Blackjack Variants According to Rtp, Bets, and Features
Due to its popularity, many players and casinos worldwide have developed innovative blackjack variants. The differences include new rules, exciting mechanics, and even improved payouts. Take a look at the top 15 best online blackjack variations to play:
| Variation Name | RTP | Bets/Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| American (Classic) Blackjack | 99.54% | The dealer receives two cards. |
| European Blackjack | 99.33%. | The dealer receives the second card after the player makes a move. |
| Blackjack Charlie 7 | 99.84% | Players automatically win if they have seven cards. |
| Progressive Blackjack | 99.53% | It has a side bet that can trigger a jackpot. |
| Atlantic City Blackjack | 99.65% | Players can double down on any cards. |
| Multi-Hand Blackjack | 99.60% | Players can play multiple hands. |
| Double Exposure Blackjack | 99.33%. | The dealer receives two cards face-up. |
| Single Deck Blackjack | 99.75% | A variant played with a single deck. |
| Blackjack Switch | 99.27% | Players can trade cards between hands. |
| 7 Seat Blackjack | 99.60% | The table has seven seats. |
| Pontoon | 99.64% | Players can’t stand below 15. |
| Perfect Pairs Blackjack | 99.59% | It has a side bet for matching cards. |
| Spanish 21 | 99.58% | The player’s 21 always wins vs the dealer’s. |
| 3 Card Blackjack | 99.37% | Players must create a blackjack hand from three cards instead of two. |
| Vegas Strip Blackjack | 99.65% | This variant is played with four decks. |
- American (Classic) Blackjack
This is, without doubt, the most popular blackjack variation. In American Blackjack, the dealer is dealt two cards, one of which is face-up. If the card facing up is an ace, the dealer can peek at the face-down card and offer players insurance. The round is automatically over if the dealer has a 10 or a face card.
- European Blackjack
Unlike American Blackjack, the dealer can’t peek at their face-down card in European Blackjack. The card is only revealed at the end of the betting round, which results in a lower RTP percentage. Nonetheless, players are still offered insurance if the face-up card is revealed to be an ace.
- Blackjack Charlie 7
The main difference in this variant is the addition of a new winning condition. Players that draw a seven-hand card instantly win the hand, no matter what cards the dealer has. This rule can potentially increase returns, making it one of the online blackjack variations with the highest RTP.
- Progressive Blackjack
Progressive Blackjack is played similarly to traditional blackjack but offers a side bet that allows players to trigger a jackpot. The jackpot increases with every bet placed. The cards obtained determine the winner – four suited aces will grant you the jackpot.
- Atlantic City Blackjack
Atlantic City Blackjack is based on American Blackjack. One of the main advantages of this blackjack variation is that you can double down on any hand. Splits are limited to a maximum of three times, except for ace hands, which are limited to one split. You can also surrender whenever you like.
- Multi-Hand Blackjack
The term Multi-Hand Blackjack refers to several variations of blackjack games. Any blackjack game that allows players to be dealt several hands at once is considered a multi-hand game. Experienced players prefer this version due to its fast-paced nature and higher bets.
- Double Exposure Blackjack
As the name suggests, the dealer’s cards are face-up in this blackjack variant. To make up for this advantage, the game follows other rules. For instance, the dealer always wins a tie in Double Exposure Blackjack. Instead of 3:2, blackjacks are paid 1:1. Players can only split once.
- Single Deck Blackjack
Single Deck Blackjack is one of the most straightforward blackjack variants to play. Unlike other variations, which use up to eight decks, this variant is played with a single deck. Some games have blackjack payouts of 6:5 instead of 3:2, which can impact the RTP percentage.
- Blackjack Switch
Blackjack Switch is one of the latest innovations in blackjack variations. It’s usually played with six decks. The main rule is that players can switch the second card dealt to their hands, provided they place equal bets on both. On the other hand, the dealer can push with a 22 instead of busting.
- 7 Seat Blackjack
7 Seat Blackjack has the typical number of seats as casino blackjack tables, although with a difference. Unlike traditional blackjack games, this variant doesn’t allow players waiting to join the table to bet behind others. This aside, it’s played exactly like American Blackjack.
- Pontoon
Pontoon is very different from your traditional blackjack. The payout for hitting a blackjack (called a pontoon) is higher: 2:1 instead of 3:2. Creating a hand with five cards under 21 wins all other hands except a pontoon. Players can also double down in any situation. On the flip side, players can’t stand below 15, and the dealer must hit on 17.
- Perfect Pairs Blackjack
The rules of Perfect Pairs Blackjack are identical to the classic game. However, this variant has three side bets players can place – mixed, colored, or perfect pairs. Each bet has different payouts, ranging from 5:1 to 30:1. Hitting a pair of two cards of the same suit is called a perfect pair.
- Spanish 21
The six decks used in Spanish 21 don’t have 10s, resulting in lower-value hands. The player’s blackjack is consistently ranked higher than the dealer’s. In addition, Spanish 21 has several side bets available, with payouts of up to 50:1. Some versions of this game allow the dealer to hit on a soft 17 (with an ace).
- 3 Card Blackjack
This blackjack variant is based on a poker game with the same name. The player and the dealer receive three cards each, from which they must create a combination using two cards. Players must place an ante bet to join the round, and the dealer only qualifies with 17 or over.
- Vegas Strip Blackjack
Unlike American Blackjack, Vegas Strip Blackjack is played with four decks. Similar to other blackjack variations, players can double down on any hand. The dealer can also peek for blackjack.
What Blackjack Variant Should You Choose?
Choosing a blackjack variant can be tricky, especially if you’re a beginner. Luckily, there are some factors you should pay attention to that can make your decision a little easier.
The first step is to understand the game’s rules. Additionally, it’s advisable to take your time to study the bets and potential payouts. When you’re comfortable with a variant, start looking into strategies to help manage your bankroll better.
Best blackjack variations in terms of profitability
Some players tend to choose a blackjack variant based on its profitability. Blackjack’s profits can be measured in two main ways – house edge or payouts. The lower the house edge, the more likely players can win, resulting in significant profits.
Lowest house edge blackjack variants
Discover the types of blackjack with the lowest house edge:
- Blackjack Charlie 7 – The additional winning condition of a seven-card hand helps lower the house edge to 0.16%.
- Single Deck Blackjack – Since it’s played with only one deck, this variant makes it easier to count cards, reducing the house edge to 0.25%.
Highest payout blackjack variants
Check out what blackjack variations have the highest payouts:
- Perfect Pairs Blackjack – Winning a perfect pairs side bet pays up to 30x your stake.
- Spanish 21 – This variant has several side bets that can pay you up to 50x your bet.
Best blackjack variations for your skill level
Skill is an essential part of blackjack. Some types of blackjack are aimed at beginners, while advanced players prefer others. See how the variant you choose makes a difference:
Top blackjack variations for beginners
- Single Deck Blackjack – This is one of the most straightforward blackjack variations to learn, as it only has one deck.
- American Blackjack – Since it’s the most common blackjack variant, you can easily find information about this game.
Best blackjack variations for experienced players
- Blackjack Switch – The switch mechanic adds a new layer of depth to the game, making it perfect for advanced players.
- Multi-Hand Blackjack – Experienced players will likely have the skill to play multiple hands simultaneously.
Blackjack Variations to Avoid
Even though blackjack is an exciting casino game, there are some variants you should avoid playing. See why we don’t recommend them below:
- Pontoon – Since it’s very different from traditional blackjack, playing pontoon requires a lot of knowledge about the game.
- 3 Card Blackjack – This game has a lower house edge and requires players to place a bet to join the round.
Frequently Asked Questions
