The Variants Trying to Take Online Blackjack to the Next Level

The classic table game of blackjack is one of the simplest games of cards to learn how to play.

It’s one of the main reasons why it still reigns supreme as one of the most popular table games at land-based and online casinos respectively. Nevertheless, that’s not stopping the industry from wanting to innovate and take the game of blackjack at https://www.gratisspinns.com/ to even greater heights.

Blackjack Switch: Change up your hands

Blackjack Switch is one of the most fascinating blackjack variants you’ll find in any online casino. It's a safe wager to be popular in the years ahead, simply due to the fact that it puts more power and control into the hands of the player. Played with six or eight decks, this game requires players to play two hands simultaneously. All two-card hands are dealt face up, the same as in standard blackjack. Players then get the option of either holding their hands or switching the second cards dealt to each hand.

What must you give up in exchange for the free switches? The dealer can draw to 22 without bursting. If the dealer's 22 will push against a player's hand of 21 or less. 

Free Bet Blackjack: Risk-free play with a dealer spin

Free Bet Blackjack is the brainchild of Geoff Hall, a man who has patented a string of variant games that includes the first variant in our article, Blackjack Switch. He's considered one of the best table game designers of the modern era. Free Bet Blackjack is one of Hall's newer developments, hitting the casino floors of Las Vegas in 2012. Hall developed this variant as a game for recreational players who can't seem to grasp the concept of basic blackjack strategy.

In Free Bet Blackjack, players are automatically given the chance to double down on nine, ten or 11 valued hands for free. Hard nine, ten and 11 are three of the five most valuable hand totals in terms of strategic application of double down blackjack moves. Statisticians have calculated that, even in eight-deck blackjack, a player with a hand total of 11 after two cards still has 32 cards left that can complete an unbeatable hand of 21. That's one great advantage of the free double down offers in Free Bet Blackjack. Even if there's a little catch. The dealer can draw his hand to 22 rather than 21. A 22 hand will push (tie) unless a player holds a natural blackjack of 21. 

Players are also given the ability to split hands for free as well. Free splits are offered on any pair except tens.

Stadium Blackjack: Inclusive play for all

Stadium Blackjack is a highly popular land-based casino blackjack game. There's a virtually identical version that's played with online casinos too, which goes under the name Unlimited Blackjack. In Stadium Blackjack, there are a few dozen computerised tables that players sit at and play at. The virtual dealer – powered by random number generator technology – starts the game, and all of the players play using the same hand, at least initially.

From this point, it is an option for each player to split, stand, double down or hit the hand, essentially making it their own. Players go their separate ways with the initial hand. It is a win-win for all – the casino has more players playing a single game and players are not waiting for an opening at a table.

Spanish 21: Blackjack without the 10s

• Spanish 21 alters the dynamics of the game of blackjack. The dealer will not use a standard 52-card deck but rather a 48-card deck.
• All tens are removed from play, which may not seem optimal. Spanish 21 mixes up the rules even further, though, to make it an interesting variation.
• Blackjack always pays 3:2 and the player always wins with a blackjack even if the dealer has one as well.

The relaxation of rules also allows doubling down after any two cards are dealt, instead of the conventional after the initial two cards. Late surrender is always permitted, and you can even double down after surrendering after pairs splitting or hitting for a third card.

If you’ve always hankered after a fresh dimension to your blackjack gameplay, be sure to sample this quartet of variants during your next session.