Bruce Dias 
As technology continues to expand and take our breath away, the number of table game options continues to expand. While online poker grabs all the headlines, recently, the world of online blackjack continues to expand as well. While the heart of winning blackjack remains the same, the number of variants keeps growing, adding new twists to the legend of 21. Explore the different blackjack variants a click away in this guide.
Understanding the Blackjack Basics
When it comes to the ideal card game for beginners to learn, blackjack is usually the first choice. Of all the casino games, it is the one that offers close to 50% odds of winning. Also, most blackjack games have an RTP of 99% or higher, which continues to make them the number one choice for new table game players.
Unlike poker, blackjack is a lot easier to pick up because players go against the dealer as opposed to trying to out-bluff the other players. Therefore, the goal is to have a natural blackjack, assuming your first two cards that are dealt add up to 21 or one that is eventually higher than the dealer.
Because the odds of getting a natural blackjack are not high, to win, players will most likely have to hit or stand to get to the finish line. To hit in blackjack means to receive another card to get to 21. While there isn’t a limit for hitting, every hit runs the risk of busting. Busting means having a playing handover 21, which means an automatic loss.
To stand means to not draw an additional card and to finish your playing hand with what you have. Of course, standing with a weak playing hand or too soon might result in losing anyway. Most online blackjack variants support doubling down and splitting. To double down means to hit one final time during the playing round.
However, you have to match the original bet. Doubling down runs the risk of busting while doubling down too soon might trap you with a weak playing hand for the rest of the round. Most online blackjack variants support splitting. With pairs like aces and eights, you can usually break that up into two playing hands. Players will have to match the original bet for a shot at two winning hands.
Classic Blackjack: The Most Popular Version
Classic Blackjack is the most popular and available blackjack variant at any casino online. All the players get two cards from the dealer, face up. The dealer in this variant passes himself two cards before the players make their moves.
Classic Blackjack allows players to take the insurance bet if the dealer’s upcard is an Ace.
Some online Classic Blackjack variants also allow players to surrender their cards to keep half of their bet. If both the dealer and the player have blackjack, the game results in a push.
Why Classic Blackjack Is So Popular
- Most simple variant: With no special tricks or rules, Classic Blackjack is ideal for beginners.
- Greatly available: You can usually find many live dealer classic blackjack options.
- Affordable: Because of the lack of special features, Classic Blackjack usually has a $1 or less minimum.
European Blackjack: A Stylish Option
For those who prefer to put their betting strategies and charts to great use, the European variant fits the bill. Unlike the other online blackjack games, the European variant uses two decks. With European blackjack, all the players get their two cards upfront and face up. However, the dealer only gets their upcard at first.
The players have to hit or stand before the dealer gets their second card face down. Also, once the dealer gets their second card, they are not allowed to peek at it to see if they have a natural blackjack. European Blackjack also has more strict rules about doubling down. Usually, players can only double double down on a playing hand worth 9, 10, or 11. Also, European Blackjack only supports splitting one playing hand.
Why European Blackjack Is a Fan Favorite
- A Mix of Classic Gameplay: For those who still enjoy the classic 21 gameplay with a bit of a challenge, European Blackjack gives you the best of both worlds.
- More Strategy: Because of the restrictions of doubling down and splitting, it’s typical for blackjack players to use strategy charts and betting systems playing European Blackjack.
American Blackjack: The New Classic
To give players a shot at a natural blackjack and to get to blackjack, American Blackjack is usually played with six to eight decks. The American variant follows the classic one. However, the dealer can peek this time to see if they have blackjack before the players make their moves. If true, the game ends on the spot.
American Blackjack has next to no rules when it comes to doubling down. Also, most American Blackjack offers players multiple slits.
Why American Blackjack Is Super Popular
- The Suspense: For those who prefer the suspense of the game suddenly ending, American Blackjack is the ticket to do so.
- More Decks: Because the American variant uses up to eight decks, it is easier to get to the 3:2 blackjack payouts.
Spanish 21: A Truly Engaging Variant
At first, Spanish 21 was hard to find online. However, more real money casinos have it in their live dealer sections. The allure of Spanish 21 is that it doesn’t have any tens in the deck. Also, unlike other blackjack variants where the player and the dealer both have blackjack ending in a tie, the player’s blackjack always wins out.
Also, even after the dealer checks for blackjack, the players can still surrender their cards to help avoid massive losses. If that is not enough, players can still double down even after splitting.
Why Spanish 21 Is in Demand
- The Extra Challenge: Because Spanish 21 doesn’t use tens, it is more challenging to win.
- No Ties: You either win or lose playing Spanish 21, even if the player and the dealer have blackjack.
- More Ways to Get to 21: The more cards players use to get to 21, they can enjoy 3:1 or 2:1 payouts.
Conclusion: Find Your Favorite Online Blackjack Game
With so much technology available and 24/7 access, online blackjack has never been more popular. Of course, so patience and due diligence go a long way toward winning. The first step is to only join a licensed online casino for player protection.
Also, with so many bonuses available, you can easily add that to your bankroll to join the blackjack table. Some real money casinos even have progressive jackpots with games like blackjack. So, one playing hand can turn into a possible million-dollar hand.
