A Complete Guide to Blackjack Variations

• Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games, with many different variations to try like Blackjack Switch, Double Exposure and Spanish 21.
• Blackjack is a game with a low house edge compared to other casino table games like roulette and slots.
• The blackjack type with the lowest house edge is Spanish 21 which is 0.4%.
• In some blackjack variants like Double Attack and Blackjack Switch you are able to make side bets.
• In most blackjack types you will only see one of the dealer's cards. But in Double Attack Blackjack both will be face up.
• For beginners, the best blackjack variant is Double Exposure, but for advanced players you should try Blackjack Switch.

Blackjack is a skill based game that’s been played for hundreds of years. It has gained popularity because it’s easy to understand and thrilling at the same time. Experts have disputed the origin of the game, but the first time blackjack was played in a real casino was in France dating back to the 1700s.

Depending on the type of blackjack you choose to play, the rules may vary slightly. For example, in Blackjack Switch you’re dealt two hands, but in Double Exposure you are only dealt one.

Other variations allow you to make side bets which we cover more about in this blackjack types guide further down, including what the variations are and how they’re played. Let’s start with the basics and the average house edge of the blackjack games you can play here at Betfair.

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Because of the popularity of the game, in recent years there are plenty of variations for you to enjoy. When playing blackjack types you’ll notice that the games have a far lower house edge than other casino games such as slots and roulette. On average, the casino's house edge is 2%, but in different blackjack types it’s much lower such as Spanish 21 (0.4%) and Double Exposure (0.67%).

In each blackjack type there are pros and cons, but your objective is the same, to beat the dealer and get as close to 21 as possible. The most popular variant you find in online casinos is Live Blackjack, but Blackjack Switch and Spanish 21 are gaining traction. Let’s get started!

One of the most unique blackjack types for you to play, Spanish 21 is played with 48 blackjack cards instead of 52, as the number 10 card is left out. The game was invented by Masque Publishing in Colorado, USA, but there are many different variations to play often called Spanish Blackjack. The rules are the same: it's played with six to eight decks and your aim is to get as close to 21 without going bust.

You’re able to win in three separate ways: you hit 21, your hand is higher than the dealer, or the dealer goes bust. This blackjack variant's house edge is one of the lowest in all blackjack types being 0.4%.

How to Play - Rules, Bet Types and Strategy

To get started, select your stake. After you’ve made your bets, all players and the dealer are dealt two cards. Notably, your cards will be face up, but the dealer will only have 1 card showing.

Next, you will have four options, if you choose to surrender, you will get half your stake back, or you can opt to hit or stand to get closer to 21 or keep your hand. The final option you can utilise is double down, which doubles your bet on each card drawn.

Just like in traditional blackjack, the dealer hits on 16 and stands on 17, and your payout for 21 (known as blackjack) is 3:2. You win regardless of whether the dealer gets 21 or not.

21st Century Blackjack is mainly popular in California card rooms, and is similar to the classic version of the game. However, this blackjack type is played with 54 cards, and 6 - 8 decks including the jokers. And interestingly, if you exceed 21, it doesn’t necessarily mean you lose.

If you get a joker, you immediately win, and the key difference in 21st Century Blackjack rules is that 22 is the best hand, which could be an ace and an ace, two jokers or a joker and an ace.

The unique thing about 21st Century Blackjack is if you go over 21, you do not go bust, because if the dealer exceeds the value of your cards, the round is deemed as a push.

How to Play Blackjack Live - Rules, Bet Types and Strategy

In 21st Century Blackjack there is no dealer, instead a dealer button that moves clockwise from player to player known as the banker. To get started, you place your bets, and 2 cards are dealt to each player on the table face up.

From there, you’re able to hit, stand, or split. If you want to bet on other players you are able to do this also. The aim is just like traditional blackjack, but instead of 21 you need to get closer to 22. A good 21st Century Blackjack strategy is to double down if you are dealt a 11 or 12, as your odds of getting 21 or 22 increase.

