European Blackjack
As you learn how to play blackjack, you will find there are many different variations of the game. One of the most popular and more traditional versions is European Blackjack. This version of the game is played in casinos all over Europe and is one of the most common versions found online. Let’s take a more detailed look at European Blackjack and how it works.
How to play European Blackjack
European Blackjack is one of the most popular blackjack variations. The game is very easy to play, following a traditional format that is simple to follow.
First, players must choose their stake. When this has been done, they will be dealt two cards. The dealer will receive his first card, which is played face-up. Players are able to opt for an insurance bet if the dealer has a ten or ace.
Players will then be presented with two options: hit and stand. If you hit, then you will receive another card, whereas if you stand, you will finish your round, and the dealer will play theirs. You may also be given the option to double down, which is when you double your bet and receive one more card, to split, which splits your hand into two new hands; or to surrender, which is when you quit and keep half your wager.
The dealer will then receive their second card and play through their hand, standing on soft 17. When the result of the round has been decided, wins will be settled.
The Rules
Like all blackjack variations, there are different rules that apply to European Blackjack. These are the most important:
- If a dealer has a blackjack with their first two cards, it defeats any hand other than a straight blackjack for the player.
- Dealers stand on soft 17.
- Players are only able to split their hands once.
- Split is only available if a player has the same character face card.
- The dealer can not check for blackjack.
- The surrender option is available.
The House Edge
Understanding blackjack odds is essential if you want to have any chance of succeeding in the game. In European Blackjack, the house edge typically sits somewhere between 0.41% and 0.72%, which is extremely low, making this one of the best blackjack games to play. Of course, this is going to be impacted by the way you choose to play. Using basic blackjack strategy is a great way to keep the house edge low.
European Blackjack Tips
Let’s take a detailed look at some handy blackjack tips that can be used in European Blackjack:
Avoid Insurance
While insurance may always appear like an attractive option, it very rarely is. In the vast majority of cases, insurance is just going to see you lose more money.
Explore different strategies
Blackjack is a game that can be approached in so many different ways, and taking the time to learn some different blackjack strategies, especially basic blackjack strategy, can really help swing the game for you.
Always play with caution
Just because the house edge is low in blackjack, it does not mean you are never guaranteed a win. You should make sure you approach the game with caution and think carefully about your decisions.
Advantages of playing European Blackjack
There are several advantages to choosing European Blackjack ahead of other variations. Firstly, the game is only played with two decks, which is excellent news if you are a card counter. The lower the number of decks, the easier it is to keep track of the game.
The dealer standing on soft 17 is also good news for players. This is because 17 is not typically a winning number in blackjack, and, as such, players have a better advantage in this game than they do in one where the dealer only stands on a hard 17.
Disadvantages of playing European Blackjack
One of the biggest disadvantages of European Blackjack is the fact that the dealer can not check for blackjack. As such, if a dealer is showing a face-up Ace, you are still free to make moves and, even worse, place further bets.
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Final Thoughts
European Blackjack FAQs
Here are the most common questions we get asked about European Blackjack.
