Blackjack

Numero dei mazzi

Blackjack can be played with anywhere from one to eight decks of cards. The house edge increases in direct proportion to the number of decks. The more decks in play, the greater the house advantage, thanks to the card-removal effect in multi-deck games.

Regole fisse del banco

The dealer’s standing rules vary among blackjack variants. Dealers do not make decisions when they play their hands; instead, they must draw until they reach a predetermined hand total set by the casino. Based on these fixed rules, we can distinguish between two main types of blackjack games:

• The dealer stands on soft 17 (S17). This rule is the most favorable for players because 17 is generally lower than the average winning hand total (18.5). Standing reduces the house edge by decreasing the chance that the dealer will finish with a stronger hand than the player.
• The dealer hits on soft 17 (H17), which is disadvantageous for the player because the dealer cannot bust by taking another card on this soft hand. Meanwhile, the dealer can beat the player by drawing small cards such as 2, 3, or 4. The H17 rule increases the house edge by 0.22%.

Restrizioni sul raddoppiare e dividere

In some blackjack variations, players can double down only on specific two-card totals. Some games allow you to double down only on initial totals of 9, 10, and 11, while others are even more restrictive, limiting doubling to totals of 10 and 11.

Doubling down only on 9, 10, and 11 increases the house edge by 0.09%. Limiting doubling to 10 and 11 raises the house edge by 0.18%.

Restrictions also apply to splitting. Some games allow you to split only once, creating two separate hands. Doubling after a split (known as DAS) may be prohibited in some variants, which again raises the house edge. Re-splitting may also be disallowed. In the most common scenario, the player cannot re-split or hit split aces.

Payout nel blackjack

This is one of the most important rule variations in blackjack. Some casinos pay 3:2 for blackjack, while others pay 6:5. The difference is easiest to explain with examples. Suppose you can choose between Casino 1, which pays 6:5, and Casino 2, which pays 3:2, and you plan to stake $10.

A blackjack at Casino 1 earns you 1.2 times (6/5) your wager, meaning you receive $12 on your $10 bet.

A blackjack at Casino 2 pays 1.5 times (3/2) your original wager, so the same $10 blackjack wins you $15.

It is easy to see which option is better. A savvy blackjack player would never sit at a 6:5 table because this reduced payout increases the house edge by 1.71%.

Atlantic City Blackjack

Most standard rules remain in place in this blackjack variant, with a few exceptions. Atlantic City Blackjack is usually played with eight full decks, although some online casinos also offer two-deck versions. The goal stays the same: beat the dealer with a higher hand total. Atlantic City Blackjack observes the following rules:

• The dealer stands on soft 17
• Blackjack pays 3:2
• The player may double down on any two-card total
• The player may re-split three times for a maximum of four hands
• Aces may not be re-split
• Doubling after a split is allowed
• The player may not hit split aces
• The dealer peeks for blackjack when showing an ace or a ten-value card
• Late surrender is permitted

Vegas Strip Blackjack

This variation is named after the blackjack games offered along the Las Vegas Strip. You will commonly find it at online casinos powered by Microgaming. The rules in Microgaming’s Vegas Strip Blackjack are quite favorable, even better than those at some physical Strip casinos, lowering the house edge to about 0.35%.

• The game is played with four decks
• Blackjack pays 3:2 (note that some land-based casinos have switched the payout to 6:5, which you should avoid)
• The dealer must stand on soft 17
• Surrender is not allowed
• You may double down on any two cards
• Doubling after splitting is permitted
• You cannot re-split or hit split aces
• You may split up to three times

Double Exposure

Double Exposure blackjack is an appealing variant that debuted in October 1979 at the Vegas World casino. The game was created by mathematician Richard Epstein. You might find it under other names, including Face Up Blackjack, Zweikartenspiel, and Dealer Discloser Blackjack.

Players can find Double Exposure versions at online casinos that use software from NetEnt, Microgaming, RealTime Gaming, and Play’n GO. The game follows these rules:

• The dealer receives both cards face up
• Eight decks are in play
• Blackjack pays 1:1
• The dealer wins all ties (pushes)
• The dealer hits on soft 17
• Players may double down only on 9, 10, and 11
• Re-splitting is generally not allowed
• Doubling after splitting is not permitted
• You cannot split ten-value cards unless they are identical
• Surrender is not an option

Blackjack Switch

Also known as Blackjack Exchange and invented by Geof Hall, this is one of the most intriguing blackjack variants ever created because you play two hands instead of one and can swap your top cards to improve their totals. There is also a set of side bets called Dealer Match that offer higher payouts.

The online Blackjack Switch version we recommend is produced by leading software provider Playtech. Here are the key rules to remember:

• The game uses six or eight decks
• You play two hands per round and may switch the top cards
• The dealer checks for blackjack
• Blackjack pays 1:1
• The dealer pushes on a total of 22, known as the push-22 rule
• You may double down on any two cards
• You may split any pair and re-split up to four hands
• Players cannot surrender

Pontoon

Pontoon is often considered a blackjack variant, yet it is so different that some experts see it as an entirely separate game. Two distinct Pontoon versions add further confusion for inexperienced players. The version played in Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore uses short decks and is more similar to Spanish 21.

The other version resembles standard blackjack and is more popular in the United Kingdom. Most online Pontoon variants follow the British rules. You can find online Pontoon games developed by RealTime Gaming, Microgaming, Betsoft, and Playtech. Pontoon is played under the following rules:

• The number of decks varies by casino
• Both dealer cards are dealt face down
• The dealer hits on soft 17
• Players must hit until they reach a total of 15
• The dealer wins all ties
• You may double down after hitting
• Pontoon and five-card winning hands pay 2:1

21 Spagnolo

Spanish 21 is one of the most interesting blackjack variants because there are many rule changes and differences. This game is perfect for 21 enthusiasts who are tired of standard blackjack and are looking for more thrills and excitement.

Online Spanish 21 variants are offered at casinos that use software by Betsoft and Microgaming. These are the most common rules for this blackjack variant:

• Six or eight short decks with 48 cards each (10s are removed)
• The dealer hits on soft 17
• Blackjack pays 3:2
• Late surrender is allowed
• Doubling down on any two cards is permitted
• You may surrender after doubling
• You may hit split aces and double them
• You receive additional payouts for special 21 totals

Blackjack a Più Mani

Some online blackjack variants allow you to play multiple hands at the same time. Online multi-hand games feature sleek designs and highly realistic animations, giving players the best casino experience without leaving home.

Players can choose from a range of chip denominations, but table limits normally vary between online casinos. The multi-hand variants we recommend are supplied by Microgaming, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, and Playtech

Blackjack Progressivo

Blackjack fans who take their wagers online can win impressive jackpots in one of the progressive versions of the game. Progressive Blackjack varieties are linked to a jackpot network and require players to place an optional side bet (usually no more than $1) to qualify for the jackpot.

Jackpots are awarded for specific combinations of aces or sevens, depending on the software provider. Some of the biggest wins occur in progressive blackjack games supplied by Microgaming, WGS Technology, and Playtech.