What Are The Best Blackjack Variants?

Blackjack is one of the most played casino games globally, which explains why dozens of different blackjack variant sprang up. There are different types of Blackjack with each one being more attractive and testing your skills. Some of the modified variants of Blackjack have succeeded in making more impact in the heart of people than others.

The rules of the different variant of Blackjack go around the same standard of having a total card number of 21. The significant difference in the different variants of Blackjack is in the number of cards and a slight change in rules. But the bottom line of how to play Blackjack is having a higher number of total cards than the dealer. However, going above a total card number of 21 would mean you lose the game. In a live game, the dealer 22 card means the live dealer bust, and you’d win the hand.

Different types of Blackjack games

There are different types of Blackjack with some being better than other variants. However, all variants of Blackjack is exciting and profitable to play, or at least if you know your way around the rules and strategies. Either way, let’s take a look at the different types of best online blackjack variants.

The Classic Blackjack

The classic variant of Blackjack is the most favoured and popular types of Blackjack. The classic variant of Blackjack is the standard Blackjack being played everywhere; on the street, at home, and in schools. The main objective of the game is to create a total hand of cards as close to 21 as possible.

While trying to get close to 21 as you can, make sure you do not exceed 21. When a player exceeds 21, the player is said to bust and would lose the game. What makes the classic Blackjack stand out from the remaining blackjack variant is a couple of things.

• The dealer is always hitting on a soft 17,
• There are between 2 to 4 decks of cards in the classic variant of Blackjack
• Players can double down and split their cards
• Players can also resplit their cards of up to 2 times with double after split
• The dealer can check for Blackjack.

• Payout Level: Standard
• Key Feature: 3:2 payout for natural blackjack; balanced rules with ~0.5% house edge.

The European Blackjack

The European Blackjack is also another type of Blackjack played with two decks of cards. The rules of the European Blackjack are similar to the classic Blackjack but with a few differences. For instance, in the European Blackjack, the dealer always stands on soft 17, which is one of the reasons why the European Blackjack stands out. Players who know the basic strategies of Blackjack can use this rule to their advantage.

Although online casinos have other rules to make up for this loophole such as a rule where the dealer does not check for Blackjack, however, here are some rules of the European Blackjack that makes it stands out.

• The dealer always stands on soft 17
• A player’s Blackjack versus the dealer’s Blackjack is a push
• The dealer doesn’t usually check for Blackjack
• When a player has a total of 9, 10, or 11 cards, they can double down
• Players can double after split, but they are not allowed to further resplit

• Payout Level: Moderate
• Key Feature: Similar to classic, but the dealer doesn’t check for blackjack, with a ~0.6%-0.7% house edge.

The Pontoon Blackjack

The Pontoon blackjack is another popular variant of Blackjack popular amongst players. The Pontoon blackjack is also very similar to the Spanish 21 blackjack. What makes these blackjack variants exhilarating is that the dealer’s hole cards are always dealt face down. However, the bright side of this harsh rule is the high payout offered to players.

Everybody wants more money, so players still love this variant of Blackjack. Here are some rules of the pontoon blackjack

• When a player has two cards that total 21, it is called a Pontoon
• Players are only allowed to stand when they have a total card of 15 or more
• The dealer is always hitting on a soft 17
• The dealer always wins every time there’s a tie

• Payout Level: High
• Key Feature: 2:1 payout for natural blackjack; offers exciting rules with ~0.4%-0.5% house edge.

The Switch Blackjack

Switch Blackjack is an variant of the classic game that adds a unique twist to traditional gameplay. This variation allows players to play two hands simultaneously and even swap cards between the hands, creating opportunities for strategic decisions and higher chances of winning. However, this advantage comes with certain rules that balance the game and keep it fair.

What makes Switch Blackjack unique is that it introduces elements of both skill and luck, making it a favorite among seasoned players. Here are some key rules of Switch Blackjack:

• Players must place equal bets on both hands.
• After the initial deal, players can switch the top cards between their two hands.
• A natural blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card) only pays 1:1 instead of the usual 3:2.
• The dealer must hit on a soft 17.
• If the dealer hits 22, it results in a push (tie) against all non-blackjack hands.

