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Home Lifestyle How many Types of Blackjack Are There?
Lifestyle
September 14, 2023

How many Types of Blackjack Are There?

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Blackjack is one of the most popular card games in the world. Blackjack offers the best player odds, one of the most played casino games. Whereas other games have a house edge close to 5%, in most variants on blackjack, this percentage is closer to 2. Savvy blackjack players can lower this percentage by employing classic blackjack strategies.

Different Blackjack Variants

Blackjack first came about in the 16th century. With over 500 years of being around, it is unsurprising that there are multiple versions of the classic game. In this article, we will discuss four different versions of blackjack, explain how they work, and discuss whether you can play them online. The games we are focusing on are the following:

  •       Classic Blackjack
  •       Progressive Blackjack
  •       21 Burn Blackjack
  •       Pontoon

Without further ado, let us delve into the meat and potatoes of this article and discuss one of the most popular casino card games in the world.

Classic Blackjack

Classic blackjack is a standard game that you can play at any casino, land-based or online. Typically, the game is played with a standard 52-card deck. Players compete against the house, so there is no internal rivalry regarding classic blackjack.

The goal is to draw out cards until you score 21 or as close to it as possible. Those who exceed 21, or those with a lower score than the house, lose the game—players whose score exceeds the house and is 21 or lower win.

Oftentimes, casinos use multiple decks to lower the player’s chances of victory and combat card counting. Most casinos use three 52-card standard decks. However, some have been known to use as much as six, and others go as low as one.

21 Burn Blackjack

Even those who may have played blackjack before might need clarification. 21 Burn Blackjack is a relatively recent addition to most casinos. But just what is 21 Burn Blackjack? Let us look at the game’s rules and see how it differs from the classic game.

21 Burn Blackjack is a relatively recent variant of the popular game. Developed by the online casino game developers BetSoft Games, 21 Burn Blackjack is available at most online casinos that collaborate with said studio.

As the game’s name suggests, players in 21 Burn Blackjack can burn the second card dealt to them, similar to a redraw in poker. Doing so provides different tactical options and strategies that some players might find entertaining.

Progressive Blackjack

Progressive blackjack is a traditional variation of the classic game. So-named because players in progressive blackjack take an additional bet, which works like a progressive jackpot. The side bet grows each time a player does not win, just like a progressive jackpot at a slot machine.

The side bet in progressive blackjack usually starts at $1. However, since progressive blackjack is popular at online casinos, you could use alternative methods to place the bet, such as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Tether, or Ethereum.

Progressive blackjack can be enticing, especially for online casino veterans. However, if you are a newbie, we recommend starting small. Try other blackjack options in this article to get a feel for the game. You can branch out to progressive blackjack once you’ve grown accustomed to your strategy.

Pontoon

Pontoon is a controversial game in blackjack circles. Some argue that the game is entirely distinct from blackjack, whereas others claim it is the same game. In either case, Pontoon and Blackjack are indeed related. Pontoon is considered the “domestic English version” of blackjack in British history.

The fundamental card values of Pontoon are the same as blackjack, with the Ace being valued at 1 or 11. The Suits are all valued at a 10. A typical game of pontoon is played with multiple 52-card decks. Usually, it is anywhere between two and eight.

Pontoon is quite popular at online casinos. Websites offer web pontoon, where the dealer is an artificial intelligence. Indeed, AI has come a long way, to the point that some wonder if robots will do our chores soon, like in the Jetsons.

FAQ

How popular is blackjack?

Blackjack is among the three most popular games at casinos, both online and land-based.

Are there different versions of the game?

Indeed, there are dozens of different variants of the classic game.

What is the house edge percentage for classic blackjack?

The classic blackjack house edge tends to be lower than most other games. This means players have a better chance of winning at blackjack than in any other casino game. Usually, the house edge in blackjack is around 2.5% or lower.

Is progressive blackjack a good game for beginners?

We couldn’t give a definitive answer. We recommend starting with the classic game and then transitioning to progressive blackjack if you are interested. However, give it a go if you feel confident about trying progressive blackjack.

Is pontoon a version of blackjack?

Debates rage about pontoon and blackjack. The games are similar enough that they are versions of each other. However, some minor differences make the opposing argument just as valid.