Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games, and it comes in various forms. The two most popular blackjack variations are American and European blackjack. While the game is essentially the same in all the different variations available, if you take a closer look, you can see there are slight variations. The differences can be seen in the gameplay, strategy, and in-house edge. European blackjack, although not as widely played as its American counterpart, is still available in most online casinos and UK casinos
Rules of European Blackjack
The basic rules of European blackjack are similar to other blackjack variations, but there are a few key differences. The game is played with two decks of standard playing cards without jokers. The objective of European blackjack is to beat the dealer by having a higher hand value without exceeding 21.
The card values of European blackjack are as follows:
- The aces are worth 1 or 11 points
- Face cards like King, Queen and Jacks are worth 10 points
- Other cards are worth their face values.
One major difference between American and European blackjack is how the dealer deals with the cards. In European Blackjack, the dealer only receives one card face up, and they don’t get a second card until all the players have completed their hands. This means that a dealer can’t check for blackjack immediately, which gives players a slight advantage.
In European blackjack, players are not allowed to surrender their hands, which means that they can’t forfeit half of their bet and get out of the game. Additionally, players are only allowed to double-own a hand that totals 9, 10, or 11, whereas in some other variations of blackjack, players can double down on any two cards.
Strategies of European Blackjack
The strategies for playing European blackjack are similar to those for other variations of the game, but there are slight differences in the way the players approach the game. One common strategy is to always assume that the dealer has a 10 in the hole, even though they may not actually have one. This is because the face cards are worth 10 points, and there are more of them in the deck than any other card.
Players should also be aware of when to double down. In European blackjack, players can only double down on a hand that totals 9, 10, or 11. It's important to remember that doubling down means the player is doubling their original bet in exchange for one more card.
It is also important to pay attention to the dealer’s up card, as this helps the players gather information on the opponents' strategy. If the dealer’s up card is 2-6, the player should assume that they have a weak hand and play accordingly. If the dealer’s up card is a 7 or higher, the player should assume that they have a strong hand and play more strategically.
Finally, it is important to know when to hit and when to stand. In general, players should hit when they have a hand total of 8 or less and stand when they have a hand total of 17 or more. If the player has a hand total of 12-16 and the dealer’s up card is 7 or higher, they should hit. If the dealer's up card is 2-6 and the player has a hand total of 12-26 they can opt to stand.
House Edge in European Blackjack
The house edge of European blackjack is lower than other variations of the game. Players can use blackjack skills and strategies to maintain and lower the house edge further. One of the most effective ways to reduce the house edge is by standing when the player has a hard total of 17 or higher.
The house edge in European blackjack is around 0.39%, which means for every 100 dollars wagered, the house will win an average of 0.39. The house edge of the European variation of European blackjack being lower makes it a popular choice among players.
Another way to reduce the house edge in European blackjack is to use the basic strategy chart. This chart outlines the best plays to make in any given situation in the game. For example, if the player's face-up card is 7 or higher, the player should not hit.
In addition to using basic strategy, players can also take advantage of bonuses and promotions if the casinos are providing any. Most online casinos never fail to flood the players with promotions and offers. Always choose a safe and reputed online casino to ensure online blackjack safety.