There are many different variations of blackjack, especially when playing online. Here we summarize some of the different blackjack games available online. Blackjack online is available in many different designs and both rules and odds will vary between games. But whatever blackjack form you choose, the odds will still be quite advantageous in comparison with other casino games.
The number of decks used in the games may also vary, ranging from just one deck up to eight. Casinos have previously used several decks to make it difficult for players who counted cards, but this is of minor importance if the cards are shuffled before each game. Different casino software also offer unique game variations, ranging from the classic Las Vegas variations to more unusual games with progressive jackpots and other forms.
This article will look at the most common and popular blackjack variations that you will encounter online. Most casinos on the net use one of the two most common software platforms, Playtech or Microgamming. Here are descriptions of the blackjack variations that are found in casinos that use their software.
Classic Black Jack: The most common blackjack variations at Playtech are the classic forms of blackjack with no surrender option. Here there are six standard decks of 52 cards and the player has the option to double on all variations after the deal. The dealer must stand on soft 17.
If you double in Classic Blackjack you will get only one additional card. You can split all pairs, but if you choose to split aces you only get one additional card. Since the odds here are a bit worse than the surrender version (see below), only idiots choose this variant when given the alternative. Tip: Never take an insurance policy. The house advantage is too great for it to be profitable to buy insurance, regardless of the situation at the table.
PlayTech Blackjack Surrender: In this game from Playtech you use six 52-card decks. The deck is shuffled before each game. A player blackjack always wins and the dealer must stand on 17. The difference in comparison with conventional blackjack is that the player has the ability to "surrender" and thus get back half of his or her bet. Other than that, playing blackjack surrender is just like regular blackjack, and because the player's odds are better in the surrender version it is definitely a more profitable game than the regular version, at least from the player's perspective.
The surrender option comes in handy when a player has a hard 16 and the dealer has a ten or an ace. In this way, you lose only half your bet when the dealer likely has you beat. Tip: Always choose the surrender option if you have 16 and the dealer's up card is an ace, a ten or even a nine. If you have 15, you should also give up the hand of the dealer shows a ten.
Blackjack Switch: Playtech's Blackjack Switch is an innovative game that gives decent odds to the player. Here, you play two hands simultaneously, and given the option you may switch cards between the two hands.
Player puts into two equal bets on two boxes on the table. Two blackjack hands are dealt and the player can then choose whether he wants to switch the two top cards between his two hands. This is obviously a great advantage for the player, so to even the odds the dealer does not bust on 22--it counts as a push for all hands except blackjack.
In Blackjack Switch the dealer also wins if both she and the player has blackjack and the player's blackjack generates only even money. In addition to the drawbacks just mentioned, blackjack switch is still well and good from a player's point of view because of the advantages that come with the switching rule.
It is, as usual allowed to double and split, and you can also double on a split hand. Tip: The situations in which you want to change cards often very obvious. Always replace the card if you are able to create a blackjack or if you get a chance to split or double up when it is beneficial. (According to the basic blackjack strategy.)
Classic Blackjack Gold (Microgaming): Microgaming offers "gold" versions of some games, but the biggest difference between gold versions and their usual game is purely cosmetic. Generally, the gold versions have better sound and graphics than other games. Classic Blackjack Gold is the basic blackjack at these online casinos. It is played with only one deck, the dealer must stand on 17, and the player may only double the 9, 10 or 11. There is also no "surrender" option.
Since it only uses one deck of cards, the odds for the player are slightly better than other blackjack games, and if you prefer a classic blackjack game with no side bets and other frills, then this is an option. Tip: If you choose to split a pair of aces and draw a ten it counts, not as blackjack, but 21 - But it is still a good strategy to split the aces.
Double Exposure Blackjack: Any blackjack player's dream is to see both of the dealer's cards instead of just one. If you play Double Exposure Blackjack, you may do just that. Of course there will be some disadvantages too: the rules have some changes that weighs up the advantages of seeing the dealer's two cards.
It makes use of eight decks of cards and the player may double at 9, 10 and 11. Just as in regular blackjack, the player may also split pairs. Some other rule changes apply: Dealer wins on all occasions when it becomes a push, except if the player gets a blackjack. On a Blackjack, the player gets only 1-1 instead of 3-2. There is no surrender. The dealer must draw on soft 17.
Tip: The rule that says the dealer wins on a push is of course the biggest drawback. On the other hand, the advantage of seeing both the dealer's cards is not bad, and ultimately Double Exposure is good blackjack option with decent odds for the player.
Spanish Blackjack: This is a rather unusual blackjack variant--it is played with eight decks where all the tens have been removed so that each deck only consists of 48 cards. This is highly detrimental to the player because he is at a bigger advantage the more 10-point card there are the game.
But Spanish Blackjack differs a lot from other blackjack variations such as Double Exposure and Switch as other rules have been applied to improve the player's odds. Since there will be fewer black jack payouts for the player they have instead added other payments that offer profits to the player: 7-7-7 of the same color gives a dividend of 50 times your money.
All 6-7-8 and 7-7-7 regardless of color generates a special bonus, and also a 21 with five, six or seven cards. The player is allowed to double down on any combinations and 21 for the player always wins. You can also double twice in the same hand and split the same hand repeatedly. Tip: You should have a different approach to Spanish Blackjack compared to regular blackjack. For example, it is advantageous to draw another card if you have the opportunity to reach the bonus with a 6-7-8-combination.
Progressive Blackjack Games with a progressive jackpot are really popular right now. They used to be more common in slot machines than at the blackjack tables, but you will find quite a few jackpots in blackjack games, too. The idea is that you add an optional bet on the side of your normal game (side bet) to qualify for the jackpot. Besides this, the rules are generally the same as the normal Blackjack; playing with six decks and it is not permissible to give up your hand (surrender).
It's the side bet that gives you a chance to win the progressive jackpot, but there are also a number of payments aside from the top prize. They usually paid out as followsn: Four aces in the same color = progressive jackpot, Three aces in the same color = 5000 times the money, 4 Aces = 2500 times the money, 3 Aces = 250 times the money, 2 aces in the same color = 100 times the money, 2 Aces = 25 times your money
Tip: If the progressive jackpot is approaching 200,000 dollars, the player's odds against the house is almost 50/50, and if higher it will turn to the player's advantage. However: if the progressive jackpot is lower then the house advantage it is not worth playing.
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