What are the American & European Blackjack Variants? - American vs European Blackjack
Blackjack is immensely popular, and there are plenty of variants, including American and European blackjack.
This how-to guide will reveal how to play blackjack online for free at Stake.us . We will explore strategies and discuss the differences between the American and European version.
What are American Blackjack & Game Rules?
American blackjack is the classic game found at traditional social casinos, and now is widely popular online at Stake social casino . It broadly resembles a standard blackjack game, whereby players should aim to hit 21 and beat the dealer without going bust.
There are a few minor differences compared to other blackjack games. You can read our full guide to playing blackjack online, but these are the basic rules:
American blackjack uses a 6-8 deck of cards.
All players are dealt 2 cards, face up.
The dealer also receives 2 cards, one face down and one face up.
The dealer can hit on a soft 17 (a hand with an Ace that can be counted as 1 or 11 and totals 17).
Insurance can be offered when the dealer’s up card is an Ace.
Players can make an Insurance play (a side play) which will produce a win if the dealer has a blackjack.
A double down can only be applied if you’re dealt a total of 9, 10, or 11.
Splitting pairs will take a paired hand and split into 2 separate hands, for double your play amount. Players will get an additional card on each at the blackjack table.
What is European Blackjack & Rules?
European blackjack also revolves around trying to hit 21 without exceeding that target. Let’s now dissect some of the key game rules for this variant:
Dealers won’t check for blackjack when they’re showing an Ace or 10.
The dealer can stand on soft 17 like other blackjack games , but they will always draw on 16.
Players will lose their total bet if the dealer is holding blackjack.
There is no surrender option.
Players can double down after splitting.
Aces can be split, but players will only receive an additional card for each Ace.
It’s possible to take insurance.
Blackjack wins are set at 1:1 in the event of a tie.
What are the Key Differences Between American & European Blackjack?
On the surface, American and European blackjack don’t have huge differences. However, there are obvious ones we have highlighted below.
We also have an online social casino guide explaining how social casino table games such as blackjack work.
Hole Card
In American blackjack, the dealer will deal 2 cards, one that is face up and one that is face down. The second card will be the “hole card”.
However, in European blackjack, there is no hole card and no second card will be dealt. That means in some cases, players can use their hand and win before the dealer hits.
Doubling Down
Doubling down rules differ between American and European blackjack. In American blackjack, players can double down with hands of any amount.
Whereas, in European blackjack, doubling down will only be allowed for hands that have a value of 9, 10, and 11.
Surrendering
American blackjack allows players to surrender after two cards are split, and there is an opportunity for a late surrender. Here, they will lose 50% of their amount.
But in European blackjack, players can’t surrender. This may be a positive for gamers who wish to have more control.
Best American & European Blackjack Games on Stake.us
Stake.us works with some of the best online social casino game providers to showcase its blackjack titles , and we have listed some of these below:
Which Version of Blackjack Should I Choose?
While this boils down to personal choice, we will push you in the direction of European blackjack. This is partly because European blackjack is slightly easier to play and has fewer rules.
You therefore might be able to master this game quicker and fast track the entertainment!
Blackjack Tips & Strategies
Regardless of whether you are playing American or European blackjack, here are a few strategic pointers that will help you in the long term:
Understand the version you are playing - When playing an American blackjack game, think carefully about tactics, such as doubling and splitting. Also, be aware of any individual table limits.
Tap into playing systems - There are plenty of different systems you can adopt when playing blackjack online. The Fibonacci system, for example, is great for working out how many units to sacrifice. The Paroli system, for example, might suit those who are more risk averse, but whatever system you use, and that includes the 1-3-2-6 method, don’t deviate.
Make use of a basic strategy chart - This is a free resource widely available online and it is a basic blackjack strategy. Ultimately, this will help you sharpen your gameplay and collect more in winnings.
Social Casino Promotions, VIP Club & Responsible Gaming
You can find some of the best social casino bonuses at Stake.us, including monthly bonuses. This covers everything from welcome deals to weekly giveaways. The latter come in the form of raffles and players can win their share of a big win.
A reload bonus, meanwhile, will be reserved for VIP players who join the VIP Club , and it is provides benefits based on play time. There are various program levels , and the higher the climb, the more perks you will receive. For example, you could have access to a designated host who will navigate your journey at Stake.us. More details can be found in the Stake VIP program FAQs area .
Stake leaves no stone unturned for social casino promotions , and you will find top blackjack games that will bring the ultimate entertainment!
