In the modern online casino game landscape, you can encounter multiple blackjack variations out there. Some of these types of blackjack offer slight deviations from standard rules, while others include a completely different set of side bets and bonuses. Each variant requires a different approach to strategy, and each game’s rules can significantly influence how you choose to play.

Standard Blackjack Rules

Standard blackjack, also known as “21,” is a classic casino staple descended from a family of 52-card banking games. Players don’t compete against each other but instead play against the dealer to complete a hand closest to 21 without exceeding it. Most other variations are built on the same classic blackjack foundations.

All number cards from 2–10 are worth their face value. Jacks, queens, and kings are worth 10 points, and the ace can either count for one or 11, depending on the size of the hand. Each player is dealt two cards face up, while the dealer gets one up card and one hole card.

After the deal, players may take another card (hit), stick with their current hand (stand), double their bet with another card (double down), or split their cards into two different hands if they have a pair. Once the player’s turns are done, the dealer reveals their hole card for the tally.

If the dealer ends up with a total of 16 or less, they have to hit another card, and generally, if they land a 17 or more, they’ll stand. The player wins if their hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, or if the dealer’s hand exceeds 21 (bust). The most favorable combo is referred to as a blackjack, which consists of a 10-value card and an ace. 

Classic Blackjack Rule Variations

Classic blackjack has its own set of rule variations depending on the casino and the table. In some games, the dealer has to hit on a soft 17, which increases the house edge. Some blackjack basic strategy variations only allow doubling down on certain card totals or after a split, and splitting is only allowed a certain number of times or with certain card ranks.

Standard blackjack can use anywhere from 1–8 decks in a game, which will have a huge effect on the house edge. Typically, the payout for blackjack is 3:2 (or odds of +150). However, some casinos offer 6:5 (payout odds of +120), which can significantly increase the house edge. Some games will even allow you to surrender half your bet to give up your hand.

Different Types of Blackjack Games

Most casinos will have at least one variant of standard blackjack, but you may find many other games called blackjack that have very different rules and strategies. There are actually many different types of blackjack variants, each with its own flair. If you come across any of these on the Strip or playing blackjack online, it’s best to know what they’re about before you start playing.

Pontoon

Pontoon is popular in the U.K. and Australia and features some unique rules and terminology. The card values and game objective are the same as in standard blackjack, but the route to getting there can be quite different. Hits are called “twists,” stands are called “sticks,” and blackjack is, of course, called “pontoon.” But that’s only the beginning.

There are no up cards in the dealer’s hand. Both cards are considered hole cards and are placed face down. There is a second significant win option called “the five-card trick,” where a hand of five cards totals less than 21. The payout odds are usually +200 (same as pontoon), which means you have more chances to score above a regular win.

Blackjack Switch

Blackjack Switch sounds like it may have come from a player who simply got bored of regular blackjack. In this variant, you play two hands simultaneously and have the option to switch the top cards of each hand. You bet twice, the same bet on each hand, and after the initial deal, get the chance to switch.

The dealer must hit on a soft 17, and a dealer 22 results in a push, not a bust. A push pays out equal parts to every hand that’s still in the game — the only exception being a natural blackjack where there are no splits or switches involved.

Players can double down on any hand of two cards and are allowed to do this after splitting. In addition, there are also side bets where players bet on the initial four cards for similar-ranking poker hands. Payouts are usually ranked for pairs, two pairs, three of a kind, and four of a kind.

Spanish 21

Spanish 21 features a modified deck and special player-friendly rules. The modified deck, also called a Spanish deck, has all the 10 cards removed to create a 48-card deck that changes bust probabilities and hand values quite significantly. 

The game offers bonus payouts for specific hand combinations, like 21 made with five or more cards, or even if 21 is made with specific card values. Best of all is that a player blackjack always wins over the dealer blackjack.

You are allowed to double down on any number of cards and can also do this after a split. You can even resplit and hit on any aces, and if you’re still not too sure of your hand, a surrender is allowed even later in the game.

Tips To Adjust Your Strategy for Different Blackjack Rules

Different rules at the table will affect how you approach your game. It’s safe to say that painting each game with the same brush is not a good idea. The most valuable blackjack strategy tip is always to try and understand the game’s nuances so you can adjust your strategy accordingly.

If a dealer must hit on a soft 17, you’ll need to be a bit more aggressive in your strategy, possibly hitting where you’d normally stand. If the rules for doubling down and splitting are more liberal, you should take advantage of this and try these plays more often to maximize your wins.

In games with fewer decks in play, card counting can be more effective to adjust your strategy and should be considered before acting on a play. In games with a higher house edge and lower payout ratios, you’re better off knowing when to surrender if it’s allowed. Never push your luck if you don’t need to.

Master Your Strategy With Borgata Online

With all these different variations of blackjack in play, it’s a good thing online casinos like Borgata Online offer most of them in their catalog. These are available in free-to-play or demo versions and even live dealer blackjack options. As always, practice makes perfect. You’d do well to take advantage of these online options to fine-tune your strategies. Register with Borgata Online today and improve your blackjack skills in a safe environment.