• Payout Level: Lower
• Key Feature: 1:1 payout for natural blackjack, but allows card-swapping with a ~0.58% house edge.

Pitch Blackjack

Pitch Blackjack is a classic and intimate version of the game that is typically played with one or two decks of cards, making it a favorite for players who enjoy a more personal and strategic experience. Unlike other blackjack variants, players handle the cards themselves, which adds to the tactile and engaging nature of the game.

Here are some key features of Pitch Blackjack:

• Cards are dealt face-down, allowing players to peek and decide their moves discreetly.
• Double-down options are more flexible, often available on any two cards.
• The game typically uses fewer decks, increasing the odds for players who apply strategy.
• No surrender option, making every decision count even more.

• Payout Level: Standard to High
• Key Feature: Fewer decks and player-handled cards increase winning odds; ~0.4%-0.5% house edge.

Double Attack Blackjack

Double Attack Blackjack is a thrilling variation of the classic game that gives players a unique edge right from the start. What sets this version apart is the ability to increase your bet after seeing the dealer’s up card, adding a layer of excitement and strategy to every round.

Here are the standout features of Double Attack Blackjack:

• Players can double their initial bet (or "double attack") after the dealer's up card is revealed.
• The game is played with Spanish decks (no 10s, only face cards and numbers).
• Late surrender is allowed, offering flexibility even after doubling your bet.
• A unique side bet, the Bust It wager, lets players bet on the dealer busting with three cards.

• Payout Level: High
• Key Feature: Players can increase bets after seeing the dealer’s up card; ~0.62% house edge.

Match Play 21

These variants of Blackjack is a little bit more different than the traditional Blackjack. In this variant all 10s are being removed from the deck, this makes this variant of Blackjack a bit more challenging to win a 21 hand. However, some hands in the game have extra special bonus payouts. Here are what makes Matchplay 21 stand out.

• Players can double after splitting in the game
• Dealer is always hitting on a soft 17
• The excluded 10 cards of the deck except for the face cards

• Payout Level: Moderate to High
• Key Feature: Bonus payouts for special hands, with a ~0.76%-0.8% house edge.

Face up 21

This type of Blackjack is mainly available at online casinos. However, some brick and mortar casino offer this variant. What makes this type of Blackjack different is that the dealer’s cards are always facing up. This added information gives the player an advantage for their next move. Here are what makes the Face up 21 blackjack stand out.

• Players can double down after they split. However, doubling down is only permitted on a total card number of 9, 10, and 11
• When a dealer has a blackjack against a player’s blackjack, it’s a lose
• The dealer always hits on soft 17

• Payout Level: Moderate
• Key Feature: Dealer’s cards are visible; ~0.69% house edge.

Perfect Pairs Blackjack

This type of Blackjack makes use of the same regular rules of the classic Blackjack. The main difference between these two types of Blackjack is the extra side bets at the start of each hand is not added. Here are what makes the perfect pair blackjack stand out.

• The dealer always hits a soft 17
• Players can play up to 5 different hands per round
• The player is also allowed to double down and split

• Payout Level: High (with side bets)
• Key Feature: Bonus payouts for matching pairs; ~0.42%-0.44% house edge.

Spanish 21

Lastly, we would be looking at the Spanish 21, which is also one of the best when you’re looking for a little action when you play Blackjack. Like we said it’s very similar to the pontoon blackjack, as all the 10 cards have been taken out. Although the house edge for this variant of Blackjack is exceedingly high, casinos make up for this by offering players friendly rules. Here are what makes the Spanish 21 blackjack stand out.

• Dealer must stand on soft 17
• Players can double after split and further re-split if they want to
• Players can also surrender after they double down.

• Payout Level: High
• Key Feature: Player-friendly rules and bonus payouts offset the removal of 10 cards; ~0.4% house edge.

Summary of Payout Levels

This breakdown highlights the potential profitability of each variant based on their payout rules and house edge.