Blackjack is one of the most diverse games, with multiple variants each putting a unique twist on the standard game. Some variants, such as standard, multi-hand, and Spanish 21, are ideal for beginners. Alternatively, more complex variants such as Blackjack Surrender and Atlantic City will add side bets into gameplay.
If you love the flexibility of picking different variants, you are in for a treat at the blackjack casinos we recommend. At our leading online casinos, you can play the following blackjack games:
Classic Blackjack
The traditional form of the game, standard blackjack, is what you will find at most online casinos. Here you will play on eight 52-card decks. An ideal variant for beginners or purists, classic blackjack is the simplest in terms of gameplay because it removes most side bets. RTP: 99.75%
Atlantic City Blackjack
Unlike most blackjack variants, the Atlantic City version will allow you to double on any hand. In standard games, you may only double on specific hand values. Atlantic City blackjack gives you more freedom to gamble when you want. RTP: 99.65%
Blackjack Surrender
Blackjack Surrender introduces the “Surrender” side bet as an option during game rounds. If you’re unfamiliar with surrender, it is an option that allows you to fold your hand before it meets the dealer’s hand. Doing so will enable you to recoup half your bet if your hand is poor.
Super Fun 21
A fast-paced version for players who like rapid action and easy gameplay, Super Fun 21 can be played on one, two, or six decks. It has some unique rules, such as blackjacks (Ace and picture card) only paying out even money. RTP: 98.84%
Multihand Blackjack
If you are a polished player with experience, multihand is an excellent blackjack variant. Here you will be playing multiple hands at the same time. In all other aspects, the game is the same as standard blackjack, but with the added pressure and skill of playing multiple hands. RTP: 99.60%
Double Exposure Blackjack
Popular at many blackjack casinos, double exposure gives the dealer both their cards facing up. In other variants, the dealer cards are either both down or one down and one up. This is a significant change because it means the dealer in double exposure can make a more informed decision about the quality of their hand. RTP: 99.33%
European Blackjack
Online blackjack is already based on European blackjack, but modern standard variants are now slightly different from the classic European game. When playing European versions of blackjack, the player receives both cards face down, and the dealer does not get a second card until the player bets. RTP: 99.60%
Blackjack Switch
Created by Geoff Hall in 2009, Blackjack Switch is a modern variant best suited to experienced players. Here the player receives two hands instead of one and can switch the top two cards of both hands if they choose. RTP: 99.40%+
Spanish 21 Blackjack
Arguably the most unique version of blackjack, Spanish 21 removes all cards with the value of 10 (10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings) from the playing decks. This makes it a more exciting and dramatic game because you need to hit more cards on each hand. RTP: 99.58%
Live Dealer Blackjack
If you want to get a taste of an authentic land-based casino from the comfort of your home, Live Blackjack online is the best option. Here you will play with other players against a human dealer streaming directly to your device from a remote studio. All popular Blackjack variants are available as a live casino option.
In the game of blackjack, you will compete against the dealer to achieve a score as close to or on 21 as possible. You win when you have the higher value hand and are within 21. To help you achieve this goal, you can choose to stand (stay with the hand value you have) or hit (take another card). If you go over 21 (bust) or the dealer has the better hand under 21, you lose.
Blackjack is easy to play but has complexities that make it hard to master. A good start is to learn the terms of a game of blackjack, as well as the card values. That latter part is easy enough with the numbers 2 – 10 having their number value, Jacks, Queens, and Kings with the value of 10, and an Ace with the value of either 1 or 11.
To really take control of your blackjack gameplay, the following terms will help you become a natural:
- Deal: When the dealer deals the cards that will make your hand. Blackjack starting hands have two cards.
- Hit: When you ask the dealer for an additional card. You do this if your hand value is too low and you want to improve it.
- Stand: A betting decision when you stick with the two cards in your hand. Take this option when your two cards make a strong hand.
- Split: If you have a card of equal value, you can split the hand into two separate hands. When you do this, you will need to re-bet the original wager amount on the new hand too.
- Double Down: A side bet where you can choose to double the bet on your first hand. This should only happen under specific hand scenarios.
- Insurance: If the dealer shows an ace on their visible card, you can choose to take the insurance bet, which guarantees a payout even if you lose.
- Ante: The ante is a gambling term that represents the amount of money a player must commit as a minimum to take part in a game.
- Dealer: Also known as the croupier, the dealer is the person who handles the cards and passes them to players. In blackjack, the dealer is also who you compete against.
- Hole Card: A hold card is the one that is face down in the dealer’s hand.
- Up Card: The up card is the card that is visible, facing upwards in the dealer’s hand.
- Shoe: At blackjack casinos, the shoe is the card dispenser that saves time in shuffling the cards.
- Blackjack: This is the strongest hand in the game, consisting of an ace and a ten, jack, queen, or king (21 in total).
- Surrender: A side bet where you can choose to surrender a hand that looks poor and recoup 50% of your initial wager.
- Bust: When you or the dealer has a hand that goes over the value of 21.