Most popular Blackjack Variants
Originating in chic 17th-century French gaming salons as Vingt-et-Un (meaning '21'), this game has a long and storied history, tracing back possibly to earlier versions played in Spain and even by ancient Romans using specially marked wooden blocks.
The name “ Blackjack ” is much more recent.
Legend has it that early Las Vegas casinos attracted gamblers to Blackjack by offering enticing odds of 10 to 1 when players reached twenty-one through a Blackjack.
The name stayed as the game garnered popularity, despite the generous payout odds eventually fading. Interestingly, Klondike gold miners were already enjoying the game and affectionately referred to it as Blackjack long before.
Only Canadians could coin a name for such a game and yet remain humble about its origin! Traveling globally might reveal various other names this game goes by and unique local twists on how it is played.
1. American (Classic) Blackjack
From Canada, Blackjack made its journey to the Nevada desert, eventually landing in a small town known as Las Vegas.
Blackjack gained such immense popularity in the United States that it expanded globally as a quintessential American game. Hence, it continues to serve as the gold standard or Classic version.
Classic Blackjack is the original game that serves as a reference point for all its variants.
Simple to understand , exciting to engage in, and boasting favorable odds , American Blackjack has players competing against a dealer, aiming to be the first to reach twenty-one—the hand closest to this number emerges victorious.
2. European Blackjack
Curious about how Blackjack is played in places like Paris or Prague? Discover the classic rules that showcase Europe's sophisticated flair.
The most notable distinction between European Blackjack and Classic Blackjack is that in Europe, the dealer does not receive a second card (known as a hole card) until all players have made their plays.
This means the dealer can't sneak a peek to check for a Blackjack—advantage: player!
This two-deck version presents a few minor variations in rules, but aside from the hole card, European Blackjack feels quite familiar.
3. Vegas Strip Blackjack
You guessed right! This game thrives on the Strip, with its primary action taking place in Las Vegas, though players can find it offered by online casinos as well.
One significant player benefit of this particular variant is that the dealer is required to stand on seventeen .
In this four-deck game, Vegas Strip Blackjack allows players to double down on two-card totals , even after splitting their hands.
4. Progressive Blackjack
Brilliant game developers are constantly creating innovative ideas! This version of Blackjack comes with a jackpot feature—akin to slot machines. Explore our online casino reviews for detailed information on each Blackjack casino available!
Players can also opt to place side bets on an escalating jackpot , which will pay out based on a design set by the developers.
This could involve something as simple as pulling a pair of queens or a trio, regardless of its relevance to the Blackjack hand.
For some gamers, this extra jackpot element enhances their overall gaming experience.
5. Atlantic City Blackjack
Back in the USA, this Blackjack version adheres to East Coast regulations. The game typically utilizes eight decks, and dealers are obliged to stand on soft seventeen. Players are allowed to split pairs and even re-split, except for aces, where only one additional card may be drawn per ace.
6. Multi-Hand Blackjack
Many Blackjack enthusiasts believe that more is indeed better, as playing more hands opens up greater chances for winning.
Based on Classic Blackjack rules This variant allows players to play up to five hands against the dealer (with the option to split each) and can significantly tilt the odds in favor of the player .
Moreover, winnings are multiplied by the number of winning hands.
7. Double Exposure Blackjack
It's all about give and take here! Flexibility defines the essence of Double Exposure Blackjack .
Players benefit from visibility into the dealer’s hand; no cards are placed face down .
This version involves between six and eight decks, and while the player gains insight into the dealer's hand, the trade-off includes even money for natural wins and all ties favoring the dealer .
8. Single Deck Blackjack
Card counters will be thrilled! As the name suggests, this is a single-deck game that both novices and seasoned players can enjoy.
Single Deck Blackjack has the smallest house edge among game variations, follows standard Classic rules, and simplifies the winning process.
It's an excellent choice for practicing basic Blackjack strategies or honing card counting skills. However, unlike physical casinos, online Single Deck Blackjack has the deck reshuffled after each hand.
9. Blackjack Switch
Some might label it a clever trick or an attempt to outsmart the house by selecting the optimal two cards from two distinct hands and combining them into a winning hand.
In Blackjack Switch , that’s precisely the objective of the game!
