Blackjack Rules Variations

Each blackjack variation has its own set of rules, strategies and odds. It is advised to take a look at the rules of the specific variation before playing. Many countries have legal acts and laws, which determine how a casino game of Blackjack must be played. Not all rules are posted. The player has to ask, either before-hand or when the situation occurs. Over 100 variations exist.

Dealer Soft 17

In fact, there are two slightly different dealer strategies. In the "S17" game, dealer stands on all 17s. In the "H17" game, dealer hits on soft 17s; of course, he stands on hard 17s. (In either case, the dealer has no choice; he must or must not hit.) The H17 game is substantially less favorable to the player. Which game is customary depends on locality. Las Vegas Strip rules are about equally spl

Number of decks

All things being equal, fewer decks are more favorable for the player. (This is true for basic strategy players, even without card counting.) In fact, all things are not equal; multi-deck games almost always have otherwise better rules than single-deck games.

Late surrender

The player may "give up" and get back half his bet, before taking any other action. (In some places, this is posted, "surrender is available", while in other places, it is available, but it is not posted.) In some cases (15 vs. ten, 16 vs. 9, 16 vs. ace), this is slightly favorable. In one important case (16 vs. ten), it is definitely favorable.

Resplit to nn

(In other words, the option to split exists for a two-card hand from a split the same as the first two cards.) The simplest rule is "resplit infinite"; this means that the player may continue to split so long as he receives same-value cards and is willing to put up the additional bet. More typically, the rule is "resplit to four." These rules are practically identical, since even four hands is fairly unusual.

Resplit aces

In general, after splitting aces, the player gets only one card even with the above rule. With this rule in effect, an exception is made: if the second card is an ace, the player can resplit. (Of course, this is always favorable.)

Double after split

In other words, the option exists to double for a two-card hand from a split the same as the first two cards. Generally, the player should play a hand after a split the same as the first two cards. However, this rule does slightly change which hands should be split in the first place.

Double on 10 or 11 only

Often called "Reno" rules. (Also seen is "double on 9, 10, or 11 only".) It is annoying to many players because doubling soft hands is considered part of the game.

European no-hole-card rule

The dealer does not receive a hole card. If the dealer is later found to have blackjack, the player loses his original bet and any additional bets (doubles or splits).

In some places, the dealer does not receive a hole card, but if the dealer is later found to have blackjack, the player loses only his original bet but not any additional bets (doubles or splits). This has the same advantage as the usual game and it should not be considered "European no-hole-card rule".

Altered payout for natural

In some places, a natural pays 6:5 or even 1:1. This reduces or removes one of the main advantages for the player. Many players feel that this is tampering with a basic rule of the game.

Dealer wins ties

This is catastrophic to the player. It is sometimes seen in "blackjack-like" games.

Five Card Charlie

With this rule, the player always wins when five cards have been drawn without busting.

Insurance

We have a whole lesson dedicated to Insurance. View it here.