The top blackjack variants
For anyone looking for a great casino game that’s full of action but easy to learn, then blackjack is the answer. So, what are the top blackjack variants? This casino classic has long been hugely popular among those who love to wager and it’s a game that’s growing in popularity all of the time. It’s not just that blackjack is easy to learn that makes it so popular: it’s also about the low house edge.
This is a game where you can make a difference to the outcome based on your decisions. That’s because blackjack isn’t just about luck alone. Players love to get to grips with skill and strategy to improve their chances of a win. What else makes this game so great is the fact that there are multiple versions to be enjoyed.
| 21+ | Terms & Conditions Apply | NJ Residents Only | ||
 | 100% New Player Bonus up to $1000! Best Casino and Sportsbetting in NJ Slots and Live Casino Casino at bet365 – 100% New Player Bonus of up to $1,000! New Casino customers only. Deposit min. $10. Max. bonus $1,000. Value of deposit plus bonus must be wagered 20 times. Time limits and T&Cs apply. | Visit Casino |
The best blackjack variants
Blackjack is all about beating the dealer. Players do this by getting their hand closer to 21 than the dealer manages to achieve. While this is the aim in all blackjack variants, there are also slight rule changes that have a big impact.
The additional variants of blackjack were all invented to bring an added dimension of fun. It means that players can always find something new to enjoy. If they’re looking for something a little different, they don’t need to abandon blackjack completely: they just need to take the time to try out one of the many variants.
Here’s a look at some of the best blackjack variants that are well worth trying out:
Top blackjack variants #1 – Spanish 21
This version of blackjack began to spread across casinos in the mid-1990s. It’s a variant that has spread massively in certain parts of the world and has brought a twist to the traditional game. If you look at this game alongside the original you’ll see that there is one major difference: in Spanish 21 there are no 10 cards in the deck.
A lack of 10s can make a natural blackjack that much harder to come across, but there are other rules that try and balance this out. These include:
- The dealer stands on soft 17
- You can double down with any two cards
- you can split cards as many as three times
- Late surrender is available
These and other blackjack rules go towards bringing the house edge down to around 0.34%.
Top blackjack variants #2 – European blackjack
This variant of blackjack is hugely popular and, despite its name, it’s a game that can be enjoyed around the world. While the game is extremely similar to traditional blackjack, there are some key differences to be aware of:
- The dealer can’t peek for a natural blackjack
- You can only double down on hard 9, 10 or 11
- The dealer has to stand on soft 17
- you’re not able to re-split aces
This is another variant with a low house edge and it’s one that can be found both online and at land-based casinos.
Top blackjack variants #3 – Pontoon
Not necessarily one for the US, Pontoon is also known as British Blackjack. However, having been around for hundreds of years, its popularity has spread way beyond just Britain. It’s a game that’s also enjoyed across Asia and Australia.
Just like Spanish 21, this variant is played with all of the 10s removed from the deck. There are, however, other rules that make this version unique:
- You stand if your hand is worth 15 or more
- The dealer must stand on soft 17
- You can split two times
The house edge of this variant tends to range from around 0.34% to 0.42%
#4 – Blackjack Switch
This version of blackjack is hugely popular in both land-based establishments and online casinos. While the casino game is very similar to the classic version, the big difference is that each player plays with two hands. After the initial deal, there is the option to switch cards.
Blackjack variants and the house edge
If the house edge matters most to you when choosing which variant to play, here’s a look at the most popular ones and the house edge that they have:
| Variant | House edge |
|---|---|
| European Blackjack | 0.39% |
| Atlantic City Blackjack | 0.35% |
| Double Exposure Blackjack | 0.69% |
| Multi-hand Blackjack | 0.63% |
| Blackjack Switch | 0.17% |
| Single Deck Blackjack | 0.58% |
| Pontoon | 0.39% |
| Super Fun 21 | 1.30% |
| Spanish 21 | 0.34% |
| Perfect Pairs Blackjack | 0.42% |
Are blackjack variants worth playing?
In our opinion, yes they certainly are. No matter how much you may love playing blackjack, there comes a time when any player needs a little variation to keep things fresh. This is exactly what blackjack variants have to offer. They can keep your interest in the game and give you a break from the original.
Before you dive in and start to explore, it’s worth stepping back and considering the rules of the game. While some of the changes may be minimal, they can have a sizeable impact and it’s best to be in the know before you start playing for real money.
How side bets come into play
There are some variants of blackjack that also come with some bets. Now, we’re not huge fans of these because of the loss house edge that they offer, but they’re something else that brings something fresh to the game. The most common side bets that you’ll come across include:
- Luck Ladies
- Perfect Pairs
- Buster
- 21+3
- Lucky Lucky
Just remember, each side bet will mean you have to wager more and your chances of winning are far less than they are in the main game.
Final thoughts
We’ve only managed to touch on the number of blackjack variants that are out there. Head over to some of the best online casinos and you’ll have no problem finding even more of these to try. Take your time to explore what these have to offer and find the ones that suit you.
Finding great blackjack variants doesn’t mean that you should abandon the traditional game. In fact, playing these other versions should make returning to your old-time favourite even more enjoyable. We hope that you have fun trying out all that’s on offer.
| 21+ | Terms & Conditions Apply | NJ Residents Only | ||
| 100% New Player Bonus up to $1000! Best Casino and Sportsbetting in NJ Slots and Live Casino Casino at bet365 – 100% New Player Bonus of up to $1,000! New Casino customers only. Deposit min. $10. Max. bonus $1,000. Value of deposit plus bonus must be wagered 20 times. Time limits and T&Cs apply. | Visit Casino |
