Read the Rules to See the Blackjack Variations

It is very important when you start playing Blackjack to know which variation you are playing and what the rules are. Although the basic mode of play is the same for each variation of Blackjack there are major differences to some of the rules which can greatly influence your game. For example, European Blackjack is only played with 2 decks of cards and if the player draws two cards of the same numerical value, he is only allowed to split once. European Blackjack only allows the Double Down option when the value of the cards is between 9 and 11. Double Down allows a player to double his initial bet and only draw one more card. For many players, Double Down is an added bonus and they will look for games that offer Double Down with no conditions, such as Vegas Strip which allows Double Down on any of the first cards dealt and allows Double Down after splitting.

Split and Splitting in Blackjack

Choosing which variation of Blackjack that you want to play will depend on the extra rules that are available for that game. Some players like to have the option to split their cards as many times as possible. Splits can be done when the first two cards drawn are the same value; a split involves an additional bet equal to the first bet. Vegas Strip Blackjack and Vegas Downtown Blackjack both allow players to split the cards up to three times whereas Atlantic City Blackjack only allows one split.

Numbers of Decks in Blackjack

Other players prefer to play Blackjack with the fewest number of decks, as they believe that it is easier to count the cards and predict what the next cards will be. European Blackjack and Vegas Downtown Blackjack both play with 2 decks of cards whereas Atlantic City Blackjack is with 8 decks of cards. Double Exposure Blackjack is an unusual version of Blackjack where the dealer's cards are face up from the beginning and all wins are paid out 1:1. All of the Blackjack variations have only one betting station apart from the multi hand Blackjacks which have up to 5 betting stations.

Multi-Hand Blackjack Games

Multi hand Blackjack is offered with different rules depending on which version of Blackjack you want to play, there is Las Vegas Multihand, or European Multi hand. The big advantage of this game is that you can play up to 5 hands in one go, making the game much more exciting. Other variations or rules to look out for are the options to surrender, which allows the player to hand in his cards and lose half of his bet. Insurance is a common option that is available in most of the Blackjack variations and lets the player take out insurance against the dealer having Blackjack if his show card is an Ace.

Blackjack Switch

Blackjack switch is a variation of Blackjack that is becoming more and more popular online. Here the player holds two hands of Blackjack and he can switch cards between the two hands before he adds to either hand. Bets are placed equally on each hand at the beginning of the game and once the cards are dealt the player can switch cards between the two hands. Blackjack switch adds a new element of excitement and fun to Blackjack.



Whichever version of Blackjack you choose to play, make sure that you are aware of all of the rules that apply. You don't have to stick to just one version of Blackjack, by playing a few different variations, you get to enjoy and profit from all of the good things that there are with Blackjack.