Blackjack is one of the most popular card games and comes in various versions. Various factors affect what version of blackjack is the best type to play online. One of the key factors to look at is the house’s edge.
Looking for games that offer 3:2 payouts instead of 6:5 payouts decreases the house edge. When there are fewer card decks in the game, this lowers the house edge. No matter what version of blackjack players choose, they must always understand the specific rules and use strategies to maximize their chances of winning.
American Blackjack (Standard or Classic Blackjack)
When playing online casino games like American Blackjack, players must consider the house edge. Playing this version of blackjack with a single deck of cards and standard rules offers players the best odds. By playing with only one deck, players have more chance of hitting the jackpot and the dealer has fewer chances of beating their hands. In this game, the dealer must stand on all 17s.
They cannot hit if a hand totals 17 or more points. This reduces the house edge. The game also includes a ‘late surrender’ option. This can be advantageous in some situations as players can reclaim half their bet when they are likely to lose.
Blackjack Switch
This version of blackjack is usually played with six to eight decks. The main objective is the same as American Blackjack – get as close to 21 as possible without going over and beating the dealer’s hand.
Players receive two cards and make two initial bets of equal size. They can then swap the second card the dealer dealt to them. Being able to switch a card improves the chances of creating the best possible hand. Those who spend time online playing games like blackjack often find this version more exciting and dynamic than other versions.
The rules of the game allow players to split Aces, so they have more chances of making a 21. They can also double down after splitting and receive a higher payout if they make blackjack. When players can split and re-split pairs, they have to be more strategic and using optimal strategies can improve their odds. Doubling down also improves their odds. As in American blackjack, players can surrender after doubling down.
Spanish 21
The Spanish 21 version of blackjack is played with a card deck that doesn’t contain any 10s. Without the 10s in the deck, it is harder to make blackjacks. The goal is the same as both the previous versions – get a higher total than the dealer without going over. Players can ‘resplit’ hands and double down on any hand. It doesn’t matter how many cards the dealer has already dealt.
In this game, a player that hits 21 will always win. A player blackjack always beats a dealer blackjack. The dealer isn’t required to stand on all 17s. They can hit if a hand totals 17 or more. A ‘match play’ option allows players to double their bet if they think they can beat the dealer’s hand.
Live Dealer Blackjack
Live Dealer Blackjack can offer players the most immersive version of online blackjack. A live dealer in a physical studio will deal with the cards. Players receive a live stream on their screens. Technology, like the ability to generate cool AI images, means players can have a great online experience in terms of card images, etc. The ability to chat with the dealer and other players through live chat makes this one of the most engaging and social versions of online blackjack.
