Most blackjack variations seem to gain traction quickly and popularity but fail to keep the moment going. Blackjack switch is one of the new blackjack variations that has stuck around while another new 21 games come and go. Our editorial team has put together the top 5 new blackjack games that are sure to stay relevant and popular in the next coming years.
Blackjack Zappit Variation
Zappit is based on the standard blackjack game with an added option to zap cards. Six card decks are used. If the player gets dealt, two had cards that have a combined total of 18, 17, 16 or 15 they can ‘zappit’ and take two new cards.
Zappit also has its own set of payouts. If the players hit blackjack with their original two cards, they will be paid 3 to 2. Should the player hit ‘blackjack’ after zapping their card, they will only be paid 1 to 1.
The Zappit ‘blackjack’ hand is considered as 21 and not blackjack. Players not surrender. However, players can double after splitting, and the dealer can bust with a total of 22.
U-turn Blackjack
The blackjack variation sees the dealer act first, which turns the game upside down. Each card in U-turn blackjack is scanned as it is being dealt. The unique element then determines how many cards the dealer will draw until the dealer busts or reach 17.
As per in any game of 21 the dealer will have an up card. From there the dealer will be dealt his other cards face down. The shuffler will stop dealing the dealer cards once they reach 17 or 18.
The game sound a little complicated; however, for blackjack players who live and breathe the blackjack rules, you will realize the game is all about the dealer’s hand. U-turn blackjack also uses the push 22 rule. The push 22 rule means that when the dealer busts with a total of 22 the players who have not busted their hands will not win but rather push. The push 22 rule is used to manage the house edge.
Pontoon Blackjack
Pontoon blackjack hails from Great Britain and is based on an old British card game that is similar to blackjack. The variation is played six or eight card decks. All the ten cards are removed from the deck. Playing pontoon will see players have to create a new blackjack strategy as both the dealer’s cards are dealt face down.
The dealer has to stand on a soft 17. A pontoon in the game is an ace accompanied by a face card that is worth 10. Before playing pontoon, it is essential that you do some reading up on the game as not only does it have its distinctive rules, but it also has its own terminology.
Mega Blackjack
Mega blackjack is a blackjack variation that suggests that the player will win higher odds on blackjack or 21 hands. Similarly, to Zaoppit, players can double after splitting.
Mega blackjack uses six-card deck and has several payouts. The player will push if the dealer bust with four cards or more. Should the player hold, a natural blackjack and the dealer also has blackjack the player will push.
Spanish 21 Blackjack
Spanish blackjack is similar to the regular blackjack except for the deck of cards. The card variation uses a Spanish deck. The card deck is a standard deck without the tens making its 48-card deck.
The player’s hand will always beat the dealers. There is a hole card that is played, and dealers have to stand on a soft 17. Players can double down and surrender in the game.
Single Deck Blackjack
Played using only one card deck, single deck blackjack has a low house edge. Players can double down and split hands. The variation is popular with Card counters as they don’t have to wait for a long time for a favorable count.
The dealer has to stand on soft 17. Single deck blackjack is played the exact same way as regular blackjack with the only difference lying the number of card decks that are used.
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