Blackjack Rules and Variations

There are literally dozens of variations of the classic table game of Blackjack. Each variation uses a set of rules to distinguish itself, and not all rules are good for players.

A savvy Blackjack player needs to understand which rules are in his favor and which rules are in the House's favor.

Almost every online casino offers Blackjack in various forms. The basic rules of Blackjack are mostly generic; players must decide to Stand, Hit, Split or Double in their attempts to get as close to 21 without busting. The Dealer is forced to Hit or Stand depending on the rules being used in that game.

Blackjack is easily the most popular casino table game, partly because it has an extremely low House Advantage. The House Advantage is the percentage the House expects to win in return for offering the game. It is possible to find Blackjack games around the world with rules so favorable to the Player, that the House has no advantage at all if the Player plays perfectly.

Casinos will always be looking for ways to increase their House Advantage (also known as House Edge), and they'll do this with subtle rule changes which affect the odds.

Rules which favor the Player

• Fewer decks results in lower house advantage, so players should look for games with fewer decks. Most online casinos use between 6-8 decks, but you can check with online support before playing.


• Dealer Stands on soft 17 – this is a good rule for the player. If the Dealer has to Hit on soft 17, the House edge is increased.


• Double Down allowed after Splitting Pairs – the more Doubles and Splits you are allowed to do, the better. Casinos that prevent you from re-splitting or prevent you from Doubling Down after Splitting are increasing the House Edge.


• Double Down allowed on any first two cards – Most casinos only allow Doubling if you have a 9, 10, or 11 total on your first two cards. If you are allowed to Double on any two cards, this is a good rule for the Player. You will want to be Doubling on a number of Soft totals if Dealer is showing a 4, 5, or 6.


• Surrender allowed – Casinos which allow you to Surrender your hand (usually a good option if you have 15 or 16 and the Dealer has a Ten or Ace) are being generous. Having the option to Surrender is good, it decreases the House Edge.


• Blackjack Pays 2:1 – it is very rare to see this payout offered, but if you ever see it being offered (usually as part of a promotion), you should jump straight on the table and play. The standard Blackjack payout is 3:2. If you see a payout lower than this (some casinos try to get away with offering only 6:5 for Blackjack), you should not play.

One of the best Blackjack variations you can find online is Playtech's Blackjack Surrender, which can be found at Mansion Casino. Let's have a look at this particular game and assess the rules as 'favorable' or 'unfavorable' for the Player.

• 6 decks – Unfavorable (it would be a better game with fewer decks)


• Dealer Stands on soft 17 – Favorable for Player


• Player can Double on any first two cards – Favorable for Player


• Player can Double after Splitting – Favorable for Player


• Player cannot re-split – Unfavorable for Player


• Dealer peeks for Blackjack – Favorable for Player (this rule allows the Player to Double more effectively after Dealer peeks for Blackjack)


• Late Surrender allowed – Favorable for Player

Using these rules, the House Edge for Playtech's Blackjack Surrender game is only 0.39% if Player plays perfect strategy; making it one of the best casino games you can play online.

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