Whether players are interested in playing RNG or live dealer blackjack, the rules of different online blackjack variants can affect the game in many ways, including how players should adapt their blackjack strategy.
Learn about the impact of some of these blackjack rules across different blackjack variants, the unique rules of two popular variants, and how a player can improve their odds of winning each version of this popular casino game.
How Different Blackjack Rules Can Impact the Game
The Wizard of Odds article “Blackjack Rule Variations” highlights how different blackjack rules can impact a player’s return. These blackjack rule variations can affect a player’s odds of winning in subtle and dramatic ways, depending on which variant of blackjack they’re playing.
Here are a few examples from the “Blackjack Rule Variations” article and how they impact a player’s potential returns:
- Blackjacks pay 2 to 1: +2.27%
- Single deck: +0.48%
- Double deck: +0.19%
- Player may not split: ‒0.57%
- Blackjacks pays 1 to 1: -2.27%
As seen in these examples, the rules of blackjack can affect a player’s returns and the casino house edge to varying degrees. This is why it’s important to know exactly what rules are in effect so that players can pick a blackjack variant that they’re happy with or adapt their play style accordingly for the blackjack game they are playing. Players can learn more from The Wizard of Odds article referenced above which has more examples of different variant rules and how they might affect a player’s returns.
Learn more about the rules of two of the most popular blackjack variants, as well as some of the tips players can use to enhance their strategies when they play these roulette games below.
Popular Blackjack Variants and Tips for Playing Them
Here’s a closer look at two popular blackjack variants: American and European blackjack. Each unique blackjack rule for each of these variations will affect the way people play, so players should keep the differences in mind to better optimize their blackjack strategy for these two types of roulette.
American Blackjack
When playing American Blackjack, there are a number of key rules that players should be aware of. These differences can include:
- Typically uses up to eight decks.
- The dealer receives two cards with one card face-up.
- The dealer can check for blackjack if their face-up card is an ace or 10.
- If the dealer has a natural blackjack, the dealer automatically wins, unless the player also has a natural blackjack.
- An insurance wager is available if the dealer’s face-up card is an ace, but before the dealer checks for a natural blackjack.
- Can double down on any starting hand.
- Can split multiple times, depending on the rules of the table.
However, even though these rules may be common across most versions of American blackjack, be sure to review each game’s guidelines before players place their bets. This is because some game developers or casinos may have slightly different American blackjack systems that will affect the game and a player’s chances of winning.
Tips To Improve American Blackjack Strategy
Want to try and lower the house edge when playing American blackjack? Here are a couple of quick and easy-to-implement tips that players can use to enhance their American blackjack strategy.
Never Take Insurance
Unless a player is counting cards, the odds of winning an insurance bet are very low. Players should avoid this side bet unless they’re counting cards and have the knowledge on which conditions apply.
Consider Studying a Blackjack Strategy Chart
Players who want a better understanding of how to respond to certain hands for different variants can study blackjack strategy charts for blackjack variants with multiple decks. These charts allow players to compare their hand to the dealer’s upcard so they know the optimal decision to make.
In The Wizard of Odds’ “4-Deck to 8-Deck Blackjack Strategy” article, players will find a chart on what choice to make when the dealer hits on soft 17 when playing with four to eight decks. For example, if players have a soft 18 and the dealer’s upcard is an 8, they should stand. However, if they have a soft 18 and the dealer’s upcard is an ace, they should hit.
European Blackjack
European blackjack is similar to American blackjack, but there are a few important differences that players need to keep in mind, regardless of whether they’re playing RNG or live dealer blackjack online. These differences include:
- Most commonly played with two decks.
- The dealer only initially receives one card face-up.
- The dealer only receives their second card after all the players have completed their actions.
- Can only double down on specific hands.
Again, while these rules are commonly found in most European blackjack variants, players should review the guidelines of any European variant they’re interested in. This will help players avoid any unexpected surprises.
Tips to Improve European Blackjack Strategy
European blackjack also has a couple of tips that players can leverage if they’re looking to improve their odds of winning.
Use the Early Surrender
The early surrender rule can appear in both variants of blackjack, but is far more common in the European version of the game. In the Wizard of Odds article “Basic Strategy for European Blackjack – charts”, they recommend taking advantage of the early surrender for the following hands:
- 12 to 17, including a pair of 6’s, 7’s or 8’s, versus an ace
- 5 to 7, including a pair of 3’s, versus an ace
- 14 to 16, including a pair of 7’s or 8’s, versus a 10
- 16 versus 9
Take Advantage of a Blackjack Strategy Chart
Once again, players can use a blackjack strategy chart to improve their odds of winning. The Wizard of Odds’ “Double-Deck Blackjack Strategy” article has a strategy chart that players can use to help make better decisions when they play.
Here’s another quick example of how this chart can help increase a player’s chances of winning. If they have a hand worth 16 and the dealer has a 6, the player should stand. However, if they have a hand of 16 and the dealer has a 7, they should hit.