Guide to Blackjack Variants and Rule Variations

Popular Online Blackjack Variations 

Here’s a rundown of seven of the most popular types of blackjack and how they flip the script on the traditional game:

Single-Deck Blackjack

Features: One deck, 3:2 blackjack payout, limited double downs, dealer hits on soft 17 

House Edge: 0.15%

Single-deck blackjack puts a key twist on the classic game: playing with a single deck of 52 cards. This variant makes tracking the numbers much easier, making it popular with card counters. With the right strategy, you can also knock the house edge down to just 0.15%. Payouts are often at 3:2, but there are some restrictions, like only being able to double down on totals like 9, 10, or 11. Also, the dealer can hit on soft 17.

Double Deck Blackjack

Features: Two decks, 3:2 blackjack payout, limited double downs, dealer hits on soft 17 

House Edge: 0.25%

Like single-deck blackjack, double-deck blackjack focuses on the number of decks, this time using two. Typically, the house edge hovers around 0.34%, but it can drop below 0.25%. There are also more specific variations, like differing stipulations on when you can double down or how splits are handled.

Pontoon

Features: Dealer’s cards face down, can stick only on 15 or more, five-card trick pays extra, dealer wins push, Sweet 16 side bet option.

House Edge: 0.38%

Pontoon is an exciting type of blackjack that’s popular in the UK and Australia. Here, “hit” is called “twist,” “stand” is “stick,” and “double down” is “buy.” You can only stick on 15 or more, and if you choose to buy, you can twist afterward, which is not typically allowed in traditional blackjack. A “Pontoon” pays 2:1, the same as a five-card hand (five-card trick) that doesn’t bust, which also tops any non-pontoon 21. However, there’s no push on ties; the dealer wins those.

Spanish 21

Features: No tens used; player 21 always wins; player blackjack beats dealer blackjack; expanded doubling options; special payouts on certain hands; bonus payouts.

House Edge: 0.40%

Spanish 21 removes all the 10s to tip the edge slightly toward the house. The trade-off is more player-friendly rules. You can double down on any number of cards, even after splits, and surrender after doubling down. The game boosts payouts for specific hands, too. For instance, getting a 21 with 5, 6, or 7 cards pays extra, as do combos like 6-7-8 or 7-7-7. Plus, any player 21 beats a dealer blackjack.

Blackjack Switch

Features: Two hands per player; ability to switch top cards; dealer hits on soft 17; player blackjack pays 1 to 1; dealer 22 pushes against all non-busted hands.

House Edge: 0.58%

In Blackjack Switch, you play two hands simultaneously and can switch the top two cards right after the initial deal. The trade-offs for such a tactical edge include blackjack paying even money instead of the typical 3:2. Also, if the dealer hits 22, it’s a push against all player hands that haven’t busted. Besides these tweaks, you can still double down, split, and take insurance, just like in the classic variant.

European Blackjack

Features: Two decks; no hole card; doubles on 9/10/11 only; split once

House Edge: 0.65%

The main difference between European and American Blackjack lies in the card dealing. In American Blackjack, the dealer receives two cards right away. With European Blackjack, they start with one face up, then wait to receive the second card until the other players have played their hands. Not knowing whether the dealer has a blackjack right off the bat has a major impact on your decisions. Additionally, you can only double down on totals of 9, 10, or 11, while re-splitting isn’t always permitted. 

Double Exposure Blackjack

Features: Both dealer cards face up; player loses ties; blackjack pays 1 to 1; no insurance bets; dealer hits on soft 17.

House Edge: 0.67%

Double Exposure Blackjack shows both dealers’ cards right off the bat. It’s a significant advantage to see and plan your moves, but it comes at a cost: blackjack pays even money, not the usual 3:2. Another critical rule is that the dealer wins all ties, except if both of you hit blackjack—then you win. Rules like splitting and doubling down usually stick, but they can vary depending on the specific title.

Zappit Blackjack

Features: Ability to discard and replace 15, 16, 17 hands; dealer hits on soft 17; natural blackjack pays 3:2; blackjack after “zap” pays 1:1; player can only split once, push on dealer 22.

