Blackjack

Also referred to as 21, blackjack is one of the most popular games at casinos because of their simple rules and low house edge. Besides, blackjack greatly appeals to players who prefer games of skill and strategy over games of chance. Blackjack is a strategy game that challenges players to use their wits to lower the house edge further.

Although there are several variants of blackjack to choose from, they are all governed by the rules of traditional blackjack. In case of blackjack, players play against the dealer. The objective of the game is to beat the dealer by either getting blackjack or a hand stronger than the dealer’s. While playing blackjack, the aces are always 1 or 11 depending on the situation, the picture cards are always 10, and the number cards are taken at face value. The strongest hand in blackjack is a hand equaling 21.

  • Atlantic city blackjack gold
    Atlantic city blackjack gold
  • Big 5 blackjack gold
    Big 5 blackjack gold
  • Classic blackjack gold
    Classic blackjack gold
  • European blackjack gold
    European blackjack gold
  • European blackjack redeal gold
    European blackjack redeal gold
  • High limit european blackjack
    High limit european blackjack
  • Hilo 13 european blackjack gold
    Hilo 13 european blackjack gold
  • Premier blackjack hi lo gold
    Premier blackjack hi lo gold
  • Premier blackjack multi-hand euro bonus gold
    Premier blackjack multi-hand euro bonus gold
  • Premier blackjack multi-hand gold
    Premier blackjack multi-hand gold
  • Spanish 21 blackjack
    Spanish 21 blackjack
  • Spanish 21 blackjack gold
    Spanish 21 blackjack gold
  • Vegas single deck blackjack gold
    Vegas single deck blackjack gold
  • Vegas strip blackjack
    Vegas strip blackjack
  • Vegas strip blackjack gold
    Vegas strip blackjack gold

Characteristics of blackjack games

There are over 100 documented variants of blackjack, and though based on standard blackjack rules, each variant is differs with regard to number of decks used, availability of insurance and surrender options, house edge, and so on.

In most international casinos, dealers are not allowed to check their second card until players have finished making their moves. Depending on the gambling laws of the land, casinos may offer different payouts for blackjack. For instance, some casinos pay 6-5 or 1-1 instead of the customary 3-2. Rules governing payouts for ties also vary among various casinos.

Play free blackjack

Here is a comparison of rules governing some of the most popular blackjack variants:

Variant House Edge Decks Dealer Rules Doubling Rules Special Features
European Blackjack 0.39% 2 Stands on soft 17 Double on 9 – 11, doubling after splitting not allowed Variant has no surrender and no hole card.
Atlantic City Blackjack 0.35% 8 Stands on soft 17 Doubling after splitting allowed, double on first two cards Dealer can check for blackjack. Variant has no surrender option.
Multi-hand Blackjack 0.63% 5 Stands on soft 17 Doubling after splitting not allowed, Doubling only on 9 – 11 Variant has five betting positions, but no surrender and no hole card.
Vegas Strip Blackjack 0.34% 4 Stands on soft 17 Double on first two cards, doubling after splitting allowed Dealer can check for blackjack.
Vegas Downtown Blackjack 0.38% 2 Hits on soft 17 Double on first two cards, doubling after splitting allowed Re-splitting is allowed up to 3 hands. Dealer can check for blackjack.
Double Exposure Blackjack 0.69% 8 Hits on soft 17 Doubling only on hard 9 – 11, doubling after splitting allowed In case of tie, dealer wins. However, if both get blackjack, player will win.
Single Deck Blackjack 0.058% 1 Hits on soft 17 Doubling on first two card, doubling after splitting allowed Dealer can check for blackjack.
Blackjack Switch 0.17% 6 or 8 Hits on soft 17 Doubling on any 2 cards, doubling after splitting allowed If upcard is 10 or ace, dealer can check for blackjack. Players play two hands and can switch cards from one hand to the other.

These variants can be played for free here or for real cash at our host online casino.

Online gaming content providers are aware that traditional blackjack tends to get boring, owing to which they have attached progressive jackpots to several blackjack variants. Players only have to place an optional side bet of $1 in order to activate the progressive jackpot feature.

The progressive jackpot goes to the player who gets four suited aces although players who get fewer aces and non-suited aces will also win a portion of the jackpot. The size of blackjack jackpots, payouts offered, and even the rules tend to vary among casinos and software providers.