Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games worldwide, and European Blackjack is a variant that is widely played in online casinos. In this essay, we will discuss the features, rules, and strategies of European Blackjack.
Features of European Blackjack
European Blackjack is played with two decks of cards, and the dealer receives one card face up and another face down. The objective of the game is to have a hand total of 21 or less while beating the dealer’s hand. The game also allows players to split their cards and double down on their bets.
Unlike other blackjack variants, European Blackjack does not offer the option to surrender. Additionally, the dealer stands on a soft 17 hand, which means they cannot take additional cards. This feature gives the player a higher chance of winning the game.
Rules of European Blackjack
In European Blackjack, the player is dealt two cards, and they can choose to hit (take another card), stand (keep their current hand), split (separate their two cards into two hands) or double down (double their original bet and take one more card).
If the player chooses to split, they must place an additional bet equal to their original one, and each of the split hands will receive a new card. The player can continue to hit or stand on each of the split hands, and they can also double down on each hand if they wish.
The value of the cards in European Blackjack is as follows: Ace is worth one or eleven points, face cards (King, Queen, and Jack) are worth ten points, and all other cards are worth their face value.
If the player manages to get a hand value of 21 using the first two cards (an Ace and a 10-point card), it is called a Blackjack, and the player automatically wins the game unless the dealer also has a Blackjack.
Strategies for Winning at European Blackjack
There are different strategies that players can use to increase their chances of winning at European Blackjack. One popular strategy is to follow the basic strategy chart, which indicates the best move to make based on the player’s hand and the dealer’s upcard.
Players should also pay attention to the dealer’s upcard and adjust their strategy accordingly. For example, if the dealer’s upcard is a 6 or lower, it is likely that they will bust, so the player should stand on a lower hand value to avoid busting themselves.
Another strategy is to keep track of the cards that have been played and adjust the betting strategy accordingly. This strategy is called card counting, and it involves assigning a value to each of the cards and keeping a running count of the cards that have been played.
Conclusion
European Blackjack is a popular online casino game that is easy to understand and play. It offers exciting features such as splitting and doubling down, and the rules are straightforward. Although it does not offer the option to surrender, the game’s low house edge makes it an attractive option for players looking to win big. With the right strategies, players can increase their chances of winning at European Blackjack and enjoy the game even more. Overall, European Blackjack is a great game for both novice and experienced players.