Jean Gabriel | January 16, 2023 | Updated on: January 24th, 2023
Popular Online Blackjack Variants Australia
Blackjack is one of the most popular table games in land-based casinos, as well as online gambling sites. As such, it should surprise no one that there are multiple popular Blackjack Variants for you to enjoy. Each variant follows the same basic Blackjack principles, but each adds its own unique twist to the rules.
Some Blackjack Variants will make minor changes to the rules, while others will make bigger changes to the rules. We decided to compile all the most common and popular Blackjack variants into one place and give you a brief overview of each version of Blackjack. So, let’s take a look at some of the most popular Online Blackjack versions in Australia!
Best Australian Blackjack Casinos
Differences Between Blackjack Variants
When it comes to the different versions of Online Blackjack, there are a number of rules that can be changed and tweaked. Some versions will have minor changes, while others will have more significant changes. Below are some of the aspects that can be changed between different versions of Blackjack Online.
- When the dealer’s hand totals Soft 17 (Hand that contains an Ace), some variants will make the dealer hit again, while others will force them to stand.
- Blackjack variants can also tweak the payout for getting Blackjack (Hand valued at 21 with the first two cards). Normally, Blackjack receives a special 3:2 payout. However, this can be changed.
- Some variants of Blackjack can also limit the number of times you can Double Down. Some will limit you to Doubling Down once, while others might allow you to do it multiple times. They can also change whether you’re allowed to Double Down after you split.
- Finally, variants of Blackjack can decide whether players are allowed to surrender or not.
Most Popular Blackjack Variants
So, let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular variants of Online Blackjack that you can play for real money in Australia!
Single Deck Blackjack
The first version of Online Blackjack we’re going to look at is Single Deck Blackjack. As the name suggests, this version of Blackjack uses a single deck of 52 cards in the shoe. Once upon a time, this was the standard version of the game. However, because there is just a single deck, it was too easy for card counters to improve their odds.
These days, Single Deck Blackjack is quite difficult to find in land-based casinos, but it is still possible to find online. If you do find it, Blackjack will come with a 6:5 payout, instead of 3:2.
Double Exposure Blackjack
Double Exposure Blackjack is a unique version of the game. The unique aspect is hinted at in the name. Both of the dealer’s cards will be visible to the player, taking some of the guesswork out of the game. In most variants of Blackjack, only one of the dealer’s cards is visible.
Because seeing both of the dealer’s cards is much easier, the payout of Blackjack is only 1:1, and the house edge is just 0.67%, which is extremely low. This is a great version of the game for newer Blackjack players.
Blackjack Switch
In Blackjack Switch, you will be playing two separate hands at the same time. In addition to this, you can decide to switch the highest value card between hands, to help make both hands win. As such, there is also a 1:1 payout for Blackjack.
Pontoon
Pontoon is a version of Blackjack with more extensive changes to the rules. There are a number of differences, which include being required to hit when your hand is valued at 14 or less, allowing doubling down after players have hit, and the dealer winning when there is a tie on Blackjack.
You will also still receive a 2:1 payout after you split. But there many of the rules do help the dealer win, giving it is slightly higher house edge than some other versions.
Perfect Pairs
In Perfect Pairs Blackjack, the unique selling point is that there are unique side bets you can place. The side bet is wagering that the first two cards you will be dealt will be a pair. You can receive some incredible payouts for a pair, such as:
- A 30:1 Payout if the pair matches the pair is from the same suit
- 12:1 Payout if the pair is the same colour
- 5:1 if it is a mixed pair
Besides this, the game uses the standard Blackjack rules, so nothing else is particularly different.
European Blackjack
European Blackjack is a fairly standard version of the game, with one key difference. The difference lies in the way the dealer’s cards are dealt. After the player receives their cards, only the dealer’s face up card is dealt. You then play your round, and only once you are done, will the dealer receive their second card. This means that the dealer cannot check for Blackjack, and as a result, the house edge is increased.
Progressive Blackjack
Finally, you can also enjoy Online Blackjack with a progressive jackpot. It uses the same basic rules as any other variant of Blackjack but has an additional side bet for the jackpot.
The win conditions for the progressive jackpot normally relate to unique split and double down actions, but can change depending on the developer. Always make sure you understand what is needed to win the progressive, before placing this additional bet.