Blackjackil have different variations with personalised rules. Nevertheless, the basic rules and the main different types of blackjack remain unchanged in all recognised versions throughout the world.

Basic rules of Blackjack

In Blackjack, the primary objective is to obtain a hand with a higher point value than the dealer's hand, without going over a total of 21 points. The game employs a standard 52-card deck.
At the beginning of each round, players and the dealer are dealt two cards, with one of the dealer's cards facing up. During their turn, players have several choices:

• Hit: draw an extra card to improve your hand.
• Booth: end your turn without drawing a new card.
• Double: double your bet, draw another card and complete your turn.
• Split: create two separate hands if the two original cards have the same value.
• Surrender: lose half the bet and quit the game.

Once the players complete their turns, the dealer continues to draw cards until reaching a total of 17 or higher. The dealer cannot double, split, or surrender. If the dealer exceeds 21 points, all players win. Achieving a total of 21 with the initial two cards is known as a natural or Blackjack, and the player wins unless the dealer also has a Blackjack. In such a case, it results in a "push" or "standoff," and bets are returned to the players.
Remember that there may be slight rule variations depending on the specific casino or region where you are playing. Always check the table rules before starting a game.

Most popular types of blackjack

Here are some of the most common types of blackjack:

1. Classic Blackjack
2. European Blackjack
3. Atlantic City Blackjack
4. Spanish 21
5. Pontoon
6. Vegas Strip Blackjack
7. Blackjack Switch
8. Double Exposure Blackjack
9. Super Fun 21
10. Blackjack Surrender

Classic Blackjack

Classic Blackjack, also known as Traditional Blackjack or 21, is the foundational and widely recognized version of the game. It epitomizes the essence of Blackjack with its straightforward rules and timeless appeal.
In Classic Blackjack, players aim to defeat the dealer by acquiring a hand value as close to 21 as possible, without exceeding it. The game is typically played with one to eight standard decks of 52 playing cards, depending on the casino or platform.
Card values are simple to grasp: number cards retain their face value, face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are each worth 10 points, and Aces can be counted as either 1 or 11, depending on the player's preference.
The player and the dealer are dealt two cards each at the start of the round. The player's cards are typically dealt face-up, while one of the dealer's cards is face-up, allowing players to make informed decisions based on the dealer's visible card.

European Blackjack

One of the key distinctions of this type is that the dealer receives only one face-up card at the start of the round. The dealer does not receive a hole card (second card) until all players have completed their hands.
This single face-up card for the dealer means that the dealer doesn't check for blackjack immediately after dealing with the cards, providing a unique dynamic to the gameplay. Players may need to adjust their strategies slightly when facing this version, as they won't know if the dealer has a natural 21 (blackjack) until all players have completed their turns.
European Blackjack often follows traditional rules, making it accessible to enthusiasts. The dealer's single face-up card adds a unique dynamic to the gameplay.

Atlantic City Blackjack

Atlantic City Blackjack is a popular variation of the classic blackjack game, often found in casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and other gambling destinations. It shares many similarities with traditional blackjack, but it also introduces some unique features that make it stand out.
In Atlantic City Blackjack, players have the opportunity to enjoy late surrender, meaning they can give up their hand and forfeit half of their bet after the dealer checks for blackjack. This option provides added flexibility in managing the risk during gameplay.
Additionally, Atlantic City Blackjack commonly allows players to double down after splitting pairs, which can be advantageous when they have strong hands after splitting.
Atlantic City Blackjack is a popular choice for casual players and seasoned gamblers seeking a unique twist on the classic game.

Spanish 21

Spanish 21 stands as a blackjack variation characterized by the exclusion of all 10s from the deck. In this version, the deck consists of only 48 cards, excluding all cards with a value of 10 (i.e., 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings).
Despite the absence of 10s, Spanish 21 offers various bonus payouts and favorable rules for players to compensate for the reduced deck size. These bonuses often include special payouts for specific hand combinations, such as a 21-point hand with five or more cards, a 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 combination of mixed suits, and more.
Players have the option to double any number of cards and deal a few times multiple times, creating more opportunities for big wins.
The lack of 10's brings players the unique challenge of adapting their strategies and playing with different odds and probabilities compared to traditional blackjack.

