Online Blackjack variations

Blackjack has always been one of the favorite card games in land-based casinos. There are sets of rules and a variety of bonuses involved that add to the excitement of the game.

With the development of online blackjack, the game is seen to have several variations that players can choose from. Rules and regulations may also vary from one online casino to another.

Double Exposure Blackjack

This variation of blackjack is generally based on the rules of the original game except for the splits, allowable doubles and others. The dealer’s cards are dealt face up and he can only win a blackjack. The game generally favors the player. Double Exposure Blackjack is available in online casinos running on RTG and Microgaming software. The online casino edge is 0.7%.

Pontoon

Pontoon is a blackjack variation that offers more opportunities to the player were he can double and the rule of five with double paying is applicable. The dealer in this case is dealt with cards that are face down.

The rest of the rules of pontoon are: it is played with 52-pack cards; the nominal card value is similar to the original version of blackjack; the dealer deals 2 cards face up to the player and 2 cards face down to himself with pontoon check. Basically the dealer’s game is the same as in the original version.

In the original blackjack, when the cards are taken out, the dealer and player compare hands; and if the player has leftover cards, he will lose. For a pontoon or a five-card combination, the pay is 2 to 1; other combinations are paid 1 to 1. The dealer will win when a tie occurs. In pontoon there are no by-bets or insurance. Pontoon is available in online casinos running on Cryptologic and RTG, and the online casino edge is 0.17%.

Caribbean 21

Caribbean 21 is played with one pack of cards and this variation of blackjack has many differences from the original version. The basic rules of the game are: ace is equivalent to 1 point; an ace and two 10-point cards is a Caribbean 21 and it is paid 3 to 2; a player can double on any card at any time and he can also buy a few times; a player can split any 2 cards; all ties are won by the dealer; the dealer deals only one card, face up, for himself; the player can have a Caribbean 21 insurance if the dealer has 1 open ace, and the insurance is paid 9 to 1. Caribbean 21 is found at online casinos running on RTG software, and the casino edge is 0.2%.

No matter which form or variety of blackjack you want to play, each game has its own unique set of rules and advantages. Try to play the ones with the best advantage, but be sure to try playing all the variations before settling on one particular game.