Top 5 Blackjack variations you can enjoy at New Zealand’s online and offline casinos
No matter which online or brick and mortar casino you play at, you’re most likely to come across a wide number of variations of the conventional casino card game blackjack. Although the broader rules of all these blackjack variants remain the same, they are different from each other in terms of some details here and there. These new blackjack variants have also helped in reviving people’s interest in this age old casino staple, by introducing new levels of excitement. In this short article, we’ll take you through a few such interesting blackjack variations, and acquaint you with how they’re different from others.
Classic Blackjack
This is the original blackjack that has always been played in New Zealand as well as in other parts of the world. Classic blackjack is normally played using 5 to 8 decks, and serves as an excellent option to play at online casinos or some of the best casino destinations in New Zealand, especially if you are in a rush and are keen on indulging in some fast-paced blackjack action. You Tube Shows How to Play (and Win) at Blackjack: The Expert's Guide
Spanish 21
Considered a highly interesting blackjack variation, this one features several modifications in the original blackjack game. So, what’s the difference between ‘BJ’ & ‘21’? The difference is essentially in terms of the rules. At most off-line/online casinos, Spanish 21 is played using 6 decks.
The players are dealt 2 cards each and continue receiving cards until they choose to stand, trying to stay under 21 in the process. Once a player stops, the dealer follows and the highest hand wins. In Spanish 21, players get the choice of splitting their paired cards and can continue placing bets with 2 hands. As is evident in this interview with a Blackjack pro, it is one Blackjack variation which you can win at consistently once you master its workings and some strategy related to it.
Blackjack Switch
Another interesting blackjack variation, there is a wide variety of side bets available in this variant. Other than that, you can also keep many bespoke rules enabling players to switch their cards, to strengthen their hands. Blackjack Switch was invented and patented by Geoff Hall in the year 2009, and rapidly became a staple of many online casinos over the years. It is normally played with 6 or 8 decks.
Double Exposure Blackjack
This blackjack variant is the creation of Richard Epstein, an American game theorist, and first came on the casino scene in Las Vegas, in October 1979. It used to be referred to as ‘Zweikartenspiel’, however, later on got rechristened as Double Exposure by Blackjack fans all over the world. What makes this variant unique is that both the dealer cards stay exposed, giving players a significant edge.
Pontoon
Played extensively across the United Kingdom, Pontoon derives all its basic rules from blackjack. The primary objective in this game is making a hand higher than that of the dealer, without going over 21. Although it is normally played with a single deck, multiple decks can also be used to accommodate more players. There are essentially 2 variations of pontoon as well, one that’s played in the UK, and the other which is common in Malaysia, Singapore and Australia (quite similar to Spanish 21).