Players are assigned two hands. For instance, if one is a King alongside a Four, and the other presents with an Ace and a three, they can combine the Ace with the King for a total of twenty-one, while still drawing another card for the four and three. Why not?
One of the hands has already secured a win! The game's rules are so advantageous to players that it’s primarily available at online casinos.
10. Super Fun 21
What could be super about playing 21s?
How about doubling your investment with additional chances for 2:1 payouts?
While a standard Blackjack pays out even money, a Diamond Blackjack (formed by two cards from the diamond suit totaling 21) pays at a lucrative 2:1.
Furthermore, hands comprising five or six cards amounting to twenty-one also qualify for a 2:1 payout.
11. Pontoon
Where’s the shrimp? The Australians are known for taking an otherwise fine game and making it almost unrecognizable.
In Australia, naturals are referred to as “ pontoons ,” and the main objective is to surpass the dealer's total of 21; yet afterward, it follows Australian rules, mate!
Players do not get to see the dealer’s cards, and all ties lean in favor of the house.
Only a pontoon or five-card hand can surpass a 21 , with each awarded 2:1 payouts .
Another Down Under rule stipulates that players cannot merely choose to stand; they must draw cards until achieving a minimum total of fifteen.
This threshold may fluctuate and could be set at fourteen or sixteen (let’s call it the Koala option).
12. Perfect Pairs Blackjack
In a similar fashion to Progressive Blackjack, Perfect Pairs allows players to engage in side bets , specifically concerning pairs.
When players achieve a pair on their initial hand, it typically pays out at 5:1 . A pair of cards of the same color offers 10:1 payouts.
Perfect Pairs Blackjack is specifically tailored for multi-deck games where two matching cards form the pair (e.g., jacks of clubs) and offer a remarkable 30:1 payout .
Perfect Pairs Blackjack is essentially Classic Blackjack, with the advantage of extra payouts through side bets.
13. Spanish 21
Probably the second most popular game format following Classic Blackjack, Spanish 21 turns up the heat with a modified deck and several winning opportunities that other games simply do not provide.
Despite the initial adjustment of having tens removed, leaving only face cards to fulfill that value, players of Spanish 21 enjoy the best odds as they win ties against the dealer and receive 3:2 payouts for a blackjack. Factor in the additional bonus payouts for specific card combinations, and Spanish 21 creates the highest probability for players to win.
Which variation of Blackjack should you opt for?
Ultimately, player choice is the key deciding factor , granting an expansive playing field for every preference.
Spanish 21 stands out as the most-played version of Classic Blackjack and is favored by countless players. It can be found online at Live casinos , much like many other variants, with Blackjack Switch being one of the top online selections.
Whichever type of Blackjack If you wish to give it a shot, begin by getting acquainted with the specific game’s rules, including the wagering requirements , odds, and best payout policies . For a more precise approach to blackjack variant wagers, why not utilize a blackjack odds calculator?
Once you've pinpointed a game you fancy, take a look at the strategy guides available that players use to enhance their winning chances .
Variants of Blackjack that yield the highest payouts
- Spanish 21
There’s a significant reason why this variant ranks as the most sought-after, standing just behind classic Blackjack: the numerous winning possibilities.
Similar to poker, Spanish 21 pays out bonuses for various card combinations: runs, three of a kind, etc.
Players have extra chances to win beyond merely beating the dealer, making each card dealt an exciting moment.
- Blackjack Switch
This variant consistently ranks among the best online for providing the player advantage over the house and offers immense entertainment value .
Blackjack Variants in Canada: Top Casino Guides for 2025
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Which Blackjack Variant is Right for You?
Originating from the chic gaming parlors of 17th-century France as Vingt-et-Un, the game can trace its roots even earlier to Spain, and there are indications that ancient Roman gamblers engaged with the game using marked wooden blocks, showcasing its deep historical significance across cultures.
So Many To Choose From!
Legend suggests that the early casinos in Las Vegas drew players to Blackjack by offering a massive payout of 10 to 1 if they hit twenty-one with a blackjack.
The name became widely recognized as the game gained fame, despite the high payout odds being more a myth than reality. Interestingly, Klondike gold miners had been calling the game Blackjack for over fifty years prior. best online casino to play Blackjack in Canada!
Frequently Asked Questions