Pontoon

In Pontoon, both dealer cards are dealt face-down, creating an element of mystery and suspense as players don't know the dealer's hand until the end of the round.
The goal remains unchanged – to attain a hand value as near to 21 as possible without surpassing it. However, in Pontoon, a hand with a total value of 21 is called a "Pontoon," and it is the highest-ranking hand, even higher than a regular blackjack. This unique hand pays out at a higher rate, adding excitement to the gameplay.
Moreover, in Pontoon, exceeding 21 results in an automatic loss, known as a "bust." The absence of a visible dealer card during the initial stage of the game adds an extra layer of challenge and requires players to make strategic decisions based on the probabilities and their hand's composition.

Vegas Strip Blackjack

Vegas Strip Blackjack is a widely played variation found in Las Vegas casinos and online gaming platforms. It closely follows the traditional rules of blackjack, making it easy for players to transition to this version.
One of the key features that set Vegas Strip Blackjack apart is the availability of slight rule variations in doubling down and splitting. In this version, players often have the option to double down after splitting pairs, which can be advantageous in certain situations to maximize potential winnings.
Additionally, Vegas Strip Blackjack typically offers more liberal doubling-down options, allowing players to double down on any two cards. This increased flexibility provides players with more strategic choices to optimize their bets and potentially improve their chances of winning.
Due to its popularity and relatively player-friendly rules, Vegas Strip Blackjack is a favorite among both seasoned blackjack players and newcomers.

Blackjack Switch

In this version, players are dealt two hands instead of the usual one. They have the opportunity to switch the second card from each hand with one another, effectively creating new and potentially stronger hands.
This unique rule adds an exciting element of strategy and decision-making, as players can optimize their hand values by swapping cards. The option to switch cards can be advantageous in various situations, allowing players to turn two weak hands into two strong ones or even create a blackjack (a hand with a total value of 21) from what were initially two mediocre hands.
While Blackjack Switch provides an advantage by enabling players to improve their hands, it also introduces some rule modifications to balance the gameplay. Notably, a dealer's hand with a total of 22 results in a push (a tie) against non-blackjack hands instead of being a bust.

double exposure Blackjack

In this version, both of the dealer's cards are dealt face-up, giving players the advantage of knowing the dealer's complete hand from the beginning of the round.
This key difference significantly alters the strategy and dynamics of the game. Although players benefit from the advantage of viewing the dealer's cards, it also entails that the dealer triumphs in all ties, with the exception of a player's blackjack. This rule change adds an interesting twist to the gameplay, requiring players to adapt their strategies accordingly.
Double Exposure Blackjack offers a higher level of transparency and information, allowing players to make more informed decisions during the course of the game. However, it also presents unique challenges and requires players to carefully consider their moves to beat the dealer's hand effectively.

Super Fun 21

One of the key features of Super Fun 21 is the enhanced payout for a blackjack hand consisting of a diamond-suited Ace and a 10-point card. This special hand usually pays out at a higher rate, adding an extra level of excitement to the game.
Super Fun 21 also allows players to achieve automatic wins with certain hand combinations. For instance, a hand totaling 20 points or less with six or more cards is an automatic winner. This rule provides additional winning opportunities and keeps players engaged throughout the game.
Furthermore, players often have more liberal doubling and splitting options in Super Fun 21, allowing them to maximize their bets and potential winnings. These player-friendly rules make the game even more enjoyable and appealing to a wide range of players.

Blackjack Surrender

Blackjack Surrender presents an alluring twist on the classic blackjack game, granting players the enticing choice to surrender their hand and reclaim half of their initial bet before the dealer verifies for blackjack. This unique rule adds an additional layer of strategic decision-making, allowing players to cut their losses when they believe their hand has a lower chance of winning.
The surrender option in Blackjack Surrender provides players with more control over their gameplay and minimizes potential losses in unfavorable situations. It is particularly beneficial when facing a strong dealer's upcard, or when the player's hand is considered weak or unlikely to improve significantly with additional cards.
The availability of surrender enhances the overall gaming experience by providing an opportunity for more conservative players to mitigate risks while still enjoying the excitement and thrill of the game.