Whether you’re interested in RNG (random number generator) or live dealer blackjack, you’ll find dozens of blackjack variants online. Some of these blackjack games might appear quite similar, but some offer significant differences that could have a dramatic impact when you play. These differences could be good or bad, depending on your preferences. This is why it’s so important to pick the right blackjack variant when you play blackjack online.
To help you make the right choice, here are some things you should consider when choosing a blackjack variant.
The Different Types of Blackjack Variants
There are dozens of variations of blackjack for you to play online. These blackjack games offer slightly different takes that keep the game fresh without requiring you to relearn how to play online blackjack all over again. However, some of these changes, even if they seem quite small, can greatly impact how a game of blackjack plays.
Here are some of the differences or rules that you might come across when playing these variants:
- Live dealer blackjack games allow you to interact with a real blackjack host.
- RNG blackjack games will pit you against a virtual dealer.
- The player who hits or is closest to 11 instead of 21 decides the winner.
- It allows you to split pairs again if you land a pair after a split.
- The dealer can check if they have blackjack if their face-up card is an ace or a card worth 10.
This is just a small example of how blackjack variants can differ, but it highlights how a game as simple as blackjack might change from one variant to another. However, there are also other factors to consider that could affect your choice.
What to Consider When Picking a Blackjack Variant
With so many different ways to play blackjack, you’ll want to make sure you don’t waste your time playing a variant that you don’t enjoy or doesn’t suit your play style. Here are some tips to keep in mind so that you can choose the version of blackjack that best suits you so that you can have a great time when you play.
1. Keep in Mind Your Blackjack Skill Level
Overall, blackjack is a very easy game to play, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t variants that make the game easier or more challenging.
For example, if you’re new to the game and still learning essential blackjack terminology, you might consider trying a “bet behind” blackjack variant. This variant allows you to bet on another player, allowing them to decide for you. This means that you can win or lose based on their choices, but as a novice, this can help you see how a game of blackjack unfolds while still having skin in the game.
On the other hand, if you’re a more experienced player who knows all the best blackjack winning strategies, a game like Blackjack Xchange could be better suited to your skill level. This blackjack variant allows you to change cards (for a price), which means you can use your knowledge of starting cards and odds to optimize your hands and chances of winning.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, you always want to choose a game that suits your skill level so you don’t put yourself at a disadvantage.
2. Factor in Your Tolerance for Risk
Are you a gambler who prefers to minimize the odds against you, or do you like to throw caution to the wind if there are big wins? Your choice of blackjack variant will likely change depending on whether you have a low or high tolerance for risk since different blackjack games offer different RTPs (return to player) depending on their game mechanics and potential payouts.
For example, a blackjack variant with a progressive side bet might have a lower RTP because players could win a growing jackpot reward. On the other hand, a standard blackjack game has the smallest house edge you’ll ever likely get in a casino game when played well.
It’s also important to remember that risk is still relatively low in most blackjack variants when you play optimally. For example, Blackjack Xchange offers a “high” RTP of 99.61%, while a game like Bet Behind Blackjack Pro offers a “low” RTP of 99.28% if you play while following the standard blackjack strategy.
And even if you play “badly,” the house edge is still around 2% at worst, which means the game offers a novice or careless blackjack player an RTP of at least 98%. This means blackjack still has higher potential returns than online casino games like online slots, which have an average RTP of 96%, and European roulette, which has an RTP of 97.3%.
3. Pick a Variant that Suits Your Preferred Pace
Blackjack may not traditionally be considered a slow game, but that doesn’t mean that all variants play at the same speed.
When you play an RNG variant on your own, the pace of a game is entirely dictated by how quickly you make a choice. However, when you play blackjack with other players in an RNG game, the game’s pace will likely slow down since more people are making decisions in the game.
You might encounter similar issues in online blackjack with a live dealer where maybe the dealer isn’t as quick as you’d like, or once again, players are holding up the action. On the other hand, a live dealer or RNG game might only have a short time for decision-making, potentially putting you under unwanted pressure when you play.
When picking a variant, you want to choose a blackjack title that suits how you play so you don’t find yourself getting bored or overwhelmed when playing a particular blackjack variant.
4. Choose a Variant That Goes Well With Your Bankroll
Most players don’t have deep pockets, so you’ll want to pick a variant that offers you the most betting opportunities. Even if you’re a high roller, you won’t have much fun if you can only bet a few times before you run out of casino credit. So remember the minimum bets and pick a variant that offers you the most bang for your buck when you play.
5. Test Blackjack Variants To Find One That Works for You
Ultimately, you’ll need to test different blackjack variants to find a game you enjoy. A blackjack variant might offer you the right pace, betting options, or game features on paper but might not click so well with you when you sit down and play. Try out a wide range of games to understand all the options available.
Some Popular Blackjack Variants
Now that you know a few of the ways that blackjack games can differ and what you should consider when picking a blackjack variant, here are some of the most popular versions of blackjack that you can find online:
- Bet Behind Pro Blackjack
- Blackjack 11
- Blackjack Fortune Spinner Pro
- Blackjack Xchange
- Infinite Blackjack
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