Two of the most popular versions of blackjack are American Blackjack and European Blackjack. Significant differences between the two affect your strategy and game experience. This post takes a closer look at American Blackjack versus European Blackjack so that you’ll be better able to choose the right blackjack table for you.
Hole Cards in American Blackjack versus European Blackjack
The way the hole cards are handled is the most important difference between American Blackjack and European Blackjack. You wouldn’t think it’s such a big deal, but it has a major effect on the game.
In American Blackjack, the dealer gets two cards — one face-up and one facedown. The dealer’s hole card (the facedown card) is revealed immediately if the dealer has blackjack. If you have a blackjack, too, you tie the dealer (a “push”). Otherwise, you lose immediately. If the dealer doesn’t have a blackjack, they don’t reveal their hole card until everyone has already played their hand (and risked busting).
For definitions of terms like hole card, blackjack, natural, and others, see my post about blackjack terminology.
In European Blackjack, the dealer doesn’t have a hole card. The dealer doesn’t take a second card until after the players have all made their decisions. This has a major effect on your basic strategy decisions. It also increases the house edge, but only slightly.
That’s because in American Blackjack, if the dealer has a natural, you find out right away. If you don’t know the dealer’s hole card in advance, you might double down and lose even with a great hand because the dealer might get their natural.
Number of Decks in American Blackjack versus European Blackjack
American Blackjack is usually played with eight decks of cards, while European Blackjack is played with only two decks. If you’ve read some of the other posts on this site, like my post about blackjack odds, you probably already know that fewer decks are better for the gambler.
In fact, the main reason American casinos use multiple decks of cards is because they wanted to thwart card counters. With more decks in play, the effect of each dealt card is diluted.
But even if you’re not counting cards, more decks means a higher house edge. So, when it comes to the hole card, American Blackjack is better. When it comes to the number of decks, though, European Blackjack is better for your odds.
Dealer Rules Differ, Too
American Blackjack has strict rules for dealers, and these vary by table and by casino. European Blackjack also has rules for dealers, but their rules tend to favor you more than the casino. Here are some examples:
I’ve already discussed it, but the dealer doesn’t check for a blackjack until after all the players have acted. As we talked about, that gives the house some advantage back, mathematically, but it’s a tiny percentage — only 0.05%.
Also, in European Blackjack, the dealer stands on a soft total of 17. In American Blackjack, that might go either way, although it’s more common now for the dealer to hit a soft 17. It’s better for you (mathematically) if the dealer stands on soft 17.
Surrendering Is an American Blackjack Thing
American Blackjack often (but not always) offers a surrender option, which allows you to forfeit half of your bet if you believe your hand is not strong enough to beat the dealer.
European Blackjack does not offer this option. It’s better for you to be able to surrender than to not have that option.
In fact, that’s a great rule of thumb when comparing variations. Anything that gives you more options is usually better for your odds.
Surrendering and doubling down, as well as hitting and standing, are covered in detail in this post.
Doubling Down in American versus European Blackjack
American Blackjack might allow you to double down on any two cards, or the casino might restrict doubling down to certain totals like 10 or 11. The rules for this vary by casino and often by table. You can just ask. It’s better to be able to double down on any total, though — of course.
European Blackjack, on the other, usually only allows you to double down on hands with a value of 9, 10, or 11. This could theoretically vary, too, but European casinos tend to be more standard when it comes to this rules variation. Doubling down can be a powerful tool in certain situations.
Insurance in American versus European Blackjack
I’ve discussed insurance here before. It’s a sucker bet that you should only take if you’re counting cards and know that it’s mathematically the best play. It’s also a side bet, so it’s always optional. You never HAVE to take insurance. Since it’s a negative expectation bet, you should just turn it down every time it’s offered.
American Blackjack games always offer the insurance option.
European Blackjack doesn’t offer insurance as an option. Since you’re following basic strategy (right?), you won’t be affected by this anyway. Still, it’s a difference worth noting.
I cover insurance in more detail in my post about blackjack betting.
Conclusion
American Blackjack and European Blackjack are both popular versions of the game that have their own unique features. Some of these entail a difference in strategy choices. American Blackjack is usually played with more decks of cards and offers many rules that are better for players.
European Blackjack, on the other hand, is played with fewer decks of cards, which is good for the player, too. It also doesn’t offer insurance, which is a wash since you’ll never take it anyway.
For the most part, the house edge on both versions is about the same, usually. It’s important to understand the differences between the two versions of the game, though. You don’t want to make big blackjack mistakes just because you don’t know the differences.
