Blackjack is one of the world’s most popular online casino games, and it’s available almost everywhere, at land-based gambling venues and their online counterparts alike. Since the original game sprang up in around 1700, rules have evolved as different variations were created. This means that there are various game nuances you can enjoy as a player when you’re at the blackjack table.

European Blackjack

The European blackjack you can play at Lucky Creek casino stands out from other variations by having the dealer receive only one card when the game commences and then receive a second card only after you’ve made your decisions.

This rule limits early information for the dealer and increases the house edge slightly compared to American blackjack. The game is typically played with two decks, and you can usually double down only on hands worth nine, 10, or 11, which adds another layer of strategy.

American (Classic) Blackjack

American, or Classic, Blackjack is the standard for 21—a simple version of the game where your goal is to beat the dealer to 21 or get closer to that total than they do without exceeding it. The cards two through 10 are worth their face value, face cards count as 10 points, and aces can be one point or 11. After the dealer gives you two cards, you have the option to hit, stand, double down, or split pairs. The dealer has to stand on all 17s, and a natural blackjack pays out at 3:2.

Atlantic City Blackjack

Atlantic City Blackjack uses eight decks and follows rules that favour the player more than some other variants. The dealer must stand on all 17s, and players can double down on any two cards, including after splitting pairs. You can re-split up to three times, including aces, but split aces will only receive one more card each. Late surrender is also available, letting you fold a weak hand and recover half your bet. Blackjack pays the standard 3:2, and insurance is offered when the dealer shows an ace.

Blackjack X-Change

What sets Blackjack X-Change apart is that you’re allowed to swap cards between two hands. After you’re dealt the initial two cards, you can exchange one for a fee, so you’ll get more control over each round of gameplay. You’ll always be playing two hands in this variation, and standard 21 rules apply beyond the addition of the swapping feature.

Double Exposure Blackjack

What distinguishes Double Exposure Blackjack from traditional games is primarily that the dealer shows both of their cards facing up when the game begins. This means that you’ll be able to assess what the dealer’s holding before you have to make any game decisions, a significant advantage that should alter your strategic approach.

Because of this, however, Double Exposure Blackjack generally includes other rules that favour the casino, including lesser payouts on natural blackjacks and the fact that the dealer will win on ties unless it’s a blackjack that’s tied.

Multi-Hand Blackjack

Multi-Hand Blackjack differentiates itself by allowing you to play as many as three hands at once in a single game. For this reason, the game unfolds at a faster pace, making it a more exciting experience than the 21 you may be used to.

Perfect Pairs Blackjack

In Perfect Pairs Blackjack, you gain access to an optional side bet that will pay out at 25:1 if your first two cards dealt form a pair. There’s an additional layer of betting required in this variant and the potential for a big profit beyond the standard game.

Pontoon

Pontoon has different rules from standard blackjack in that it uses a deck with the 10-cards removed, and the dealer’s cards stay facing down for the entire game. Plus, you’ll be paid out at once for a hand worth 21 points. It doesn’t matter if the dealer has a natural.

Spanish 21

There are several fundamental differences between Spanish 21 and traditional blackjack, but the primary one is that all 10-value cards are removed from the deck, so you’ll be playing with 48 cards. This has a huge impact on probabilities and introduces its own unique rules, which include that the player’s blackjack always beats the dealer’s and the player’s 21 beats the dealer’s, too.

Super Fun 21

Super Fun 21 has a unique win condition and blackjack payout that traditional forms of 21 do not. The game features what’s known as an instant win for hands worth 20 points or less with six cards, paying out at 1:1. There is a similar rule for hands totalling 21 with five or more cards, but this instance will pay out at 2:1. Super Fun 21 also pays a blackjack at 6:5 rather than the traditional 3:2.

Vegas Strip Blackjack

Vegas Strip Blackjack favours the player because it allows you to double down after splits. The game uses four decks, and the dealer must stand on a soft 17. You’ll be able to split cards as many as three times, except aces, which can only be split once and then can only have one card dealt to each hand. Late surrender is not possible, but insurance is offered if the dealer’s hand shows an ace. If you play Vegas Strip Blackjack with the correct strategy, the house edge will be 0.35%.

There Are So Many Ways to Play

Along with the advantages these blackjack variations each offer, there are many benefits to playing live dealer games as well. These include being able to respond in real time and interacting with professionally trained, friendly croupiers as you make your way to 21.

Whether you’re playing with a live dealer or exploring one of the many available formats, the variety of blackjack options means there’s something for every type of player. With so much to choose from and the chance to sharpen your skills across different styles, blackjack remains one of the most rewarding and enjoyable games you can play.

Even if you’ve previously only played luck-based games such as slots, roulette, or the online bingo Canada offers, consider giving 21 a try. With a basic knowledge of perfect strategy, you’ll find the game a satisfying one that challenges you each time you play.