Blackjack is one of the most popular casino table games, both online and in land-based casinos. The classic game pits players against the dealer in a game of getting a hand as close to 21 without going over. However, over the years many variants of the original game have emerged, each with its own unique twists and turns.
As technology continues to advance, playing blackjack online provides convenience and accessibility that brick-and-mortar casinos simply cannot match. Top online blackjack sites, such as Roll XO Casino and others, offer both classic blackjack as well as popular variants, with the ability to play instantly right from your web browser or dedicated mobile app.
If you already enjoy playing classic blackjack, trying one of these exciting variants can add more entertainment value and potentially increase your payouts. For beginners, certain variants actually tilt the odds slightly more in the player’s favor too. Here are some of the top blackjack game variants you should try online:
Double Exposure Blackjack
Double Exposure blackjack is an interesting variant because both of the dealer’s cards are exposed. This gives players more information to work with when deciding hitting, standing, splitting and doubling down. The trade-off however is that blackjacks only pay even money instead of the usual 3:2 payout. Despite this drawback, being able to see the dealer’s hand eliminates the uncertainty that makes blackjack challenging and swinging.
Spanish 21
Spanish 21 will look familiar at first glance, though there are some key differences in the rules. Decks consist of 48 cards instead of 52 – the 10s are removed. This increases the player’s odds automatically because there are fewer 10-value cards that could lead to a dealer blackjack. Players can also double down on any number cards, double after splitting and the player 21 always wins even if the dealer has blackjack too. Spanish 21 has a lower house edge than regular blackjack, making it more profitable in the long run.
Switch Blackjack
Switch is an action-packed blackjack variant that allows players to “switch” the top cards of two hands if they choose, essentially trading places. The catch is that one of the hands must equal 20 points exactly (any combination like 6-4 or K-Q).
When played optimally, this option can help players form better hands and swing winning probabilities in their favor when faced with a particularly menacing dealer upcard. Just the ability to possibly switch and transform hands makes every round of Switch blackjack suspenseful.
Blackjack Switch
Here’s a quick tip to avoid mixups – Blackjack Switch is not the same as Switch Blackjack! The name might sound identical but Blackjack Switch has its own distinct rules. Players are dealt two hands and can choose to switch the second cards of each hand – an opportunity not possible in regular freeslots99.com/igt/cleopatra-igt. If one hand looks weak and the other strong, switching them can potentially produce two winning hands instead of one. Blackjack Switch also allows players to double after splits. This exciting blackjack variant adds layers of fun not found in the original game.
Double Attack Blackjack
Double Attack lets players make an optional extra wager to allow them to “double attack” – essentially splitting their hand into two separate hands – whenever they choose to hit. Each hand is then played independently against the dealer. Having two independent hands to play every time you hit opens up more ways to win and throws some interesting strategy into play. Just the threat of a double attack on any given hand will keep the dealer on their toes!
Perfect Pairs Blackjack
Along with the standard blackjack wager, Perfect Pairs allows an extra “pairs” side bet. If your first two cards are a mixed, colored or perfect pair, special payouts are awarded. A perfect pair means two identical cards like two Queens of Hearts. This blackjack variant adds a fun side bet dynamic and you have the chance to win before the hand even properly begins!
Lucky Ladies Blackjack
Lucky Ladies Blackjack features an exciting side bet that awards payouts based on the player’s first two cards. Specific card combinations like a Queen of Hearts pair or the Q+6 mixed pair can earn you extra payouts.
The highest payout goes to any 20-point hand dealt to you using two Queens. This lady luck side bet runs in parallel to the standard blackjack game, making every reveal of your first two cards particularly thrilling!
Match Play 21 Blackjack
While following standard blackjack rules, Match Play 21 allows players to make an optional $1 side bet on their first four cards forming a pair, two pair or three/four of a kind. Special payouts are awarded based on the strength of the match. This is somewhat similar to making a poker hand at the same time as regular blackjack play. Match Play injects fun poker dynamics into the classic blackjack experience.
Other Options
Some other blackjack variants that are rising in popularity at online casinos include:
- Free Bet Blackjack – Players can split and double more freely and the dealer will return your original bet if you don’t bust or win. This reduces risk.
- Blackjack Burnout – A modern streamlined version that pits you against multiple simulated dealers at once with quick rounds and special bonus payouts.
- Power Blackjack – Allows you to play multiple hands at once while seeing one dealer hand. Gives you more chances to win without slowing down the game pace.
