American VS European Blackjack: Rules, Tips & Tricks

The popular game of blackjack, which is enjoyed by millions of casino players, has a number of interesting variations. Of thblackjack europeanem, European Blackjack is much played in both online and offline casinos. This is because it is more profitable, and has rules and strategies that are easy to understand. Owing to its popularity, a number of online casinos in the UK, Europe and other parts of the world offer this variation of blackjack along with others. If you want to try this version of blackjack, here are some pointers that you can use.

How to play European Blackjack

In any form of blackjack, the aim of the player is to make a hand that is higher than the dealer’s or has a sum close to, but not more than 21. This is one reason why blackjack is sometimes also known as ‘21’. The European version of blackjack is similar to American blackjack in many ways, although there are some minor differences between the two. The European variant is easy to play and also has a lower house edge, which makes it the preferred choice of many online blackjack players.

European Online Blackjack Rules

As the aim of all blackjack games is similar, the rules are also more or less the same. But there are minor differences between the rules of each blackjack variant, which makes them all the more interesting.

  • European blackjack is played using two decks of 52 cards each, where the number cards are taken at face value- the face cards have a value of 10 and aces are counted either as 1 or 11.
  • A player can draw 9 to 11 cards to make a sum of 21 to win, but blackjack (ace and 10 value card) is the highest of all.
  • A simple way to increase your odds of winning is to know when to stand and when to hit.
  • If you have a sum between 17 and 20 you should stand irrespective of the face up cards held by the dealer.
  • Otherwise you should hit until you get a 17 or 18, especially if the dealer has more than 7.
  • In case the dealer’s up card is less than 6, you should hit until you get a sum of 12 or more.
  • If you have a 10 or a face value card, and the dealer has less than nine, you can double the bet as your chance of winning is better.
  • The dealer usually stands if he has a total of at least 17
  • As the house edge in European blackjack is relatively lower, you should make the best use of your bankroll to play as many games as you can to win more money online.
  • Using the various tactics to increase and decrease the bet amount can help you maximize your profits.

European Blackjack Strategy blackjack strategy

The strategies of the European blackjack variant are easy to understand as well as implement. You can browse the internet to find a suitable website that offers information on strategies for playing and winning real money online blackjack. But, before trying these strategies blindly, you should understand the rules and learn the game properly.
Here’s some basic strategies that players can use when playing European blackjack. These  are especially popular in Germany and the UK.

Apart from these, Easy Surrender is also a possibility in European blackjack with such versions existing in Russia and Macau too.

Best Casinos Offering European Blackjack

Nowadays, there are several online casinos which are offering European blackjack. Here’s a list of the best top 10 currently on the market.


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European vs American Blackjack – Where to Play Blackjack Variants Online

Our top picks for the most important things to consider before playing will help you master American and European Blackjack and become King of both tables. It is always handy for dedicated Blackjack players to know a whole array of different playing styles and options, so read here for a complete guide to playing Blackjack with strategy tips and rules.

Atlantic City Blackjack Guide

Atlantic City Blackjack is a popular variant of American blackjack offered by a number of online and offline casinos from around the atlantic city world. Similar in many ways to original blackjack, this version of blackjack can be either single hand or multi hand blackjack. This variant of blackjack is much sought after as it has a house edge of as low as 0.35%, although it can differ from one online casino to another. Here is some information on the rules, strategies and casinos that can help you play the Atlantic City version of blackjack comfortably.

 

How to play Atlantic City Blackjack

Whether it is a single hand blackjack or multi hand blackjack, the rules and strategies of Atlantic City blackjack are similar to those used in the American version of the game. Learn basic blackjack rules here.

Atlantic City Blackjack Rules

The rules of this blackjack variant are similar to the rules of classic hole game of blackjack, which makes it easy to learn and implement.Blackjack strategy

  • The first rule is that this variant of blackjack has to be played using eight standard decks of playing cards.
  • The dealer can peek if the up card is an ace or a ten value card, and will always stand if the hand is between 17 and 21, and hit for 16 and less.
  • Blackjack is the highest hand, and in case of a tie or ‘push’ for blackjack, players get back their bet amount.
  • Splitting is allowed only once, but aces can be split twice. Re-splitting is not allowed.
  • Doubling down is allowed on any two card hand, even after splitting.
  • There is no option of late surrender.
  • Insurance is allowed only when the dealer’s up card is an ace. In case the dealer hits blackjack, you get a payout of 2:1; otherwise you lose your insurance bet.

Atlantic City Blackjack Strategy

The strategies used for Atlantic City blackjack are similar to classic blackjack strategies, as the goal in both variants is to attain a sum closest to 21, without exceeding it, and make a hand higher than the dealer’s. If you want to play and win Atlantic City blackjack online, the first thing to do is look for a reliable website that provides the strategy charts for this variant and go through them thoroughly.

As you may not be able to put the strategies to best use just by reading the charts and details, you should look for a blackjack site that offers this version of blackjack for free or play money. This way, you can actually practice the game using the various strategies and the skills you have developed, for improving your chances of winning the game with real money.

Choosing an Online Blackjack Site

Usually, Atlantic City Blackjack has a payout of 3:2 when you hit blackjack, 1:1 in case your hand is higher than the dealer’s and 2:1 in case you win the insurance bet. While this is the same for almost all online casinos, it may slightly differ in some. So when you choose a casino, make sure to pick one that has comprehensible and reasonable rules, as well as profitable payout percentages.

Best Online Casinos Offering Atlantic City Blackjack

There’s no need for you to pack your bags and book plane tickets or hotels to start playing Atlantic City blackjack. You can play this fun variation of the game of 21 online anytime you want. Check out some of the latest online casinos to offer atlantic city blackjack in live mode right here. You can also grab a hot bonus as nice welcome when you sign up as a new player here.

