Blackjack is a top-rated card game across the world, and anybody who is of legal age in their country can play the game in bricks-and-mortar casinos as well as virtual casinos.

You can now play various RNG (Random Number Generator) and live dealer blackjack games by various leading online casino software providers and game developers. These are in various types of blackjack that are different in terms of rules and special features to suit different preferences.

The two most popular versions of blackjack upon which all others are based are American blackjack, also called classic or basic blackjack, and European blackjack.

Also to mention is Spanish blackjack, a term used inasmuch as the game is played using a Spanish 48-card deck but also can be used for a French 52-card deck with four ten-value cards removed.

Not another sentence, let us examine the different types of blackjack in detail.

What Are the Main Blackjack Versions?

Selecting a blackjack game becomes too overwhelming, with so many to choose from. But all variations actually fall into three categories, to which you may already be accustomed:

• American Blackjack (also known as classic or standard blackjack)
• European Blackjack
• Spanish Blackjack (also Spanish 21 or Pontoon)

European blackjack is predominantly available in the UK, although American blackjack is also widely available. The most popular form of American blackjack is played in America, and it is played with better odds than European blackjack.

The best blackjack websites offer a range of variations, and it will be a wise choice to check them all out before making any selection. Moreover, the rules for each of the three games are quite identical to one another, and so if you learn one of these three games, then you will be able to learn the other two in a very short time. All the blackjack games offered are part of a single "21" card game family.

What Is the Basic Distinction Between European and American Blackjack?

The biggest distinction between the two versions is when the dealer receives their second card. For example, your face down hole card dealer in American blackjack draws always prior to you having the chance to decide upon your first action.

USER EUROPEAN BLACKJACK
Your dealer's face down hole card is drawn after you play your hand in European blackjack.

The largest variances between the majority of variations are odds, side bets options, and numbers of hands able to play concurrently (i.e., single-hand or multi-hand blackjack, latter usually able to play a max of five other hands in any given round). 

RNG Blackjack and Live Dealer Blackjack

Both of these games have their own special features, appealing to different players' preferences. In RNG blackjack (not to be confused with the esports team RNG), computer programs deal cards, ensuring a random result to each hand. They operate 24/7 and involve no human intervention. They can be great for players who want to play at their own pace or practice strategy without the stress of a live game.

In live dealer blackjack, a real human being is the dealer in real time, typically through video feed. It is a more interactive form of game that attempts to simulate the environment of a real casino. Live dealer blackjack is best suited for players who are starved for social interaction and a richer blackjack experience. Such games are also well-suited for players who enjoy the randomness that human dealers bring.

Other Top Blackjack Variants to Play

Once you learn American, European, or Spanish blackjack, you might find that you want to play something else.

Some of the most popular online blackjack games available today are Atlantic City Blackjack, Double Deck Blackjack, Live Lightning Blackjack, Live Infinite Blackjack, Live Blackjack Party, and so on.

Blackjack Switch is one of the popular ones, in which you bet two hands and can swap the top cards on each to make both hands stronger. Super Fun 21 is another variation with a set of unique rules, such as the ability to double down on any number of cards.

Selecting Safe Blackjack Sites

When choosing an online casino to play blackjack, there are a few things that have to be kept in mind by the players.

First and foremost, establish whether or not the website is legal. Authorized online casinos should have an operating license by the nation they are based in. Details on the license should be readily visible on the website of the casino, so always verify the presence of an existing license before registering.

A valid license assures the operator is subject to the high standards of regulatory authorities. This assures players of the protection of their data, that the games they are playing are fair, and that their deposits and payouts are safe.

Players must also be aware of the features of responsible gaming provided by the online casino. These may consist of deposit and betting limits, cool-off periods, and self-exclusion.

The most critical matter in determining where to play online blackjack should always be security. Hence, being able to determine that there is a license and support for responsible gambling must be on top of the list before signing up.

Final Thoughts

The most important thing to keep in mind before you play is to budget responsibly. It has never been safer to gamble than it is currently, thanks to a variety of "safe gambling tools" such as limits on expenditure, reminders of session time, limits on deposits, and win/loss limits. Always take the time to read the rules before you play, and have a try at playing online blackjack for free demo mode, if possible.