Online Blackjack Variant: American

GENTING CASINO WELCOME OFFER HERE

*Terms and conditions apply.*

What Is American Blackjack?

Blackjack first appeared in France in the 17th century, where it was known as ‘Vingt-et-un’ (Twenty-One). The game quickly gained popularity worldwide, particularly after it was introduced to Americans by French sailors in the 1800s.

Traditionally, blackjack followed the rules of European gameplay. However, American blackjack introduced a unique twist: players could see the dealer’s face-up card before deciding on their next move. This adjustment improved the odds for players, as they could make more informed decisions based on the dealer’s visible card.

Basic Rules of American Blackjack

Here are the basic rules of American blackjack:

• Objective: The goal is to beat the dealer’s hand without exceeding 21.
• Unique Rules:
• The dealer starts with one face-up card and one face-down card.
• If the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace or a 10, they can peek at their face-down card (also called a ‘hole card’) to check for blackjack.
• Players can double down on any two-card hand, even after splitting.
• Players may surrender, losing only 50% of their original wager instead of the full amount.
• Deck: American blackjack is typically played with six to eight decks of cards.
• Dealer Rules:
• Dealers must hit on soft 17 (a hand totalling 17 with an Ace counted as 11).
• Dealers must also hit on totals of 16 or less, giving the house a slight edge.

How to Play American Blackjack

Here’s a quick guide to playing American blackjack:

1. Start the Game:
• The dealer deals two cards to each player, face up, and two cards to themselves – one face up and one face down.
• If the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace or a 10, they will check their face-down card to see if they have blackjack.
• If the dealer has blackjack, players lose unless they also have blackjack, resulting in a ‘push’ (tie).
• If the dealer doesn’t have blackjack, the game proceeds as normal.
2. Player Options: Players can decide to hit, stand, double down, or split depending on their cards.
3. Dealer’s Turn: Once players have completed their actions, the dealer reveals their face-down card and plays according to house rules.
4. Winning and Losing:
• The game ends when the dealer busts or a player’s hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s.
• If both the player and the dealer have blackjack, it results in a tie, and the player’s bet is returned.

Tips & Strategy When Playing American Blackjack

Here are a few tips to improve your game:

• Decide When to Hit or Stand:
• It is generally advisable to hit when your hand value is 11 or lower.
• Consider standing when your hand value is 17 or higher, particularly if the dealer’s face-up card is weak (e.g., 2-6).
• Doubling Down:
• Take advantage of the ability to double down on any two-card hand to maximise potential winnings.
• Splitting Pairs:
• You can often split hands up to three times in American blackjack, increasing your chances of success.

American Blackjack vs European Blackjack

Both American and European blackjack are immensely popular, and the choice between them depends on personal preference. Here’s how they compare:

• Dealer’s Face-Up Card:
• In American blackjack, the dealer’s face-up card provides insight into their potential hand, reducing the risk of making costly moves.
• In European blackjack, players must decide their moves without knowing the dealer’s second card until later in the round.
• Doubling Down:
• American blackjack typically allows doubling down on any hand, even after a split, while European blackjack has more restrictive rules.
• Flexibility:
• American blackjack rules are generally more player-friendly, with options like surrendering and frequent doubling down.
• House Edge:
• American blackjack often has a slightly lower house edge, which can benefit players in the long term.

Play American Blackjack at Genting Casino

American blackjack is loved worldwide for its fast-paced gameplay and flexible rules, offering players an exciting variation of the classic game. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to blackjack, this version adds extra strategy and excitement with the dealer’s face-up card.

Play American blackjack today at Genting Casino, home to the best online and live casino games. Sign up now for an authentic casino experience tailored to you.

PLAY NOW

18+BeGambleAware

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SAFER GAMBLING ON GENTING CASINO

Genting Casino is a leading global casino brand. We provide a premium online casino experience with our huge selection of online slots and live casino games. Genting has been recognized many times for its work in creating fun, safe gaming experiences winning multiple industry awards during its 50 years in business.