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American and Europan Blackjack – Main Differences

American/Europe BlackjackAmerican and European Blackjack are very similar games. However, the difference is important to know as it greatly affects the strategy that you may choose to adopt.

There are key different rules in the game, but if you play your cards right and learn these important rules for both, then you can sit on whatever table you like and still prosper.

Check out our top picks for you to bear in mind when playing the variations below.

Decks

The first thing you are likely to notice about the two games is the amount of decks that are used.  European Blackjack will generally only use 1 or 2 Decks, whereas American Blackjack will use between 6-8, this obviously makes a big difference in your chances, as more decks mean a higher house advantage and more unpredictable game-play, making card counting more difficult.

The Hole Card

Perhaps the biggest difference in the games is the Hole Card.  Essentially, this allows for the dealer to look at his second card before the player/s hand/s are completed if there is a chance of Blackjack, so  for example, if their first card is an Ace card. In this situation, if the dealer looks and it is indeed, Blackjack, then the game is over and the house wins, without the need to player any further and all bets are collected.

This rule is non-existent in European Blackjack. As such, if you generally only play European Blackjack, this is a rule you definitely need to look out for if you find yourself at an American table. This being said, it can also play to your advantage because if the game ends immediately, it can prevent bigger losses if you opt to double up or split.

Late Surrender

This is another rule that only exists in American Blackjack. It gives the player the opportunity to “Surrender” after their first two cards are dealt.

This means that the player will only lose 50% of hs take, instead of the full wager amount. This is very handy if the player has bet high, only to find himself in a position that is difficult to win. Although this does have it benefits, you may also find yourself in a position where you are kicking yourself when the final cards are revealed.

Doubling Down

As you probably are aware, doubling down allows you to double your wager if you feel you are in a comfortable position to beat the dealer. However, when you can do this varies between the two gaming styles.

In European Blackjack, this is only permitted on hands with a value of 9,10 or 11, whereas in American Blackjack, players can double down with any total.  

Splitting

This rule is allowed in both versions of the game and allows players to divide his original hand into two separate hands, doubling your bet and thus, raising your potential winnings. This gives the player the opportunity to play a weak dealer card to his advantage.

The difference lies in the amount of times that this can be done. European rules allows this only once and only on cards that equal the amount of 10, i.e. 10’s, Jacks, Queens and Kings.

American rules allow you time split up to 3 times making up to 4 hands. There is also no rules about which cards can be split on. American rules players can once per game also take a card to Split Aces.

Strategy

As you can see, although both games appear the same at a glance, it is only through playing you would notice these crucial differences. American Blackjack, as you can see, has more intricate game-play, with much more in the game to spice it up and this adds an extra dimension.

This said, both have their charms and it is all a matter of preference. What is essential is that you are aware of which table you are playing at and the rules that apply, so that you can use them to your advantage.  For example, if you are playing European Blackjack, you need to be slightly more reserved in your choices. With no limit to doubling down or splitting in the American Version, it means you can be more aggressive in your game-play and really push the limits.

Whichever you choose to play, make sure you keep this list in the forefront of your mind so that you can not only show competence wherever you are playing, but also be always able to cash in on your rivals ignorance.

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Blackjack History – Where Did it Originate?

Blackjack has an interesting history; and it would be interesting to note that nobody invented the game. Card games with rules strikingly similar to modern blackjack were played in Europe in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The game grew, changed, and evolved from generation to generation and is still growing and evolving into better versions. Since the game is popular for its low house edge and excellent payouts, online casinos have developed several variants, including multi-hand blackjack. Although there are several variants of blackjack today, the basic rules of classic blackjack govern each variant.

From the Old Continent…

The game is widely believed to have originated in French. A game called Vingt-et-Un, which bears a striking similarity to blackjack, was played in French casinos in the early eighteenth century. Whenever a player got an ace and a jack of spades, he/she would win a bonus. Owing to this peculiar rule, the game was later re-christened as blackjack.

The game was also played in Italy as Seven and a Half, in which players were dealt face cards and 7, 8, and 9 cards. The value of face cards was held to be one point while the value of numbered cards was held to be half a point. Players of Seven and a Half were expected to create a hand equaling seven and a half points to win the jackpot. If they exceeded that value, they were considered to have gone “bust.” The King of Diamonds was the wild card of this game. The Spanish also played a blackjack-like game called One and Thirty, in which they were expected to create a hand equaling 31, instead of 21.

… to the New Continent

During the French Revolution, the game was taken to North America, where it evolved and became immensely popular. Professional gamblers realized that blackjack could help them win large jackpots and developed blackjack strategies to enhance their chances of winning. Although the US government adopted an anti-gambling stance, blackjack grew in popularity and was largely played in stealth. When the state of Nevada legalized gambling activities in 1931, blackjack was offered in Las Vegas casinos, after which it became more popular than ever, attracting the attention of not only professional gamblers, but also scientists, statisticians, and mathematicians.

Serious attempts were made to study blackjack scientifically after the mid-twentieth century, as a result of which several books were written about it. Roger Baldwin and his team were the first to study the game and write the first blackjack strategy book titled “Optimum Strategy in Blackjack.” Prof. Edward O. Thorp made a better attempt to understand blackjack in the early sixties, and his book “Beat the Dealer” became a best seller almost overnight. It terrified land casinos enough to alter blackjack rules; however, casinos later realized that the book did not really make a difference in the way players played blackjack and reverted to classic or traditional blackjack.

Many more blackjack books were written down the decades and are still being written and the game remains one of the most popular games at online casinos.