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Among casino games, blackjack has the most number of variations. European casinos follow a set of rules which are significantly different from casinos in the US and North America. In fact, there are variations even among land-based casinos in the US. For instance, rules in Las Vegas casinos are different from the rules adopted in Atlantic City casinos. While the basic principles remain the same among all casinos, there are variations when it comes to instances where a player will be allowed to split or double down as well as in the number of decks that are used.
On the other hand, online casinos normally alter the basic structure of the blackjack game and offer several variations. These inherent variety and innovativeness of the game are the main drivers and the reason why it has turned into a favorite option among card players and casino habitués.
Chinese Blackjack
Chinese blackjack adopts rules that are similar to those adopted in conventional blackjack. This means that the main goal of players is to beat the dealer without going bust. A player goes bust and loses the wager if he exceeds 21 points. However, there are also some important rules that are unique to Chinese blackjack and apply to both the dealers and the players. For instance, any player in a Chinese blackjack game can become a dealer for a particular hand and another player can again become the dealer for the next round.
Pontoon
Pontoon is considered to be one of the more popular variations of blackjack. It is also described in card gaming circuits as the English “brother” of blackjack. However, it is important that you don’t mix up blackjack with Pontoon, since the first one is normally used in reference to the American version of the card game while the second one refers to the English version. English Pontoon is also different from the Australian Pontoon. The latter is normally considered as the unlicensed variant of the Spanish 21.
Spanish 21
Contrary to common belief, Spanish 21 did not originate in Spain. This blackjack variation was initially introduced in the US in 1995. It was developed by a casino employee primarily to give card players the chance to find pleasure when playing the card game and enjoy more opportunities to win. It came to be known as such due to the fact that the deck of 48 cards known as Spanish deck is used for this blackjack variation.
Elimination Blackjack
This variation of blackjack is the tournament version of the card game. The main objective of this blackjack game, which is a combination of Texas Hold ’em and conventional blackjack, is not only to beat the dealer but the other players as well. This is simply a winner-takes-all type of card game, and the last player that remains on the blackjack table is declared winner.
Blackjack Switch
Blackjack switch is a variation of the card game where players are allowed to make switches of the cards on the two hands. This allows players to optimize their chances of winning by coming up with the best combinations when playing with two hands.
Vegas Strip
Vegas Strip is the blackjack variation which is popular in Las Vegas. It was named after the popular Boulevard South in Las Vegas where major casinos of the city are located. This card game is played based on rules that are similar to the ones used in conventional blackjack. However, there are some slight differences in the rules and these slight differences make it unique from the conventional blackjack.
Perfect Pairs
The perfect pairs follow the same rules used in conventional blackjack. What is unique about this blackjack variation is that players can make side bets for a pair in the initial hand. Your main objective remains the same – beat the dealer by having higher points without going bust or getting a blackjack.
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