Blackjack is thought to be the most popular casino game on the planet. The origins of this game are a little murky. There is past evidence of the French and Italians playing ‘vingt-un’, as well as the English playing ‘pontoon’. These are all effective variants of Blackjack.
The classic game is simple, you get dealt two cards and can choose to have as many more as you want. The aim is to get as close as possible to 21 without going over it. If you’re closer than the dealer, you win.
While the game is fast and fun, an array of innovative Blackjack variants helps to keep this classic game exciting.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular.
Blackjack Surrender
If you’ve ever played Blackjack online or in a physical casino then you’ll know there are times when you just wish you could start all over again. Fortunately, this online casino has come up with an exciting variant, Surrender Blackjack.
The idea is simple, you place a bet and get dealt two cards as normal. You can then choose another card, split, and the other usual options. There is also a surrender option. Simply hit it, get half your bet back, and try again. It’s perfect for a terrible hand and reduces your losses.
Blackjack Switch
If you’re finding that Blackjack isn’t challenging enough then Blackjack Switch may have the answer. Put simply, you get dealt two hands instead of one. Of course, the same result can be achieved by playing two tables at the same time.
However, Blackjack Switch allows you to swap your top cards between hands, effectively increasing your chances of a winning hand.
Double Attack
It’s more difficult to get 21 in this variant. The dealer uses a standard deck with all the 10s removed. You’ll get to place your bet and then add just one card to your hand. That’s when you need to decide if the dealer has a weak hand. If you think yes, then you can place a double attack bet, effectively doubling your money if you win the hand.
As with most versions of Blackjack, there are side bets available, such as the Bust It option. If the dealer goes bust with their third card, you get an additional payout.
Side bets are common but best considered as a niche market, similar to the crypto sports market. They are fun, and potentially profitable, but may never be a mainstream activity.
Crazy 7 Blackjack
Add an additional challenge to your game of Blackjack with the Crazy 7s side bet. The aim is to get one or more sevens. This side bet isn’t usually available on every hand. But, when played, if you get a seven as your first card, you win. Get a second seven and the prize goes up.
Lucky Blackjack
Lucky Blackjack is an exciting version of Blackjack, it’s fast and fun! You don’t get dealt a hand yourself. Instead, the dealer gets dealt a hand and plays it normally. The difference is they are playing against themselves.
All you have to do is guess their total score. If you get it right, you win. It’s that simple! You should note you’ll be given several options to bet on, choose between 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, Blackjack, or bust.
Premium Blackjack
Challenge yourself with Premium Blackjack, where you can play as many as five hands simultaneously. The game proceeds as normal but the buy-in is higher, as are the prizes. You simply need to play each hand and hope to win at least once against the dealer.
21 Duel Blackjack
This is often described as the most unique version of Blackjack. It uses six standard decks and your hand will be scored. The total of your hand is the score, even Blackjack is just 21 points.
You have the opportunity to place an ante and a standard bet. Your cards are dealt, one face-down, the other face-up. Both the dealer’s cards are face-down.
There are also two community cards, you can choose one to complete your hand. To win, you simply need more points than the dealer.
Summing Up
As you can see, there are many exciting and innovative Blackjack variants. The good news is the rules are generally simple to understand, allowing you to get started and enjoy the fun of playing. You may even win a few!
