European Blackjack
European Blackjack is played just like standard blackjack but with a few distinct rule variations. In certain parts of the world, this game has become so popular that many people consider European Blackjack rules to be the new standard for playing 21.
-
BODOG CASINO BLACKJACK SPECIAL
10% Instant Bonus on Your First Deposit!
European Blackjack is found in just about every live casino from Las Vegas to Macau, as well as most online casinos, like Bodog, Cherry Red and Rushmore Casino. When you register a new account at any of these casinos you will also be eligible for an online blackjack bonus. Each casino has their own type of bonus, so check out our reviews to find a bonus that suits you best.
European Blackjack Rules
The Rules of European Blackjack Are:
1/ 6 decks of cards are used.
2/ Dealer Stands on a Soft 17.
3/ Player can only Double on a total of 9, 10 or 11.
4/ Split and Re-Split allowed, up to 3 max hands.
5/ Split Aces receive only one card.
6/ Cannot Re-Split Aces.
7/ No Surrender rule.
8/ A Tie is a Push; bets are returned on a push.
9/ No-Peek rule applied (dealer does not check for blackjack unless insurance is bought)
Card Values:
- 2-9 = face value
- 10-K = 10
- A = 1 or 11, whichever is higher without busting the hand.
Play European Blackjack Online
How to Play European Blackjack
Here are the basics of how to play European Blackjack. Players start by betting on the upcoming hand. Players and dealers each receive two cards. The players cards are dealt face up, while the dealers cards are dealt one face down, one face up.
From here, the player has a range of options, depending on his or her hand:
- Stand (take no more cards)
- Hit (take another card)
- Double (take only one more card, doubling the original bet; player can only hit a total of 9, 10 or 11)
- Split (split two identical cards into two hands; one split and one re-split allowed; can’t Hit split aces)
European Blackjack Payouts
The object of European Blackjack is simple. The closest hand to 21 without going over wins. If a hand exceeds 21, it is called a “Bust”, and the hand automatically loses. In the case of a tie, it is a “Push”, and neither hand wins – the player’s bet is returned.
Highest Hand (Payout 1 to 1): A winning hand for the player where his total is higher than the dealer’s, or the dealer busts, results in an even money payout.
Blackjack (Payout 3 to 2): A natural Blackjack hand is a 2-card hand that contains an Ace and a 10-value card (10 or Face Card). Note that a split hand that results in a 2-card 21 is not a natural blackjack, but a standard hand of 21, paying even money.
Insurance (Payout 2 to 1): If the dealer is showing an Ace as his face up card, the player may choose to purchase insurance. Betting depends on the original bets placed. An insurance bet will cost ½ of the player’s current bet. If the dealer has Blackjack, the insurance bet payout is 2 to 1, but the original bet is lost; so essentially the player breaks even. If the dealer does not have Blackjack, the insurance bet is lost and the hand continues as normal.
European Blackjack Tips & Strategy
Using a European Blackjack Strategy Chart is highly recommended for this version of 21, especially when playing for real money. A European Blackjack strategy card will tell a player exactly how to react in any given situation, based on the odds of the player winning, the dealer winning, and even factors in risk versus potential profit.
One good tip for playing European Blackjack is to be careful with doubling and splitting if the dealer shows an Ace or any 10-value card. Because of the No-Peek rule, the dealer could be holding a blackjack the whole time as you’re multiplying your blackjack bets with split hands and additional cards.
If you look up the most basic European Blackjack tips and strategies, you’ll find that buying insurance is never really recommended. More often than not, it’s a waste of money. Just don’t double or split when a dealer blackjack is possible.
If you haven’t played real money European Blackjack yet, try it at one of our recommended online casinos. Play it for free until you understand the rules of European Blackjack well enough to move into real money games.
Play European Blackjack at Rushmore Casino and get a $1000 Bonus!
