Blackjack Around the World: The Different Variations

Of course, we all know how hugely popular the game is in New Zealand, but blackjack, also known as Twenty-One, is one of the most popular casino card games in the entire world. Its beauty is that it is simple yet strategic – and it has captured the hearts of players for literally hundreds of years. What started out in land-based casinos has moved to online blackjack and even live dealer blackjack. While the basic objective of the game remains the same across different variations, there are subtle differences in rules and gameplay that make each version unique – and affect how you play and how you execute the blackjack basic strategy.

So, here we will explore some of the most popular variations of blackjack around the world.

Classic Blackjack – American and European

The most common and popular version of the game is the classic version of blackjack, commonly known as American or European blackjack. Whether online or in a land-based casino, this is the most widely recognised and played variation. Your goal is simply to obtain a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer without exceeding it.

In this version, the dealer typically stands on a soft 17 and players can double down on any two cards (which you need to consider when putting the blackjack basic strategy into practice). Additionally, splitting pairs and taking insurance against the dealer’s potential blackjack is also possible in this variation of the game.

Spanish 21

Spanish 21 is another popular variation that is played in top casinos across the world (and not just in Spain). In this version of the game, all the 10s are removed from the deck, which creates a pretty unique playing experience – and is certainly something you need to consider before putting the blackjack basic strategy into practice.

Despite the absence of 10s, you still need to try and achieve a hand value as close to 21 or less. In addition to the regular payouts, this exciting variant offers other exciting bonus payouts for certain hands, such as a five-card hand totalling 21 (a five-card trick) or a six-card hand totalling 20. Moreover, the option to double down at any point in the game – including after splitting pairs, is another distinct feature of the game.

Pontoon

Pontoon, also known as British blackjack, is a variation commonly played in the United Kingdom as well as NZ and Australia. In this version of the game, your objective remains the same—to obtain a hand value of 21 or less and closer to 21 than the dealer.

However, before starting out, there are some notable rule differences you need to consider. So, for instance, the dealer’s cards are both face-down, so you have less information available when using the blackjack basic strategy.

Another big variation is that a hand with a total of five cards that does not exceed 21 is considered the second highest-ranking hand, also known as a Pontoon… hence the name.

Double Exposure Blackjack

Then we have Double Exposure Blackjack, also referred to as Face-Up 21. In this variation, in direct contrast to Pontoon, both of the dealer’s cards are dealt face-up. This means that you get to make much more informed decisions based on the dealer’s hand.

However, to balance the odds, there are a few rule adjustments. For instance, the dealer wins on all ties except for a natural blackjack, and the blackjack payout is sometimes reduced. Despite this, Double Exposure Blackjack offers a pretty interesting way to play the traditional game – adding that extra layer of strategy.

Blackjack Switch

This version is a fascinating variation that introduces a more strategic element that you won’t find in any other versions. In this game, you will be dealt two hands instead of one, and you have the option to switch the second card of each hand to potentially improve your chances of winning.

However, to compensate for this advantage, the dealer’s natural blackjack is considered an automatic win rather than a tie. This game will need you to think a bit differently and, of course, adapt your strategy accordingly.

Chinese Blackjack

Chinese Blackjack, also known as 21-point or Ban-luck, is a variation of the game that is played mainly in Southeast Asia.

Unlike the classic version, this game involves players competing against each other, rather than just playing against the dealer. That being said, the objective remains the same—to try and get as close to 21 as possible without going over. It incorporates unique rules, such as the ability to earn special bonuses for certain hand combinations and the option to surrender and recoup half of the bet.

Blackjack Around the World: A Global Game

These are just a few examples of the diverse variations of blackjack around the world. Every single variation brings its own set of rules, strategies, and excitement to the table. Whether you prefer the traditional gameplay of classic blackjack or the strategic elements found in other variations, check out our live casino, put your strategy to the test and see if you have what it takes to be a global blackjack success.