Variations of Blackjack

The traditional game of blackjack (also referred to as 21) has evolved into a wide variety of challenging versions. Most of the games stick to the standard rules but incorporate minor rule changes, bonus bets, and modified payout tables. Some offer several varieties of side bets and other appealing betting alternatives. So, if you're looking to spice up your blackjack routine, take a look at some of the most popular blackjack game variations you may want to try.

The following are some of the most widely played types of games, although truthfully there are hundreds of blackjack varieties out there. Most are simply combinations of the characteristics listed below or use multiple different numbers of decks. As you probably know, the number of 52-card decks used can make a big difference in the odds. Theoretically, there are unlimited combinations of blackjack rules with each creating a different type of game!

Spanish 21

Spanish 21 is a variation of the basic blackjack game created centuries ago. In the original game created, the cards with a face value of 10 did not exist—only the face cards like jacks, queens, and kings that carry a point value of 10. Spanish 21 uses this concept and normally removes all the 10s from the deck but keeps several decks.

This rule alteration favors the casino slightly, so other rules were adjusted to keep players engaged. In Spanish 21, if the player gets 21, they immediately win—whether the dealer has 21 as well or not. It also features exciting side bets like the 6-7-8 bonus, which pays 3:2 or 2:1 for matched hands. A big bonus is paid out when you hit three sevens (777) and the dealer's upcard is a 7—this can pay up to $1,000!

Blackjack Switch

This is one of the more unique versions of blackjack. In Blackjack Switch, each player is dealt two cards for the same bet. So essentially, you're playing two hands at once.

As the name suggests, you can swap the second cards of your two hands. This helps you transform two poor hands into two good hands. Because this raises your odds significantly, casinos introduced a balancing rule: if the dealer ends up with 22, it is a push and not a loss. In regular blackjack, if the dealer busts on 22, it's a win for the player—here, though, it's merely a push. That gives back the edge to the casino.

Double Exposure Blackjack

If you've ever wanted to see both of the dealer's cards, Double Exposure Blackjack might be your game. In this game, both of the dealer's cards are dealt face-up instead of one being concealed.

This obviously gives players a huge advantage, so some of the rules are adjusted to make things more equal. For instance, if a hand is a push, the dealer wins instead of the hand being a push. Also, the natural blackjack pays only even money (1:1) instead of the usual 3:2, again to make the house edge more equal.

Bust It Blackjack

You’d be lucky to find this rare variant in a casino today. Bust It Blackjack includes a side bet that the dealer will bust by drawing a 10-value card. This side bet pays 2:1.

It's especially appealing when the dealer holds a "stiff" hand like 16—because getting a 10 would bust him, and that's statistically highly likely. Card counters found a colossal edge in this game, however, by tracking how many 10s are still in the deck, so it's easy to predict busts and be a huge winner. Because of this loophole, the game has largely disappeared from casinos.

Super Fun 21

This is a lighthearted, exciting variation of blackjack. The rules are standard, but there is an optional $1 side bet. If you receive a natural blackjack and the dealer does not, you win the bonus side bet.

For odds, the bonus payout can range from 5:1 to 1000:1 ($5 to $1,000). It's an enjoyable, faster version that adds some extra excitement to the standard game.

Royal Match

Royal Match is another side bet blackjack variation. A player can make a side bet that his first two cards are of the same suit (a "suited" hand). Such a bet generally pays 3:1.

There is a big bonus if the two cards are a "royal match" (a king and queen of the same suit). In that case, the payout is raised to 10:1.

Over/Under 13

This version includes a side bet on whether your initial two cards equal more or less than 13. You can't wager on the amount being 13.

So the name—Over/Under 13—you simply choose whether or not your sum will be over or under 13. The side bet is 1:1, but if your sum is 13 precisely, the house always wins. Also notice that in this version, all the aces are worth 1 (not 1 or 11), lowering your chances a bit.

Red/Black Blackjack

This is played as blackjack roulette. Red/Black is a side bet on whether the dealer's upcard will be red or black. It's a 50/50 roulette bet.

But the house always wins when the dealer's upcard is a 2—just as the "zero" of roulette gives the house its edge. You can't bet on the dealer being dealt a 2.

The red/black side bet also pays 1:1. Others try to improve their opportunity by paying attention to the remaining suits and 2s in the deck, but because there are an equal amount of black and red cards, the chances will always be almost 50/50. However, if a significant number of red cards have already been dealt out, there is a greater likelihood of drawing a black one. That's why it is sort of like roulette—except there, past hands can't quite give you an advantage.