European Blackjack

European Blackjack – One of the Most Popular Blackjack Variations

With so many variations of blackjack available both at land-based casinos and online, European Blackjack remains a top pick for many players. The name of the game derives from the fact that it was predominantly played on casino floors across Europe. As this blackjack variation gained popularity, it started appearing in brick-and-mortar casinos around the world. Nowadays, versions of European Blackjack can also be found at multiple online casinos, giving fans of the game the chance to enjoy a thrilling gaming experience.

While European Blackjack has a slightly higher house edge than classic blackjack, many players still enjoy this version of the card game. Although there are a few specific rules you need to know before you start playing, the basics of the game of 21 still apply. Mastering the correct strategy will definitely help you enjoy more successful sessions. In our article, you will learn the specific rules of the game as well as the optimal strategy you can use to reduce the house edge as much as possible.

Blackjack Rules

Blackjack Gameplay

Blackjack Strategy

Playing Online

European Blackjack Rules

European Blackjack follows the same basic rules as the classic game, meaning that you compete against the dealer and your objective is to form a total as close as possible to 21 without exceeding it. The assigned value of the cards is also no different: all face cards are worth ten points, aces can be valued as either one or eleven, and the remaining cards are worth their numeric face value.

In European Blackjack, if you and the dealer have blackjack, the result is a Push, meaning that there is no winner. The dealer must stand on soft 17, and if the dealer has blackjack, it beats any other winning combination. This variation is not a hole-card game, which means the dealer doesn’t peek for blackjack. You may double down only on hands with a total value of nine, ten, or eleven.

Splitting is allowed only once, and you may split only 10-value cards of the same rank. For instance, you can split two Jacks, but you cannot make this move if you have a Ten and a Queen. Splitting Aces is also permitted and, in contrast to many other versions, you can draw several cards to each hand. However, if you are dealt a 10-value card, the hand counts as 21 rather than natural blackjack, which means the payout is lower. You are not allowed to surrender, and doubling down after splitting is not permitted either. Re-splitting is also forbidden in this variation.

The standard payout for blackjack applies here as well, with players paid 3/2 for this winning combination. In this version, you can place an insurance bet, which pays 2/1 if the dealer’s up card is an Ace. All other winning hands pay even money. Note that payouts are determined by individual casinos and can therefore vary. This variation is considered fairly beneficial for players as its house edge is less than 1%.

Step-by-Step Guide to European Blackjack Rules

1. Objective: Compete against the dealer to form a hand as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. The value of the cards is standard: face cards are worth 10, aces can be 1 or 11, and other cards hold their numeric value.
2. Push Rule: If both you and the dealer hit blackjack, it results in a Push—no winner.
3. Dealer’s Play: The dealer must stand on soft 17. If the dealer has blackjack, it trumps all other winning hands. European Blackjack does not feature a hole card; the dealer won’t peek for blackjack.
4. Doubling Down: Allowed only on hands with a total value of 9, 10, or 11.
5. Splitting: Splitting is permitted once, exclusively on 10-valued cards of the same rank (e.g., two Jacks). Splitting Aces is allowed, and you can draw multiple cards to each hand. However, a 10-valued card after splitting Aces counts as 21, not blackjack, leading to a lower payout. No surrender, doubling down after splitting, or re-splitting.
6. Payouts: Blackjack pays 3/2. Insurance bets pay 2/1 if the dealer’s up card is an Ace. Other wins pay even money. Payouts can vary by casino.
7. House Edge: Typically below 1%, making it a player-favorable game.
8. Decks: Played with two decks, though some casinos use up to six. Always verify casino rules to ensure they are player-friendly.

Gameplay

First, place your desired bet in the designated betting area, usually located in front of you on the table. Before playing, check the table limits and join only if they align with your bankroll. After placing your wager, you receive your first two cards face up. Only one of the dealer’s cards is dealt face up.

At this stage, you must decide which move to make. You can either stand or hit, and if appropriate and permitted, you may also double down or split a pair. Before playing, it is best to always learn a strategy, regardless of the variation you are playing, as this is the only way to consistently make the best possible decisions and minimize your losses.

European Blackjack Gameplay: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Place Your Bet: Start by placing your bet in the designated area on the table. Always check the table limits before joining to ensure they match your bankroll.
2. Receiving Cards: After betting, you’ll receive two cards face up. The dealer also gets two cards but shows only one face up.
3. Making Decisions: Now it’s decision time. Based on your hand and the dealer’s visible card, choose to:
   • Stand: Keep your current hand as is.
   • Hit: Request another card to get closer to 21.
   • Double Down: If allowed and strategically optimal, this move doubles your bet and you receive exactly one more card.
   • Split: If you have a pair, you may split it into two separate hands, doubling your bet but receiving a new second card for each hand.
4. Learn Strategy: Before diving in, familiarize yourself with European Blackjack strategies. Knowing when to hit, stand, double down, or split is crucial. A solid strategy is your best tool to minimize losses.

Blackjack Bonus

Blackjack History

How to Play Blackjack

Blackjack Rules

Strategy for European Blackjack

Blackjack is a skill-based game, meaning that besides luck it also requires strategy. You can influence the outcome of every hand by implementing the correct strategy. The same applies to all variations of this game, including European Blackjack. It is essential to learn a basic strategy and follow it throughout the game if you want to make the most of your play and decrease the house edge. For a start, let’s look at some useful tips that have proven effective over time.

Gambling experts advise that you should double down when you have a pair of 5s or a total of 10 or 11 and the dealer’s up card is from two through nine. It is also recommended to make this move if you have a 12 and the dealer is in a weak position—whenever their up card is from two through six. The general rule regarding doubling down is that you should do so whenever the dealer is in a disadvantageous position, as in such cases you have a higher chance of winning the hand. Many proficient players try to get the most out of such situations in order to compensate for their previous losses.

If you get a pair of Aces, it is best to always split them, regardless of the dealer’s up card, as this move is appropriate in any situation. When it comes to the insurance bet, it is generally considered unfavorable for players. Since European Blackjack is played with two decks of cards, the house edge on this bet is significantly higher; therefore, it is best to avoid it.

European Blackjack by RealTime Gaming – Strategy Chart

Rules:

• 8 Decks
• Dealer Stands on Soft 17
• Dealer Does Not Peek for Blackjack
• Double on Hard 9-11, Double After Split (DAS)

Legend:

• H: Hit
• H*: Hit with 2 cards, Stand with 3+ cards
• S: Stand
• D: Double if Possible, Otherwise Hit
• P: Split (Pair)

Playing Online European Blackjack

Playing European Blackjack in an online casino offers several advantages. First, you can enjoy this exciting card game from home without traveling to a brick-and-mortar casino. Most online casinos also give their customers the chance to play for free, which is a great opportunity to try the game just for fun without risking your own funds. Furthermore, some online casinos offer live European Blackjack hosted by a professional dealer in real time. This approach provides an authentic experience that lets you enjoy the game like never before.

It should be noted that when the game is played online, some of the aforementioned rules might vary; therefore, it is always a good idea to double-check them beforehand. For instance, in online European Blackjack the deck is often shuffled before every deal, which is not common in land-based casinos.

Conclusion

European Blackjack is a fairly fast-paced game that is both very challenging and entertaining. The excitement this game offers attracts players from all over the world. Nowadays, it can be found in almost every casino, which is a clear indicator that this variation is one of the most popular blackjack games. It is definitely worth a try; however, before doing so, review its rules and gameplay so you know what to expect.

FAQ: European Blackjack