Blackjack is one of the most popular card games you can play. It comes in various forms, and its origins are still under debate. It’s most likely derived from a French game called Vingt-et-Un (21 in French). Over the course of several decades, it evolved to become the game we know today, and people who play casino games love it!
Such a rich history implies the formation of multiple variations across countries and cultures, and some people, like Edward O. Thorp, even managed to “beat blackjack.”
So if you’re feeling lucky or if you want to find out if you have an incredible gift like Rain Man, you’ll first need to learn more about the game and its rules.
In this article, we’ll explore the rules of blackjack and present you with the most popular variations, so you can find your way around when you play casino games.
Understanding the Rules of Blackjack
Before jumping into the game variations, it only feels appropriate to go for a quick reminder of the general blackjack rules. It’s an accessible casino game. However, it’s never a bad thing to freshen up your memory.
The Principle
Blackjack is played with several standard 52-card decks. Usually, six are dealt from a shoe. Players don’t compete against each other but against the dealer. The goal of the game is to reach a total score of 21 (the blackjack) or as close as possible without going over.
Card Values
Face cards (J, Q, and K) are worth 10 points, and every other card is worth its original value. When an Ace is dealt, the player can choose if it’s worth one or 11.
Bets
Players place their bets before the hand begins. However, if the game offers side bets, depending on the nature of the wager, it can be set later on.
European Blackjack
In this version of blackjack, the dealer gives two cards to the player and one to themselves facing up. Once the player has played his hand, the dealer receives another card. Unless the player has a blackjack, then the player wins. If the player has less than 21, here are the options they have:
- Hit: If you ask to hit, you get another card.
- Double Down: You get another card, double your bet, and you have to stand afterwards.
- Stand: You decide to keep your current hand. This ends your turn.
- Split: When you have two cards with the same value, you can split your hand into two. You’ll play each hand separately with a bet attached to it.
When it’s time for the dealer to play, the player can win if the dealer busts (goes over 21). In this case, the player gets even money. Hands can be compared at the end of the dealer’s turn. The highest score wins if he decides to stand. In the eventuality that both hands have the same value, the game is pushed, meaning the player gets his money back. Moreover, the dealer always stands on a soft 17.
American Blackjack
American blackjack is more popular because it’s the game typically played in Las Vegas. Some even refer to it as “classic blackjack.” There are a few key differences that may seem like nothing but really impact the way you approach the game.
When the game starts, the dealer immediately receives two cards, with one facing up and the other facing down. If the dealer wants, they can peek at this second hidden card and end the turn if it’s a face card or a 10. If the dealer does, then every player loses their initial wager. However, it makes them lose less money in the long run because they don’t have time to place extra bets or double down.
When the dealer’s visible card is an Ace, players can place an insurance bet. This bet is won if the dealer hits a blackjack. Moreover, you can double down after a split, which isn’t allowed in the European variant. You can also split up to six hands, except for Aces. Aces are split once, and you’ll only receive a single card before having to stand.
Blackjack Switch
Blackjack Switch is a variant of American blackjack invented in 2009. The significant difference is that players start with two hands instead of one. After the bets are settled, the dealer will ask if they want to switch the top cards of each hand. Then the game proceeds with the same rules.
Blackjack Perfect Pairs
Perfect Pairs blackjack adds a side bet to the game. If the first hand dealt to you is a pair, you win this bet. The highest win is with perfect pairs (same suit and value). You can also get paid if you have two cards with similar value and colour but a different suit or the same value with a different colour.
Blackjack, Popular & Timeless
American blackjack has dominated the world of casinos for decades and spawned prevalent variations. Still, European blackjack attracts experienced players looking for a challenge. It’s a simple game anyone can understand and play with a few hands, which makes it a timeless classic.
