↓ Online Blackjack variations

There is quite a number of variations of rules that affect the odds when combined. An Online Blackjack player must understand them in order to be able to properly pick a Blackjack table to play with his own playing system.

→ Dealer stands on soft 17

Stands on soft 17 is the classic rule of Blackjack. Under this rule, the dealer will stand as soon as his score reaches 17 or above.

→ Dealer hits on soft 17

Soft 17 is an optional rule that is not used at every Blackjack table. It is always used in Blackjack Switch.

The rule itself is very simple and says that the dealer must always draw another card if his hand is soft 17, that is he has 17 soft points (his hand includes an Ace). The dealer will still stand on hard 17. This rule slightly increases the house advantage.

→ Doubling

Doubling varies from online casino to casino. It can be prohibited entirely in some casinos, while some online casinos will allow you to double on any two cards and some will only let you double if your cards are of certain value. Please refer to your game manual!

→ Doubling after split

Doubling after split is a seldom met rule that allows the player to double even after the hands were split. It's worth remembering during doubling after split that 21 is not considered a natural hand after a split.

→ Surrender

Surrender is often prohibited altogether, but if it is not it can either be "early" or "late". The difference is in that the early surrender can be invoked before the dealer checks for Blackjack. It is a small and often oversought rule that is crucial for proper Online Blackjack strategy.

→ Hole cards

Hole cards are the dealer's cards that are left face down by the dealer. This rule rarely means anything in online casinos but we feel its worth mentioning.

→ Blackjack Switch

Blackjack Switch is a Blackjack-based game that seems to have earned a life on its own. In Online Blackjack Switch you have two hands under your control. Both hands have their own betting pocket. Initially you must wager equal bets on both hands. There is also a special "super match" betting pocket. The super match bets win when your initial four cards contain two or more matching cards. Note that the odds for "super match" bets are written on the table. Online Blackjack Switch games are very popular among the online casino players.

You play both hands separately, before the dealer. Each hand can hit, stand and double. Before you make the first move you may perform a switch between hands: exchanging the two top cards of both hands.

Another difference from regular Blackjack is that in Switch dealer always plays the "soft 17" rule, e.g. the dealer must always draw additional card when he has 17 with an ace.

If the dealer draws 22 its considered a push and bets are returned unless the player has blackjack in which case the player wins.