Blackjack Games
Blackjack Games and Variations
This page lists, explains, and describes some of the many different blackjack games that have become available through the years. Different blackjack rules variations can make boring old blackjack into an entirely new experiences. And almost all of these different games can be played for fun online, too.
The blackjack games, variations, and side bets covered on this page include:
- 21 Madness Blackjack
- Blackjack Switch
- Bust Out Blackjack
- Double Attack Blackjack
- Double Exposure Blackjack
- Over Under 13 Blackjack
- Red Black Blackjack
- Royal Match Blackjack
- Spanish 21
21 Madness Blackjack
This isn't so much a different blackjack game as it is an additional side bet
that's available in some casinos. In 21 Madness, you place a $1 side bet, and if
you receive a blackjack, you get an extra prize of between $1 and $5000. (The
bonus prize is determined randomly.)
Blackjack Switch
This is truly a different blackjack game. You're dealt two blackjack hands. Each hand is connected with an identical bet. The exciting part? You can switch the second card of each hand from one hand to another.
One other rules variation more than makes up for the player's new option. If the dealer has a total of 22, she doesn't bust. Instead, the hand is considered a push instead.
Bust Out Blackjack
Like 21 Madness, Bust Out Blackjack is less of a blackjack variation than it is an additional side bet that the player has available. This side bet becomes available after the dealer gets a stiff hand. (A stiff hand is one where a hit with a ten will bust the dealer.) If the dealer busts, then the player wins 2 to 1 on the side bet. Card counters can really do well when playing with this option available. Do you see why?
Double Attack Blackjack
This blackjack variation is popular in Atlantic City casinos. It's actually a variation of Spanish 21. The decks are all 48 cards--the tens have been removed. (Not the face cards--just the actual tens.) Like many other blackjack games, this one has a side bet. You can bet on whether or not the dealer will bust with exactly three cards. The payout on this bet varies based on the dealer's third card:
- If the dealer's third card is ten, then the bet pays 3 to 1.
- If the dealer's third card is nine, then the bet pays 6 to 1.
- If the dealer's third card is eight, then the bet pays 8 to 1.
- If the dealer's third card is seven, then the bet pays 10 to 1.
- If the dealer's third card is six, then the bet pays 15 to 1.
On top of that, if the dealer's hand includes an eight, there's another bonus payout that's paid if the dealer gets another eight of the same color that's already in her hand. An eight of the same color pays out at 50 to 1. An eight of the same suit pays out at 200 to 1.
The catch? Blackjacks only pay even money, not the standard 3 to 2.
Double Exposure Blackjack
This variation is actually pretty simple, but it can be fun. The dealer has to play with both cards face up. The catch? Dealers win ties, and blackjack only pays even money.
Over Under 13 Blackjack
You can read about Over Under 13 Blackjack on our page detailing the game variation.
Red Black Blackjack
This is another side bet variation. In Red Black Blackjack, you're allowed to bet on whether or not the dealer's upcard is red or black. The bet pays even money. The catch? If the dealer gets a two, then the player loses, which is where the house gets its advantage.
Royal Match Blackjack
Royal Match Blackjack allows the player to make a side bet that both of his cards will be of the same suit. If the player wins this bet, it pays out at 3 to 1.
If the player gets a king and a queen of the same suit, there's a bonus payout: 10 to 1.
Spanish 21
Spanish 21 is always played with six or eight decks. The tens (but not the face cards) are removed from the deck. Players always win with a total of 21, no matter what. (There's no push rule if the player has a 21.) The game has numerous bonus payouts too. For example, if a player is dealt 678, then he's able to receive different bonus payouts depending on whether or not the cards or all of the same suit, etc.
My plan with this blackjack games page is to expand it into an entire section with details about each of the blackjack games listed here. I also have plans to expand the section with more blackjack games. Contact us if you have a favorite blackjack game that you'd like to see included on this page.