A review of European Blackjack
If you’ve ever taken a look at an online casino you’re bound to have noticed that there are numerous variants when it comes to blackjack. That’s one of the things that makes the game so great: the different versions all add something a little different to the traditional game and can bring some variety and extra fun. It’s not just at online casinos that you’ll find a wide selection of blackjack variants: you’ll also find the same at any land-based casino that you may visit. European Blackjack is just one of these variants.
As you read on, we’re going to take a look at just what European Blackjack is. We’re going to cover how to play, if it’s worth your attention and consider some of the side bets that are available. You’ll soon see why this is one of the most popular versions of blackjack out there.
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European Blackjack basics
Something that makes European Blackjack so easy to learn is the fact that it follows the most basic of blackjack rules. As a player, you’re dealt two cards. The dealer also has two cards with one being face up and the other being face down. The aim, as is the case with all blackjack variants, is to get as close to 21 as possible without going bust.
Any number cards are worth just what they say they are. When it comes to jacks, queens and kings, these are all worth 10. An ace can be used as either a one or an 11. Being dealt a card worth 10 along with an ace would see you making blackjack with a total of 21.
So, what exactly is European Blackjack?
As we have seen, European Blackjack is one of many variants of the popular casino game, blackjack. The game uses a standard deck of 52 cards and each player receives the same number of cards as they do in the traditional version of the game.
As with all versions of the game, your aim is to beat the dealer. While there will be other players at the table, what they do has no real impact on you. What you’re trying to do is get closer to 21 than the dealer.
There are some differences between this game and regular blackjack. The main ones are to do with the number of decks used as well as the options that exist when it comes to doubling down, splitting, etc.
How is European Blackjack played?
At the start of the game, the dealer serves each player two cards. These cards are both face up meaning that the dealer, as well as other players, can see them. The dealer is also dealt two cards, however, one of these is face down. If the dealer’s face-up card is a 10, they are then allowed to check the face-down card to establish if they have blackjack. If they do then the round comes to an end.
When playing European Blackjack, players have several choices as to what they want to do. Their choice will be based on the cards that they already have. These choices are:
- To hit – this means that they are dealt another card. A player can hit as many times as they want to
- Stand – this means that a player is sticking with the hand that they have and that they don’t want to take any other cards
- Double down – this is when a player decides to take just one more card but also double their stake
- Split – this can be done when a player has pairs and can lead to them playing with more than one hand
When it comes to the choices that a dealer has, they will always hit on 16 and stand on 17.
Why bother with European Blackjack?
If you’re already a fan of blackjack, then there are plenty of reasons to give this version a go. It keeps things fresh and exciting by providing a whole new experience. Here’s a look at just some of what the game has going for it:
It’s a fast-paced game
With two cards being dealt per hand you’ll find that the game just flies by. You will end up playing more hands and finishing games much faster than you may be used to. This just means that more of our time is spent playing.
It presents a new challenge
You may well be great at the regular version of the casino game Blackjack but by playing European Blackjack you’re giving yourself a whole new challenge. With two cards being dealt you’ll find that you have more options and this means that you need to think in a new way.
Something new
While there is plenty in common with the regular game, European Blackjack has plenty of differences and is unique. That means that it’s ideal for players who are looking to spice up their playing.
European Blackjack and side bets
While we’re not huge fans of side bets (mainly because they tend to have absolutely awful house edges) there’s no denying that they bring an additional element of fun to blackjack. When it comes to European Blackjack, the side bets that you can take are:
- Perfect pairs – this sees a player forming pairs with the initial cards that they are dealt. Generally, this side bet will cost you an additional $1 to play
- 21+3 – this side bet sees players trying to form poker combinations such as flush, straight and three of a kind
Final thoughts
If you’re looking for something to give you a new blackjack experience, European Blackjack is well worth a look. The game is extremely simple to learn and its fast pace makes it particularly exciting to play.
You can be sure that this variant will not only add to the levels of excitement but it will also present you with a brand new challenge. This can bring a whole new dimension to your playing experiences and give you something new to look forward to when you´re browsing our online casinos.
| 21+ | Terms & Conditions Apply | NJ Residents Only | ||
| $25 FREE on Signup 100% up to $1.000 on First Deposit Hotspot Leaderboard | Visit Casino |
