John Ford | December 22, 2020 | Updated on: January 29th, 2021
Blackjack is one of the famed table games available to you today. We are certain you’ve all played the traditional version of the game, but thankfully, many other blackjack variations exist giving you more options and more opportunities to win real money. Stay with us as we talk you through the different blackjack variations. We also share the rules and gameplay of each, and some tips to help you win.
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Types of Blackjack Games
There are about 20 blackjack variations for you to explore at the casinos that we have listed above. And, while we would love to dive into all 20 variations, we’ve decided to uncover our top 5 favorites. Have a look at what they are below:
Blackjack Switch
Blackjack Switch (sometimes also referred to as Blackjack Exchange) is one of the variants you can play at online casinos. In the traditional version on the game, you have one hand and must build the best possible hand with the cards you are dealt.
However, in blackjack switch you will receive two hands and are able to exchange cards between the two. For example, if your first hand is made up of an Ace and an 8, and your second hand is made up of a 10 and an 8, then you may switch the 8 in the first hand for the ten in the second hand.
Your new hands will then be a natural blackjack and a 16, meaning at least one win.
Pontoon
This blackjack variation is popular in Asia and Australia and is played like Spanish 21. What sets Pontoon apart from the traditional version of the game is the fact that all number 10 cards are removed from the deck.
In this game, the dealer has no hole card and his second card remains face down until the end of the round. To win, you must secure a Pontoon which is an Ace card and a 10.
Perfect Pairs Blackjack
Perfect pairs blackjack is played just like traditional blackjack, only this version has an additional perfect pairs side bet option.
So, at the start of the game you decide whether you would like to bet on a perfect pair, which assumes that you will get dealt a pair. Your side bet amount must match your original wager.
Double Exposure Blackjack
In double exposure blackjack, both the dealer’s cards are dealt face up, hence the name “double exposure”. This is a big advantage for the player, but there are some additional rules that come with double exposure blackjack to make it fair for both sides.
One of the rules is that the dealer wins on any tie, and a natural blackjack pays even money instead of 3 :2 like in other versions.
Match Play 21
The difference in Match Play 21 is in the payout structure of the game. This blackjack variant is played in exactly the same way as the traditional game with the exception of payouts. Have a look at the payouts below:
- A natural blackjack pays 3 to 1 not 3 to 2.
- If you have blackjack that consists of three 7’s and the dealer also has a 7 in his hand, you will be paid 40 to 1.
- If you build a hand of 6, 7, and 8 in the spades suit, you will receive a payout of 3 to 1.
Play Blackjack Variations for Real Money
Each blackjack variant we mention above is available for real money. But you also have the option of playing these blackjack games for free! Playing free games at first is a great way of familiarizing yourself with the rules of the game and testing out a strategy.
When you are ready, visit any of the trusted casinos above. Our casinos are tested for fairness and offer the most secure gambling experiences.
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