Blackjack Game Types

BlackJack Game TypesOne of the best things about blackjack is that there are a number of blackjack games available. With so many different variations, there is a blackjack game for everyone. Although all of these blackjack games have the same basic structure, there are certain variations that make each one interesting. Basically, the different type will influence the strategy you will use for maximizing your wins. So here’s a look at some of the popular blackjack games that you can enjoy.


Pontoon is the British version of Blackjack. This game is quite popular in many land based casinos and in online casinos.   Similar to blackjack, the objective of the game is to beat the dealer without going over 21. In this game, 8 decks of 52 cards are used and the values of the cards do not differ from what is used in a game of blackjack. All face cards from Ten to King have a value of 10 and Ace can be counted as 1 or 11. After the dealer gives out the cards, the player makes the bet. The cards dealt to the player are placed face up so they are visible to everyone. However both the cards dealt to the dealer face down and this is what makes Pontoon different from traditional blackjack.
There are also some favorable rules for the players as well. Players are able to split Ten valued cards and a combination of a Ten and an Ace following a split pays out 2:1 as it is counted as a Pontoon. If there is a tie, the dealer wins and it is not a push. A Five Card Trick is when a player does not bust after a 5 card hand. This also pays 2:1. Doubling can be done only once per hand. Dealer has to hit on soft 17 which is a combination of an Ace and a 6 and a player cannot surrender unless the dealer has a Face card or an Ace.

The use of multiple decks in this game lowers the house edge and using perfect strategy brings the house edge down to 0.39 percent.

Single Deck Blackjack

From all the different blackjack game types, one that offers the maximum chances of winning is the Single Deck Blackjack. This is because only one deck of card is used in the game and the house edge is just at 0.15 percent. But, this game has its advantages and disadvantages too.

The obvious advantage is the lower house edge. Another one is that the use of a single deck makes counting cards easier. Skilled card counters will find this game interesting and profitable, but the downside is that there are some unfavourable rules which have been put in place by casinos in order to increase the house edge. For example, instead of offering 3:2 payout, they offer a 6:5 payout.

European Blackjack

One of the most popular Blackjack Game Types / variations of the classic blackjack game is called European blackjack. The rules of this game are simple just like blackjack and the game is played with two decks of cards. When playing European blackjack, getting a blackjack beats other hands having a total of 21. Face cards have a value of 10 and Aces can be counted as 1 or 10. During the game, players can hit and obtain up to 9 more cards. If the dealer has accumulated a total of value of 17, then he must stand. If the dealer busts, the player wins and if there is a tie, it is known as a Push and no one wins.   Bets are lost if the dealer has a blackjack and players can obtain insurance if the first card of the dealer is an Ace.