Blackjack having a long list of variants is not a new story. It is one of the interesting aspects of the game, especially when you consider the fact that it provides people with the choice to choose what they need. And if we had to pick what they pick or classify one variant to be the best, then it would have to be European Blackjack.
As a special variant of the game, European Blackjack tends to keep trending on all online casinos because people want to play and experience the game. But do they know everything about the game before trying it out? Well, if you don’t the following is exclusively written for you.
The Basics That You Need to Know
Be it European Blackjack or any other variant, starting with the basics is how you can climb your way to the top. These basics also contain rules and they remain the same whether you play offline or online Blackjack. So here are the basics that you need to know about European Blackjack.
- Between the dealer and player
European Blackjack is played between the dealer and the player and each game ends up using anywhere between 2-8 decks of cards. As an obvious fact, the deck will not include the joker and the main objective is to get to 21 or remotely close to that figure. So the objective remains the same whether you are playing classic or European Blackjack.
- The value of cards
Every card adds a certain value to your hand and it is quite crucial that you be aware of the same. While numbered cards from 2 to 9 are valued by keeping in mind their face value, cards such from 10 to Ace are simply placed with a value of 10 points. Moreover, the Ace card can either be valued at 1 or 11 depending upon the situation.
While that sums up Blackjack card values, it won’t make sense unless you remember the same and put it to good use. So remembering the basics will help you move further, even to the stage where you can build a Blackjack strategy.
The Rules that Make European Blackjack
Once you are aware of the basics, the next step is to check out Blackjack rules. While some of these rules are common for every game, a few are specific to European Blackjack.
- The dealer and the player
As we all know, European Blackjack is played between the dealer and the player. But there are a few aspects that come into the picture. The dealer won’t be able to peek for Blackjack and their hand, if it is indeed a Blackjack, will be declared the automatic winner over the player’s hand that touches the value of 21.
If both these individuals have Blackjack hands, the game is pushed and in another situation, the dealer will have to stand soft on 17 and hit for a hand value equalling 16.
- Splitting
While splitting is common in European Blackjack, there are specific limitations attached to the same. Players can only split once per hand and cannot do so with 4s, 5s or 10-value cards that are not alike. As a player, you can also double down on split cards but cannot opt for moves such as re-splitting.
- Surrendering
Surrendering is a step that certain players employ to leave the game after first-hand experience. But if the dealer’s face card is an Ace, you cannot opt to surrender. It is an important rule that is more or less specific to certain casinos because some of them allow you to surrender if the card is valued at 10 but is not an Ace.
Surrendering in Blackjack is known to be the safe way out but it will only give you half the wager. So it is more or less like Blackjack insurance, which is a method that comes with pros and cons. While exploring it is good, you need to ensure to know all about it before putting it to use.
Getting Started with European Blackjack
Every game of European Blackjack begins with the player receiving two cards face down. On the other hand, the dealer gets their first card, which is face up and the dealer’s second card is only dealt after the player completes playing their hand. Hence, this is what happens at the start of the game. In order to understand what happens next, you need to consider different situations.
European Blackjack or any other format for that matter, will move forward based on the cards that the player receives. If the player wins right at the beginning, meaning that they have won the Blackjack hand, then it means that they have won the round. But if the dealer wins the hand, then the game moves into push mode.
Moreover, if both the player and the dealer loses the game will be called a bust. Now if these situations don’t occur, the player moves ahead to consider the standard options. These options include ‘hit or stand in Blackjack’ and various other moves that are aimed at helping you reach the figure of 21.
- Hit or stand
Hitting in Blackjack refers to the player asking for another card to improve their value. And standing in Blackjack involves not asking for an additional card.
- Split
Players can also split in Blackjack which refers to a move wherein you split the hand into 2. So each hand brings in an individual bet and can be played separately. While the bet does sound to be promising, it should only be used when you have 2 cards of the same value.
- Double down
Doubling down in Blackjack games involves players doubling their original bet and standing down once they receive the card.
- Surrender
As the name suggests, surrender is to leave the game after witnessing the original hand. By doing so, you will be able to earn half of the original wager. Hence, that is how a game of European Blackjack begins and goes about. It is the same for a normal game as well as Blackjack tournaments. So keep them in mind.