In contrast to other Blackjack types, the banker must stand on a hard 18, and if the dealer and the player have the same natural hand, it results in a push. In general this game has a 6% house edge over the player.

Live Blackjack online casinos games are the closest thing you will find on Betfair similar to the experience of a real land-based casino. On our platform, we have an extensive selection of blackjack live tables to choose from, streamed from a state of the art studio with HD graphics.

While playing the live version of blackjack, the rules are exactly the same as the traditional version. For example, if you hit blackjack your payout odds are 3:2 and the dealer must hit on 16 and stand on 17. You are also able to take insurance if the dealers face up card is an ace.

Besides Live Blackjack online casino games, there are many different live variations for you to try. If you want an authentic Las Vegas feel with side bets and betting features such as bet behind, which allows you to bet on other players’ hands, take a look at Infinite Blackjack.

How to Play - Rules, Bet Types and Strategy

To play Live Blackjack online you need to select a table in our lobby. Once you pick your table, you need to select your stake. In the bottom right corner of your screen, you’ll find chips located in 1, 5, 10, 25, 100 and 500 denominations. Drag your chips into the circle in front of you to make a bet.

Now, the dealer deals the cards face up clockwise. You’ll notice that you will be dealt two cards, and the dealer is only dealt one. When your hand is dealt, you have three options. For double down, you should use this option if you have a hard 9,10 or 11, or if the dealer's card is 2-8. You can also hit to request another card, or stand if you’re happy with your hand.

Moreover, in Live Blackjack you can make side bets if pairs are dealt. If you land a Player's Pair it will pay 5:1 your stake, a Perfect Pair gives you 30:1, a Coloured Pair pays out 10:1 and the Red/Black Pair pays 7:1.

With the blackjack variant's house edge being 0.54%, Blackjack Live is one of the lowest house edge games available on Betfair.

One of the greatest benefits of playing Double Exposure is that you’ll see the dealer’s both cards. But, rules are implemented to make up the house edge. For example, all ties result in the house winning, unless you get blackjack (21). Because of its simplicity to grasp, this is one of the best blackjack variants if you’re a beginner.

In Double Exposure Blackjack online your payouts are lower than in the classic version. If you get 21 the Double Exposure blackjack odds are 1:1, compared to 3:2. The similarities of the game to traditional blackjack is that the dealer must hit on a soft 17.

How to Play - Rules, Bet Types and Strategy

To start Double Exposure Blackjack online, you must first place your chips in front of you on the table. Next, the dealer deals two cards face up, including yours and the dealers. To double your chances, you’re able to split your hand if you’re dealt a pair. Nevertheless, this is only beneficial on specific cards such as a pair of aces.

You also have the option of hit or stand, but not able to double down like you can in other blackjack types such as Spanish 21. Because you’re able to see the dealer’s both cards, this blackjack variant's house edge is 0.67%, higher than Spanish 21, but on the low side compared to traditional blackjack.

One of the best blackjack variants originating from casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Double Attack Blackjack is a variation of Spanish 21. It's played with 48 cards not 52, as the 10’s are removed. The key difference when you play is that you can double your bet when you see the dealer's card.

Just like in other blackjack types in this guide, you are also able to make side bets. But only if the dealer will go bust on his/her third card. The house edge of Double Attack Blackjack is 0.62%.

How to Play - Rules, Bet Types and Strategy

In Double Attack Blackjack you bet on the dealer's hand outcome first. To get started you need to place your bets in the ante section. Two cards are then dealt to the dealer, one face up and the other face down. Next you have the chance to place a double attack bet by selecting yes or no. If the dealer has a low card 2 – 6, you should double your bet.

After you’ve made your decision, you will be dealt two cards face up, where you can hit, stand, double down or surrender. If you’re dealt a pair you are also able to split. If you choose to surrender, you will lose half your stake, but you might decide to do this if you have a weak hand and the dealer has an ace.

