The Best Blackjack Variations to Give a Go
Blackjack is one of the most popular games to play at a casino. The origin of the game has been debated but it’s thought to have been invented around the 18th century. It was created in France but spread across the globe due to its popularity.
It might seem like a simple game, but there are lots of different variations of blackjack games to choose from. We’ll be taking you through some of the variations and how to play them.
The Best Blackjack Variations
Pontoon Blackjack
First on the list is Pontoon Blackjack. In this version of the game, the player is dealt two cards facing upwards and the dealer has two cards facing down. The player must then decide whether to hit, stand, split or double down.
To hit means that you take another card, stand means you don’t take any more cards. Splitting means that you can split your cards into two separate hands and doubling down means that you double the current bet and take one more card.
The aim of the game is always the same – to beat the dealer. You can do this by getting as close to 21 as possible or having a higher hand than the dealer.
Double Exposure Blackjack
Double Exposure Blackjack has a twist that actually makes it easier for the player to win. This is because as well as the player being dealt two cards face up, the dealer does too.
The player can then see what the dealer has from the offset and will find it easier to gauge what they need to do in order to win.
The payout in this version of the game is lower due to the benefits being given to the player. You also aren’t able to win if you end up in a tie with the dealer.
Buster Blackjack
Another variation of blackjack you might find is Buster Blackjack. This version gives you the option to buy a buster bonus. A buster bonus is a side bet that you place if you think there’s a chance that the dealer will go bust before the end of the game.
If the dealer goes bust with eight or more cards, you get some insane odds of 250 to 1. This side bet deal definitely pays off if you are willing to take the risk. The less cards the dealer goes bust with, the smaller the odds get.
Blackjack Switch
In Blackjack Switch, you’re given the option to switch out the second hand you’ve been dealt to a different card. Of course, you’re unable to see the card you’re switching to, so there is a chance that it won’t be any better than the first.
This version of blackjack is relatively new as it was invented in 2009 by Geoff Hall. The game was so successful that he patented it in order to have control over the use of the game. If it’s good enough for Geoff, then it’s good enough for us!
California Blackjack
The people of California like to live by their own rules and blackjack is not exempt from that idea. In California Blackjack, you need to get as close to 22 as you can rather than 21.
In standard blackjack, as with most card games, the jokers have been removed. However, for California blackjack, the jokers are added back in. This adds another element of risk into the game as you don’t know whether you’ll get a numbered card or a joker.
Pitch Blackjack
When it comes to Pitch Blackjack, the main difference is in how the cards are dealt. Dealers train for years in order to get it right. Instead of dealing from a shoe, the dealer holds the deck in their hand and pitches the card right in front of the player.
There is single deck or double deck blackjack which means there is either one or two decks in the dealer’s hands respectively. You never have any more than two decks in Pitch Blackjack as this would make it impossible for the dealer to hold!
In Pitch Blackjack, you are allowed to handle the cards as they’re dealt face down rather than face up.
Double Attack Blackjack
Double Attack Blackjack is not as common as other forms of blackjack but it’s a take on Spanish 21. In this version, you’re able to double your bet as soon as you see the dealer’s card.
This gives you an advantage as you usually have to make the bet not knowing what the dealer has in their hands. Being able to double your wager means that there’s a chance that you could double your winnings.
With so many variations, there’s a Blackjack for everyone, either online or at a land based casino. Which version is your favourite to play?