Blackjack Variations

BJ variations

Blackjack, like Roulette, was invented in France in the seventeenth century. The game entails comparing cards and is played by a couple of gamers and a card dealer. The game does not entail competition against each other. Rather, each gambler at the table plays against the dealer. Blackjack stands as among the oldest casino games that has managed to maintain relevance over the centuries. The game is also referred to as twenty-one, which is the direct translation of its name in French.

The game spread across the globe during the French Revolution, which is another quality the game shares with roulette. This spread in the development of the game in different versions, which is a common practice with most widespread games. However, all the variants of the game maintained the basic rule of beating the dealer. This can be done in either of the following ways:

  • Acquire twenty-one points on the first two cards that are dealt. The dealer blackjack should not be used
  • Allow more cards to be dealt until their total value surpasses twenty-one
  • Get cards with a higher value than that of the dealer without going past the twenty-one mark

The basic idea is to get to twenty-one before he does, and hence its name twenty-one. Each variation of the game follows the above rules but with an exciting twist to them.

  • Standard Blackjack
    This version follows the fundamental rules of the game. There are four card decks used, and no more than seventeen cards can be dealt in a single hand. Only one card of the dealer is dealt face up. Depending on the casino, gamblers are allowed to split after a double has been called. However, this chance is only presented once.
  • Double Exposure Blackjack
    This version earns its name from the fact that the two cards the dealer receives are dealt face up. This exposure gives the gambler a higher chance of winning. However, other rules are included by most casinos to level the playing field. For instance, gamblers may strip the chance to win in case there is a tie. Six decks of cards are used in the gameplay, and the only doubling chances are given between the values nine and eleven.
  • Pontoon Blackjack
    This is among the newest versions, which makes it quite rare in both online and brick and mortar casinos. The twist in the rules of this game in the fact that a hand containing five cards beats those from two to four. This gives the gamblers better chances against the house and eliminates their ability to win in the case of a tie.
  • Blackjack Switch
    Entering the gambling seen only recently in 2009, this version has managed to become quite popular in a short amount of time on both the online and land-based platforms. Blackjack Switch was developed as a fusion of video poker and blackjack into one game. This variant features a lower house edge than the standard blackjack version.
  • Chinese Blackjack
    As suggested by the title, it has its origin traced back to China. This variant shares numerous characteristics as the American version of the game, but only uses two decks of cards. Also, the ace card does not come with a definite value, which is dependent on the number of cards the gambler accepts. This version also allows a hand with five cards to beat those from two to four, just like in pontoon blackjack. The rules of this game are also made milder than other versions, which makes it ideal for enjoying among friends and loved ones.
  • Elimination Blackjack
    This version is especially popular in land-based casinos. Unlike all other versions where the gamblers play against the dealer, this variant entails the gamblers to play against each other. The last player at the table takes the crown. This version is mostly enjoyed by professional players who like to show their prowess.
  • Live Blackjack
    This version uses actual tables and human dealers like in brick and mortar casinos. The game is streamed live, and the gambler enjoys it from the comfort of their home on their desktop or smartphone.

Casinos with Blackjack Variants

Most popular casinos widely offer the game due to its high demand across the globe. Some of the best casinos include:

  1. Jackpot City Casino
  2. Monster Casino
  3. Jackpot Mobile Casino