Inject More Life to your Game with these Blackjack Variations

Without a doubt, blackjack is the most renowned casino game across the world. It's popular due to the simplicity of the rules. The basic idea is to beat the dealer by gathering the more points possible, without going over 21.

You win at this classic casino game if your hand gains more points than the dealer's hand or if the dealer's hand has more than 21 points. On the other hand, you lose if your hand counts more than 21 points.

The entry of internet casinos has seen this traditional game evolve rapidly. Blackjack variations continue emerging seeking to inject more life into this classic. With more games available, players have more options to try and this increase the chance of winning.

If you love this card game, here are the top 5 online versions you must try.

European Blackjack

In this version, the dealer receives only one exposed card after the first draw. After the player acts on their hand, the dealer gets their second card meaning there's no peeking for blackjacks here. However, there are multiple restrictions on various aspects of gameplay.

British Blackjack (Pontoon)

This is a version widespread in the United Kingdom and which borrows most of its basic rules from the traditional game of blackjack. There are, however, a few twists that make the game more interesting and strategic.

The distinguishing feature of the game is that players see one card first before making their bets. They can also increase their bets during the hand itself.

Pontoon is the best hand is. The second best hand is a five-card trick (any valued hand with five cards). A Pontoon is a blackjack, which is an ace and a face. Developers offering this game include Real Time Gaming, Microgaming and Playtech.

Blackjack Switch

This is blackjack with a twist and was patented by Geoff Hall in 2009. Over the last decade, this has grown to become one of the most popular blackjack variations. Players bet on two hands at the same time and can switch their cards after the initial deal.

For instance, you can turn two 16s (A/5, 10/6) into much better hands say a blackjack (A/10) and an 11 (6/5). The catch is that blackjacks only pay even money. What's more, the dealer only busts for a 23 or higher. If the dealer has a 22, the hand ends as a push for all players. It doesn't matter what the total for players was.

Blackjack Surrender

A favourite for most 21 enthusiasts because of the more favourable rules. It involves multiple decks from six to eight and the surrender rule is the most significant feature (early or a late surrender).

Early surrender allows you to give up on the initial hand against a dealer's ace prior to the dealer peeping for a blackjack. What's more, most online casinos also include the Charlie rule for this blackjack variant.

Double Exposure

A version invented by American game theorist Richard Epstein and favourite among online casino players because it increases the odds for the player. It's rare because it favours the player but if you can find it, you should try it for higher winning odds.

Six or eight decks are involved in this version. Both cards of the dealer are dealt facing up for the player to see. However, double exposure also comes with many rules unfavourable to the player which wipes most of your advantage.