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 at Stake.com. 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 traditionally in land-based casinos, and now is widely popular online at Stake 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). The casino house edge is slightly stronger.
Insurance can be offered when the dealer’s up card is an Ace.
Players can make an Insurance bet (a side bet) which will pay out if the dealer has a blackjack.
A double down can only be applied if you’re dealt a total of 9, 10, or 11. It can be a risky strategy but rewarding too.
Splitting pairs will take a paired hand and split into 2 separate hands, doubling your wager. 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 for a bet.
Blackjack payouts 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 online casino guides explaining how 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 value.
Whereas, in European blackjack, doubling down will only be allowed for hands that have a value of 9, 10, and 11. Read our guide to hitting, standing and doubling down for more information.
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 bet.
But in European blackjack, players can’t surrender. This may be a positive for gamblers who wish to control their losses while playing cards.
House Edge and Odds for American and European Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the best online casino games for beginners. Many things affect the house edge and the betting odds available at Stake. Typically for blackjack, the house edge sits at around 1%. Nevertheless, it can fluctuate between casinos.
We have produced a table highlighting the odds and house edge for American and European blackjack.
At some casinos, blackjack might have lower odds for payouts. Players, for example, could lose a 17+ tie or won’t be allowed to split.
Best American & European Blackjack Games on Stake
Stake works with some of the best online 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. Although there are some drawbacks, the Return to Player (RTP) is exceptionally high for European blackjack, usually surpassing 99%.
Blackjack Betting 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 - The same could be said for wagering on sports at Stake. With sports betting, you can wager on the moneyline or enjoy prop betting if you prefer. 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 betting systems - There are plenty of progressive betting systems. The Fibonacci betting system, for example, is great for working out how many betting 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.
Bankroll your account efficiently - Stake supports many payment methods for making deposits and withdrawals, including local currencies like Indian rupees, and many more, as well as an array of crypto coins. Whatever you use, be sensible and don’t chase losses.
If needs be, use Stake’s gambling calculator to work out how much you can afford to gamble with. If you want to purchase crypto, check our guide to safely storing it in the Stake vault.
We have a variety of guides to popular cryptocurrencies. Check them out below:
Casino Promotions, VIP Club & Responsible Gambling
You can find some of the best casino bonuses at Stake, including monthly bonuses. This covers everything from welcome deals, such as matched deposits and free bets to weekly giveaways. The latter come in the form of raffles and players can win their share of a big cash prize.
A reload bonus, meanwhile, will be reserved for VIP players who join the VIP Club, and it is rewarded 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. More details can be found in the Stake VIP program FAQs area.
Stake leaves no stone unturned for casino promotions, and you will find top blackjack games here. Depositing and withdrawing is easy, especially for those with concerns about the safety of crypto. Contact customer support and chat online if you have any questions. Above all else, Stake smart and gamble responsibly.
