Blackjack Variations: Complete Guide to Every Version (2025)
Blackjack has spawned dozens of exciting variations over the years. Each offers unique twists on the classic game, with different rules, payouts, and house edges. This guide covers every major blackjack variation you'll find in casinos.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Variation | House Edge | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Blackjack | 0.5% | Standard rules |
| Spanish 21 | 0.4% | No 10s, bonus payouts |
| Double Exposure | 0.7% | Both dealer cards visible |
| Blackjack Switch | 0.6% | Swap cards between hands |
| Pontoon | 0.4% | British variant, different terms |
| Super Fun 21 | 0.9% | Many liberal rules, reduced payout |
| Perfect Pairs | 0.5%+ | Side bet for pairs |
| 21+3 | 0.5%+ | Poker side bet |
Classic Blackjack Variants
Single Deck Blackjack
House Edge: 0.17% (lowest possible)
Single deck games offer the best odds because:
- Easier to track card distribution
- Better penetration for card counters
- More predictable outcomes
Caution: Many single deck games pay 6:5 on blackjack, which raises the house edge to 1.45%. Always verify the payout.
Double Deck Blackjack
House Edge: 0.35%
A good balance between low house edge and game speed. Popular in downtown Las Vegas and many regional casinos.
6-Deck and 8-Deck Shoe Games
House Edge: 0.5-0.6%
The standard on the Las Vegas Strip and most modern casinos. More cards mean:
- Harder to card count
- More consistent odds
- Faster dealing
Spanish 21
House Edge: 0.4% (with perfect strategy)
Spanish 21 removes all 10-value cards (not face cards) from the deck, creating a 48-card Spanish deck.
Key Rules
- Player 21 always wins (even against dealer 21)
- Late surrender available
- Double down on any number of cards
- Re-split aces and hit/double after
- Bonus payouts for special 21 combinations
Bonus Payouts
| Hand | Payout |
|---|---|
| 5-card 21 | 3:2 |
| 6-card 21 | 2:1 |
| 7+ card 21 | 3:1 |
| 6-7-8 suited | 2:1 |
| 7-7-7 suited | 3:1 |
| 7-7-7 suited vs dealer 7 | $1,000-$5,000 |
Despite removing 10s, the bonus payouts and liberal rules make this one of the best blackjack variants.
Double Exposure Blackjack
House Edge: 0.69%
Also called "Face Up 21" or "Dealer Disclosure." Both dealer cards are dealt face up.
Rule Adjustments
- Blackjack pays even money (1:1)
- Dealer wins all ties (except blackjack)
- Usually 8 decks
- Some games limit doubling and splitting
Strategy Changes
Seeing both dealer cards dramatically changes strategy. You know exactly what you're playing against, but the tie rule and reduced blackjack payout offset this advantage.
Blackjack Switch
House Edge: 0.58%
You play two hands and can switch the second cards between them.
Example
- Hand 1: 5-10
- Hand 2: 6-6
- After switch: 5-6 and 10-6
Rule Adjustments
- Blackjack pays 1:1 (not 3:2)
- Dealer 22 pushes all hands (except blackjack)
- Super Match side bet available
The switch option adds a strategic element that many players enjoy.
Pontoon (British Blackjack)
House Edge: 0.38% (with perfect strategy)
The British version of blackjack with different terminology and rules.
Terminology Differences
| Blackjack Term | Pontoon Term |
|---|---|
| Blackjack | Pontoon |
| Hit | Twist |
| Stand | Stick |
| Double | Buy |
Key Rules
- Both dealer cards face down
- Must hit on 14 or less
- 5-card trick (21 or under with 5 cards) pays 2:1
- Pontoon pays 2:1
- Dealer wins ties
Super Fun 21
House Edge: 0.94%
Very player-friendly rules, but blackjack pays even money (except in diamonds).
Liberal Rules
- Player blackjack always wins
- Diamond blackjack pays 2:1
- Late surrender any time
- Double on any number of cards
- Split up to 4 hands
- Re-split aces
Why It's Tricky
The even money blackjack payout significantly increases the house edge, making those liberal rules less valuable than they appear.
Side Bet Variations
Perfect Pairs
Bet on your first two cards being a pair:
- Mixed pair (different suits): 5:1
- Colored pair (same color): 12:1
- Perfect pair (same suit): 25:1
House edge: 4-8% (avoid as a regular bet)
21+3
Combines your first two cards with dealer's upcard for poker hands:
- Flush: 5:1
- Straight: 10:1
- Three of a Kind: 30:1
- Straight Flush: 40:1
- Suited Three of a Kind: 100:1
House edge: 3-7%
Insurance and Even Money
Not a separate game, but worth mentioning:
- Insurance: 7.7% house edge
- Even money: Same as insurance
- Never take either!
Regional Variations
Vegas Strip Rules
- 4-8 decks
- Dealer stands on soft 17
- Double after split allowed
- Re-split to 4 hands
- No surrender
Downtown Vegas Rules
- 1-2 decks more common
- Dealer hits soft 17
- More 3:2 games available
- Better penetration
Atlantic City Rules
- 8 decks standard
- Dealer stands on soft 17
- Late surrender available
- No re-split aces
European Blackjack
- No hole card
- Dealer only takes second card after players act
- Lose doubles and splits if dealer has blackjack
Which Variation Should You Play?
Best for Beginners
Classic 6-Deck Blackjack — Standard rules, easy strategy
Best Odds
Single Deck with 3:2 — If you can find it, 0.17% house edge
Most Fun
Blackjack Switch — The switching mechanic adds excitement
Best Bonus Potential
Spanish 21 — Bonus payouts make big hands more rewarding
Avoid
- Any game paying 6:5 on blackjack
- Side bets as regular strategy
- Games where dealer wins ties
Related Guides
- Master basic strategy: Blackjack Strategy
- Understand the math: Blackjack Odds
- Quick reference: Blackjack Cheat Sheet
- Complete rules: Blackjack Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bottom Line
Try different variations to keep blackjack fresh and exciting. Just remember to learn the specific strategy for each variation — what works in classic blackjack may not be optimal in Spanish 21 or Double Exposure.
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