Switch
Blackjack Switch also gives the players two hands, giving them twice the opportunity to be the winner, plus the added feature where you get to ‘switch’ the second card dealt to both hands. This add VERY dramatically to the game, forcing you to make many strategic decisions and putting you on the edge of your seat.
This game features an additional side bet on the two cards dealt to you and pays out if they are a pair or suited. These side bets
A specific basic strategy, such as the WLPC system above, can be used when playing Blackjack Switch. WLPC is a quick-learning and easy-to-use system that will allow you to answer the question of whether to win, lose, tie or chance the hand.
