The variations of blackjack to try out
The more you get into card games, the more you are going to find out about different variations – and maybe one of those niche options is the one for you! All variations of blackjack will have some slightly different rules. But you might not know that there are over 100 different variations of blackjack!
While blackjack is said to have started in Italy, France, and Spain, it made its way around the world, and each culture added its own twist to the classic.
You can find all of the most popular blackjack games on Virgin Games, like single deck, live blackjack, and multi-hand.
But if you’re yet to try them, here is a bit about some of the blackjack variations you should check out!
European Blackjack
European blackjack first became popular in land-based casinos and quickly became one of the variations that people wanted to see online. Since it was most commonly played throughout Europe, the name stuck.
The rules for European blackjack are almost the same as regular blackjack (the one you probably think of if you’ve seen blackjack in the movies).
All of the players will compete against the dealer, which is standard. And just like regular blackjack, you are looking to get as close to 21 as possible. Most casinos play blackjack with two decks, but you can play with four or six.
What makes European blackjack different from standard blackjack is that the dealer has to stand on soft 17. However, they are not required to peek – as it isn’t a Hole card game. If the dealer has blackjack, and you have a card combination that is 21 but not blackjack, you lose.
Progressive Blackjack
Taking into consideration how popular games with a progressive jackpot are, you can now play progressive blackjack. Progressive blackjack works like the classic game and has all of the same features – except the massive jackpot is the goal.
Six decks of cards will be used for this one, but that might change based on where you are playing. The pot increases as each player places a bet, and a small amount of the wager will be put into the progressive jackpot too.
If you don’t want to play for the progressive jackpot, you don’t have to. You don’t automatically qualify for progressive; you need to actively place a side bet (which is optional).
And in addition, there are some other ways to win. Several winning combinations can trigger a more significant win, like three aces with different suits or three with the same suit. To scoop the progressive jackpot, the requirement is usually four aces of the same suit.
Multihand Blackjack
You will see multi-hand blackjack more likely online rather than at a land-based casino. If you were to play multi-hand blackjack at a casino, you’d need to have a table with many free seats.
And if you’ve ever been to a land-based casino, you know that it is almost impossible to have free seats because they are so busy with players! Online is the way to go for multi-hand.
In multi-hand blackjack, you play with up to five hands simultaneously – which is an extensive skill to have! You need to be aware that each hand is independent, so you need to use different playing strategies for each of them.
It is a good idea to practice with just two independent hands to start with and when you get comfortable with managing them and making individual bets too.
For those who like to play fast, furious and enjoy a little risk, multi-hand blackjack is the way to go.
Vegas Strip
The most popular form of blackjack is the Vegas Strip variant. It is exciting to play, but it was initially only available in Las Vegas. Thankfully times have changed, and you can play Vegas Strip in other places.
You can play Vegas Strip in multi or single-hand mode, and you can change that based on your comfort levels.
Although we play with four packs now, it was initially just a single pack – but the amount increased when card counters became more prevalent. The cards are valued like the classic game, but you can double down on any two cards in the initial deal.
Not only that, but you can split a maximum of four hands. The dealer in the Vegas Strip blackjack variation is required to peek and stand on soft 17.
Playing blackjack variations can spice up your game time and add a twist to a game that you enjoy. It is essential to check the house edge and the rules for each of the games – so you can decide which variation is the right one for you.
If you want to play a version of blackjack that offers something out of the ordinary, then you should check out Double Exposure, which shows both of the dealer’s cards face up!