House Edge: 0.71%

Have you ever gotten a hand that you just wished you could ditch and draw anew? Zappit Blackjack lets you do precisely that when you land a hard total of 15, 16, or 17. Hit the “zap” button, and you can swap out your hand. Just remember, any blackjack you hit after zapping pays even money, not the usual 3:2. Also, if the dealer goes bust with a 22, it’s a push, not a win.

Casino with Great Online Blackjack Variety 

BetUS stands out as one of the top blackjack casinos. Its broad selection of options includes over 58 titles, including all the variations we’ve covered above. Bets start at $0.10 on random number generator (RNG) games, ramping up to $500 at high-roller tables. Beginners can also enjoy handy guides and demo modes with each variant.

Live dealer games add a touch of class and realism, with stakes ranging from $1 to a whopping $10,000. Don’t miss the daily blackjack tournaments, either. Entry fees are about $5, while prize pools are usually around $500.

Blackjack Games with Side Bets or Bonuses  

Side bets and bonuses in blackjack games are there to give players a chance at bigger wins than the usual 3:2 payout. Most often, these don’t mess with the main goal of hitting 21 but rather zero in on the specific cards you might draw. Here’s a closer look:

Rolling Stack Blackjack

Features: Standard blackjack play, side bet winnings can be collected or added to the main bet, potential side-bet payouts up to 9:1

House Edge (Side Bet): 2.79%

Rolling Stack Blackjack starts just like the classic, with one major exception. Alongside your initial bet, you can place an extra wager on specific two-card starts—an Ace-King Suited, Straight Flush, Pair, or Straight. If you win the side bet, the “Rolling Stack” element gives you a choice: take the winnings or stack them onto your main bet against the dealer. Because you know what’s in your hand, the intrigue lies in weighing your confidence against the risk.

Suit ‘Em Up Blackjack

Features: Standard blackjack play, Suit ‘Em Up side bet, pays for suited pairs, higher payouts for suited aces

House Edge (Side Bet): 4.65%

Suit ‘Em Up blackjack spices things up with potential payouts up to 60:1 when your first two cards are the same suit. The highest payoff often comes from drawing two aces of the same kind. Meanwhile, a blackjack with matching suits also yields a generous return, generally around 10:1.

Blackjack Perfect Pairs

Features: Standard blackjack play, optional Perfect Pairs side bet, side bet pays on any pair, higher payouts for colored and suited pairs.

House Edge (Side Bet): 8.05% (assuming 8 decks)

In Blackjack Perfect Pairs, an added side bet lets you wager on landing a pair with your first two cards. You have three types to aim for:

• Perfect Pair (same suit and rank): (25:1 payout)
• Colored Pair (same color and rank): (12:1 payout)
• Mixed Pair (same rank, different colors): (6:1 payout)

This side bet is entirely separate from your main blackjack hand, meaning you can win the Perfect Pairs bet even if you lose to the dealer.

Super 7 Blackjack

Features: Standard blackjack rules, Super 7 side bet, side bet pays on sevens in hand, higher payouts for multiple sevens, extra payout for suited sevens,

House Edge (Side Bet): 11.4%

Super 7 is like a dynamic spin-off of Suit ‘Em Up. You can bet on your first card being a seven before the cards even hit the table. Payouts also increase if more sevens follow, depending on what suits they are. If the first card is a seven, that’s 3:1. Two unsuited sevens pay out 50:1, while suited sevens go up to 100:1. The real game-changer is landing three sevens of the suit, which rockets the prize to an eye-popping 5,000:1.

Progressive Blackjack

Features: Standard blackjack play, optional progressive side bet, side bet wins on specific card combinations

House Edge: 40%–55% (depending on the progressive jackpot)

Some blackjack variants feature a progressive jackpot, similar to online slots. Games like Betsoft’s Supreme 777 Jackpots include a side bet you can place to qualify for the progressive jackpot. A portion of each wager feeds into the pot, which you can win by hitting specific card combinations laid out in the game’s rules. 

