Playing blackjack is a great way to learn different skills, including counting cards and basic strategy. It can also be an entertaining diversion for those who enjoy the thrill of victory but hate busting their bankroll! The rules of playing blackjack are simple: you take turns making bets with other players at your table. Once all cards have been played in a hand, each player receives one card dealt face up. If any player’s total or final “hand” reaches 21 points, he or she wins the game.
Of course, there are variations of blackjack that allow for more wagering options than just betting on whether or not a certain number will be reached within a specific time period. This article provides some of the best blackjack variations online right now.
Spanish 21
The Spanish 21 variation of blackjack gives players three additional betting options beyond basic play. If no player has busted (reached 21) by the end of the first round, each player gets another turn to make bets. Of course, if someone does bust his hand, then they stay out of the second round and everyone else gets a fresh start. In case no one busts during the second round, the third and final bet is made.
If the dealer also hits on blackjack, the pot grows. However, if his hit lands on soft 17, the pot remains unchanged. Then it continues until the last round, where only two hands remain. At this point, everyone who hasn’t already gone bust goes home empty-handed. If you like the idea of having several opportunities to win big, give Spanish 21 a try.
Super 21
This blackjack variation was originally created as a competition between various casinos in Las Vegas. Each casino had its own “house advantage” based on which version of the house edge they wanted to promote. Super 21 is one of the most popular versions available today because it offers a lower house edge while still being fairly challenging.
How to Play
In addition to standard play, Super 21 allows for optional side bets such as doubling down or splitting pairs. For example, before the dealer deals the cards, both sides may choose to double their bets. Both sides get their money doubled, and the winning bet pays off at even odds. To split pairs, each side must put half their original bet on the pair of cards that come next. If the dealer also gets 16, the dealer gets paid 3 to 1.
Double Exposure
Double exposure is basically a straight-up variant of regular 21. Instead of a single deck, players use an extra deck. If the dealer shows a 7 through 10, both players automatically lose. Otherwise, it plays like blackjack proper.
How to Play
While the game is easier to understand, Double Exposure requires a bit more skill to master. Players must carefully track the value of their hands so they won’t go broke quickly. As the name implies, Double Exposure takes longer to complete than traditional 21. After every six deals, the dealer discards a sixth of the decks used in play. Since it is possible to reach 20 without using a full deck, many people find this aspect frustrating. But after you get comfortable with the game, you might enjoy learning how to beat Double Exposure.
European Blackjack
One of the biggest mistakes newbie online blackjack players make is believing that European blackjack is harder than American style. This isn’t necessarily true. The main difference between the games boils down to the fact that European blackjack allows you to take additional wagers cheap tag heuer replica. For example, instead of making just five betting rounds, you can make as many as 15. You also get a whole separate set of rules to abide by.
How to Play
Like other blackjack variations, European involves dealing from a single deck, but you don’t have any chances to take insurance on your card. So instead, you should focus on figuring out when to stand and when to double. There are no free spins here either, although you do get some bonus payouts if you catch lucky streaks.
How to Win European Blackjack
The way to win is pretty simple: be aware of what the dealer’s upcard is. In order to determine whether to stay or fold, you must first check the dealer’s hand against your own. Your goal is to see if he has 18 or below. If he does, then you’re good and need to take your loss. On the other hand, if the dealer has a 9, 10 or 11 (or higher), you want to hit. A king will always beat anything else, except for a queen, jack or ace. Even though these are exceptions, they happen far less frequently than they do in blackjack. By hitting, you force the dealer to bust and give you some chips. With these chips, you can buy another round of betting, essentially doubling your wager.