A unique feature of Double Attack blackjack rules is the side bet. You are betting on the exact number of the dealer's third card. If the dealer lands specific cards your payouts will be the following:

• If the dealer gets a third card 10, your payout is 3:1
• If the dealer gets a third card 9, your payout is 6:1
• If the dealer gets a third card 8, your payout is 8:1
• If the dealer gets a third card 7, your payout is 10:1
• If the dealer gets a third card 6, your payout is 15:1

An exciting blackjack type which was invented and patented in 2009 by Geoff Hall. Blackjack Switch online is a similar game you can play to the classic. You’ll notice two main differences. You are dealt two hands of two cards instead of one, and that you are able to switch the cards to make the best hand.

In Blackjack Switch there’s also a side bet feature. It’s an optional bet you can take advantage of, which is based on your four cards you’re dealt to boost your Blackjack Switch odds. If you hit a pair the payout is 1:1, and 5:1 with three-of-a-kind. Two pair pay 7:1, and if lady luck is on your side, four-of-a-kind, landing you a whopping 50:1 payout.

How to Play - Rules, Bet Types and Strategy

Blackjack Switch rules are simple, you must first place your bets on both your hands and whether you want to make a side bet on your four cards. In total, you place three bets, with the side bet optional.

When you have made your bets, the dealer deals the cards clockwise with both your cards face up, and only one card showing for the dealer. At this point, you can decide to switch the second card you are dealt on each hand to make better hands.

For example if you are dealt a 4 and an ace in one hand and a King and a 7 in the other, you should switch the 4 and the King. It would leave you with Ace and a King, meaning 21 and a 4 and a 7 totalling 11. You are also able to split if you hit a pair or make a double bet if you land an 11. It’s a frantic blackjack type where the house edge is only 0.58%.

Now you’ve learned what the house edge is, the bet types, and other key information about the most popular types of blackjack, like Spanish 21, and Double Attack. The next step is to arm yourself with all the technical jargon. This way, you will understand all the lingo so you can master the game.

Below we have made you a cheat sheet on the most common terms you’ll come across whilst playing.

Bankroll: The amount of funds you sit down and play blackjack with

Blackjack: When you hit the perfect hand which is an ace and a face card or a ten.

Bust: When your cards exceed 21 so you are eliminated from the game

Cold deck: A slang term for when the deck is delivering poor blackjack cards

Double down: Double your bet

House edge: The expected advantage that the house/casino holds per game

Hit: When you request another card

Insurance: If the dealer’s card is showing an ace, you have the option to bet half your stake to insure against the dealer getting blackjack (21)

Split: When you are dealt a pair you’re able to split them into two hands

Stand: When you do not want any more cards and you’re happy with your hand.

Surrender: When you see the dealer's card and decide to not play the round you’ll lose half your stake.

• There are several blackjack types you can play at Betfair, including Infinite Blackjack and Blackjack Switch
• You can implement strategies such as always doubling down on a hard 11 to gain an advantage.
• It’s advisable to never hit if you have a 18, as the chances of you landing the correct card are slim.
• Some blackjack types such as Blackjack Switch have side bets, where you win if you land a pair, three-of-a-kind, two pair or four-of-a-kind.
• When you split it matters what the dealer's card is, for example split 7s if the dealer shows 7 or less.
• If the dealer’s card shows an ace or a ten you should consider surrendering
• You should always split 8s and aces and never split 10s or 5s.

After learning all of the different blackjack types you can take advantage of, you have plenty more entertainment here at Betfair. There’s a whole host of casino games you can enjoy, including a great selection of live roulette, baccarat and craps. Moreover, we recommend you to have a look at our extensive selection of jackpot slots with the most popular titles from the best software providers on the market.

If you would like further information on blackjack, or looking for strategies to take advantage of, check our guide to counting cards and all our other guides below.

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