Live Dealer Blackjack Variations 

If you’re ready to move up from playing against algorithms, check out what live dealer blackjack casinos have to offer. These platforms stream live from specialized studios overseen by professional dealers. Let’s dive into some of the best options available to US players:

Blackjack Early Payout

Features: Possible early payout on each hand, multi-hand options, potential side bets

House Edge: 0.5%

Blackjack Early Payout lets you opt out after each card is dealt, locking in a sum the house offers instead of risking a less favorable outcome. The amount you receive depends on your hand and the dealer’s “up card.” Some versions also include two side bets. One involves betting whether your first two cards form a pair. The other involves wagering if your two cards and the dealer’s up card make a “Rummy” hand—either all the same rank, suit, or a straight.

Unlimited Bet Behind

Features: Unlimited players, bet on active players’ hands, payouts mirror main hand

House Edge: 0.5%

Offshore gambling sites like Bovada can have thousands of players active at any given moment. So, many blackjack tables are often fully occupied. That’s why many titles incorporate the Unlimited Bet Behind feature to let you join the action by wagering on seated players. Your fate depends on their actions and decisions. If they win, you get paid. If they lose, so do you. Some versions even allow you to place side bets and insurance.

VIP Blackjack

Features: High betting limits, exclusive tables, enhanced player interaction

House Edge: 0.6%

VIP Blackjack is a premium game variant found at live dealer casinos, tailored for those looking to bet big and enjoy a truly exclusive environment. The atmosphere is much more intense than alternative settings, with dealers specifically trained to manage the fast pace required by high-stake tables. Bets can go upwards of $50,000 per hand, and some setups even allow you to take it all in a one-on-one experience with the croupier.

Features of Blackjack Variations 

Most online casinos available to US players will have at least one blackjack variant. The top sites offer a more comprehensive array, though not all games have the same rules or payouts. Some have the dealer stand on a soft 17 or impose restrictions on re-splitting. Each factor influences the house edge and your potential profits.

Here are some of the most important features you should look out for:

• Number of Decks in Play: Most online blackjack games run with six to eight decks. The lower the number, the better your odds, as you can more effectively predict what’s coming next. Plus, it makes card counting much easier.
• Payout for Blackjack: Getting a blackjack (Ace + 10) usually pays 3:2. Some games offer 6:5 or even 1:1, especially in variants that provide other player advantages. Always look at the pay tables, even at the best online casinos, to see what they pay for a natural before jumping in.
• Dealer’s Soft 17: Whether the dealer stands or hits on a soft 17 impacts the overall house edge. Almost all European versions require standing, which shifts the balance slightly in your direction by about 0.2%.
• Doubling Down: Rules about when you can double down (on any two cards, only on certain totals, etc.) can impact your blackjack strategy and the game’s volatility. Small changes, like allowing doubling only on 9, 10, or 11, can push the house edge up by 0.18%.
• Doubling After Split: This is common in many different blackjack games, but if not allowed, the casino’s edge could increase by about 0.15%.
• Re-splitting: The ability to re-split hands means more chances to win against a weak dealer’s hand. Restrictions favor the house by 0.1% when compared to tables where it is permitted.
• Surrender Rule: The option to surrender can save half your bet on a losing hand. When used optimally, you could see an advantage of 0.6% in the long term.
• Dealer Peek: This rule prevents extra player losses by revealing if the dealer has blackjack before players continue the hand. It’s beneficial because you won’t be drawn into making additional bets that will end in a loss anyway.

What Online Blackjack Variation Will You Play?

Online blackjack variations add a fun new challenge, especially as you learn different strategies. However, keep in mind that each version tweaks the rules a bit. They can change how the game plays out, add a side bet, or allow you to see both dealer cards in exchange for a lower payout.

If you’re keen to get started, start by testing out the free demos. BetUS lets you test all its RNG games for free before you bet any real money. Then, when you’re ready for more, you can jump into live dealer titles or up the ante with one of the daily blackjack tournaments.

Charlon

Muscat

Content Specialist

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All the way from the renowned iGaming hub of Malta, Charlon has been contributing to the gambling industry since 2019. He began his career at Paddy Power™, but the onset of the pandemic led him to swap his nine-to-five for a life of full-time travel.

Throughout his journey, Charlon developed a successful freelance career, leveraging his prior industry knowledge and focusing on analyzing online casinos, sportsbooks, slots, payment methods, and current trends and strategies through the lens of an actual player.

See All Charlon’s Articles