There are many types of online Blackjack available in online casinos in NZ, but do you know the most popular ones? Also, there is a slight variation in rules depending on which exact variant you decide to go with.
As much as Blackjack is easy to understand, different game types with a unique set of rules come into play. Making sure that you know the rules is crucial for all Blackjack variations as there are some characteristic changes.
No matter which variant you decide to go with, we are here to help you out with the rules!
Most Popular Variations of the game
Of course, to lead you through the distinctive set of rules for each game type, you have to know the variations first. Depending on the rules and objectives of the game, here are the most frequent versions for the online market:
- Classic Blackjack
- Blackjack Switch
- War Blackjack
- European Blackjack
- Blackjack Spanish 21
- Vegas Strip
While the goal in most Blackjack variations is to accumulate the hand value closest to 21, the objectives may differ. It all depends on the exact variant you decide to go within a round of online Blackjack. So, hang on tight as we get on the drive through all the listed game categories!
How to Play Classic Blackjack?
Knowing the essence of the standard Blackjack game is the most valuable advice for understanding the variations. The main objective of the game is to accumulate the hand value closest to 21. This can be done in several ways; you can either get a natural, hit, or stand.
When the first two cards are dealt, you have to make a move depending on the current in-game situation. A natural Blackjack is formed with an ace and a 10-value card as the first two cards. Getting an ace is crucial here since 10-value cards are all the cards from 10 to King.
This makes it much easier to hit the natural as you only need one of those cards and an ace. You can also ask for another card by hitting, or stand if you are satisfied with the first two cards dealt. You should stand if your total is close to 21 and the third card would probably make the total higher.
If you go over 21, it’s a bust and you lose your initial stake. Classic Blackjack comes in many forms for the online market. You can either access real-time live Blackjack tables or decide to go with RNG variants such as virtual Blackjack.
Playing Blackjack Switch
Blackjack Switch is a bit rarer variant for the online casino field and you can use the sign-up bonus to play it. By testing the game, you will instantly spot the differences between this type of Blackjack and Classic Blackjack.
This game makes the dealer hit on soft 17s and you can double up your bet at any point. Also, it’s an exciting addition that you can switch cards between the two rounds. This adds up to the name of the game and the overall playing convenience of Blackjack Switch.
War Blackjack
This is an exotic variant of online Blackjack and it is fairly rare in the field. To play this type of Blackjack bet, you will be betting against the dealer on the higher value of two drawn cards. If you win, you can add up the bet to your original game bet.
However, you can use it with the dealer’s card being higher, or even if the tie occurs. Either way, this type of Blackjack is not as frequent on online casinos as some other variants of the game. In all honesty, it’s one of the most intense types to play as the war side bet is extremely exciting.
European Blackjack – How to Play?
Playing European Blackjack is quite simple once you get a hold of the game. Namely, the difference between this game and a regular Blackjack is in the dealer hitting rule and the decks used. This game is often played with just 2 decks.
Additionally, the dealer has to hit on all soft 17s, but you can still make use of the double bet feature! Even so, the doubling is only possible on 9s and 11s and it requires an additional stake being made.
Blackjack Spanish 21
Other than the exciting name, this game doesn’t differ much from the original one. You play the game with 6 decks of cards that are referred to as Spanish decks. In essence, this only means that 10s are removed from the decks before the play.
It surely changes the game a bit while the dealer can choose whether to hit or not on soft 17s. This is the main difference of this game in comparison to other Blackjack variants we mentioned.
Vegas Strip – One of the famous variants
This game is characteristic for Las Vegas casinos as it comes with a lower house edge. Four decks of cards are used and the dealer has to stand on all soft 17s. As much as this makes it easier for the player to win, the dealer can peek at the face-down card.
So, ultimately it’s not as much advantageous as it seems, but it surely makes an exciting variant. The Vegas Strip Blackjack can easily be found on online casinos in NZ and combined with no deposit bonuses.
Final Thoughts
Overall, playing distinctive variants of online Blackjack can be interesting for online players. Still, the classic variant is somehow the most relevant one as it is a traditional card game.
Most online Blackjack enthusiasts, therefore, decide to go with this version of the game. It’s not much of a surprise, as the mentioned additions are not available in all online casinos. You may have to invest a fair share of effort in finding the casino that offers some of the mentioned types.
Still, it comes in handy to know all the game types and use them to your advantage. Nevertheless, online Blackjack still makes an exceptional game in all variants, especially because of the low house edge.