Blackjack Variants — Popular Versions of the Game

Standard Rule Sets

Before exploring exotic variants, know that “standard” blackjack itself varies by region:

Vegas Strip Rules

• 4-8 decks
• Dealer stands on soft 17
• Double on any two cards
• Double after split allowed
• Late surrender available
• House edge: ~0.35%

Vegas Downtown Rules

• 2 decks (commonly)
• Dealer hits soft 17
• Double on any two cards
• Double after split NOT allowed
• No surrender
• House edge: ~0.65%

Atlantic City Rules

• 8 decks
• Dealer stands on soft 17
• Double on any two cards
• Double after split allowed
• Late surrender available
• House edge: ~0.40%

Spanish 21

One of the most popular blackjack variants.

Key Differences

• All 10-value cards are removed (Jack, Queen, King remain)
• Player blackjack always beats dealer blackjack
• Player 21 always beats dealer 21
• Bonus payouts for certain hands (5+ card 21, 6-7-8, 7-7-7)
• Late surrender available
• Double down on any number of cards
• Re-split Aces allowed

Impact

• Removing the 10s significantly helps the house
• The bonus rules offset much of this disadvantage
• House edge: ~0.4-0.8% with correct strategy
• Strategy is different from standard blackjack — don’t use the standard chart

Pontoon

The British/Australian variant of blackjack.

Key Differences

• Both dealer cards face down — you have no information
• “Pontoon” (Ace + 10-value) pays 2:1 instead of 3:2
• A 5-card trick (5 cards without busting) beats everything except Pontoon
• Terminology: “twist” (hit), “stick” (stand), “buy” (double)
• Must hit on 14 or below
• Can double (“buy”) on 2, 3, or 4 cards

Impact

• No visible dealer card changes strategy dramatically
• 2:1 Pontoon payout is better than 3:2
• 5-card trick adds an exciting element
• House edge: ~0.4-0.6% with correct strategy

Blackjack Switch

A clever variant created by Geoff Hall in 2009.

Key Differences

• You play two hands simultaneously
• You can switch the top cards between your two hands
• Dealer push on 22 (instead of busting) — the “Super Match” rule
• Blackjack pays even money (1:1) instead of 3:2

Impact

• Switching is a powerful advantage (~0.5% edge gain)
• 1:1 blackjack and dealer push on 22 offset the switching advantage
• House edge: ~0.58% — quite good for a variant
• Requires a unique strategy that accounts for switching decisions

Double Exposure (Face Up 21)

Key Differences

• Both dealer cards are dealt face up
• Dealer wins all ties (except blackjack ties, which push)
• Blackjack pays even money (1:1)
• No insurance offered

Impact

• Seeing both dealer cards is an enormous advantage
• The tie-loss and 1:1 payout rules offset this significantly
• House edge: ~0.7% with correct strategy
• Strategy changes dramatically — you know exactly what you’re playing against

Progressive Blackjack

Key Differences

• Standard blackjack rules plus an optional progressive side bet
• The side bet contributes to a growing jackpot
• Specific card combinations win portions of the jackpot
• Typical payouts: suited Aces = jackpot; 4 Aces = mini-jackpot

Impact

• The base game is standard blackjack
• The side bet has a very high house edge (varies, often 20%+)
• Only mathematically interesting when the jackpot is extremely large

6:5 Blackjack

Not a “variant” by design, but a rule change that has become common.

Key Differences

• Natural blackjack pays 6:5 instead of 3:2
• On a $10 bet: 6:5 pays $12, 3:2 pays $15

Impact

• Increases house edge by approximately 1.4%
• A $10 minimum 6:5 game has worse odds than many slot machines
• Always avoid. Look for 3:2 tables

Comparison Table