| Updated: September 25, 2025Although it is one of the most challenging casino games, blackjack is equally appealing to regular casino visitors and first-timers, which is why casino operators rarely exclude it from their game catalogs. Its low house advantage is another reason why the game wins over players of all experience levels, whether they prefer land-based casinos or their virtual counterparts.
The history of this game spans centuries, and it is safe to say that the card game’s popularity has never waned. Because the game attracted considerable attention as soon as it appeared, numerous variations have emerged over the years, with European blackjack being among the most attention-grabbing options.
These days, software providers go to great lengths to create variants of the card game that instantly grab players’ attention with fluid animations and lifelike graphics. This is certainly true of the titles developed by studios such as Play’n GO, Microgaming, RealTime Gaming, and Betsoft, all of which are worth considering.
If you are fascinated by blackjack but are still a complete rookie, you should do your best to learn as much as possible about the variant you have chosen before diving headfirst into placing real-money bets, so keep reading.
Rules to Remember while Playing European Blackjack
Blackjack variants that adhere to European rules are ideal for players who lack extensive casino experience, making it much easier for them to master the fundamentals. That being said, gambling enthusiasts should keep in mind that certain differences may exist depending on the casino they choose to play at or the game-making studio behind the specific variant.
The Hole Card
Number of Decks Doubling Down in European Blackjack Splitting Options in European Blackjack The Surrender OptionThe Hole Card
The most fundamental difference between American-style blackjack versions and those based on European rules is that in the former, when the dealer is showing an Ace, he or she will peek at the hole card to see whether a natural blackjack is formed. In American-style variants, the dealer receives two cards – one face-up and one face-down. The face-down card is the hole card, and the dealer may turn it over to determine if a blackjack has been dealt.
Keep in mind that the dealer checks the hole card out of sight; if a blackjack is present, the hand ends immediately and all wagers are collected.
This is not the case with European-style blackjack, where no hole card is used and the dealer instead receives two face-up cards. In these variants, the dealer does not take a second card until the players’ hands are complete. This explains why many players favor American blackjack: because the round ends right away, they avoid additional losses. In European blackjack, by contrast, players may lose even more funds if they decide to double down or split.
Number of Decks
The number of decks in play is another key factor when comparing American and European-style blackjack games. While on the lookout for blackjack versions that follow American rules, gambling enthusiasts will typically find games that use between six and eight standard decks. This is not the case with European blackjack, where only two standard decks are employed.
Obviously, the presence of more decks favors the casino and makes it far more difficult for players to benefit from card-counting strategies.
Doubling Down in European Blackjack
Another essential rule to consider before you start playing blackjack is doubling down. While some casinos allow players to double down whenever they wish, others permit this option only on specific hand totals. In most cases, gamblers may double down when their hand totals nine, ten, or eleven. Some casinos restrict the move further, allowing it only on totals of ten or eleven.
Blackjack fans should know that if the double-down option is unavailable and they are playing a game that uses multiple decks, the casino advantage rises to 1.48%.
The house edge increases by 0.09% when the chosen variant allows doubling down only on totals of nine, ten, or eleven. Limiting it to just ten and eleven adds another 0.18% to the edge.
Before choosing a blackjack variant, players should verify whether doubling down after a split is allowed, as this rule can improve their chances of forming a stronger hand. For example, if a player splits 4-4 against a dealer’s six and then draws a five, six, or seven, doubling down would be advantageous – provided the rules permit it.
If doubling down after a split is not allowed, the house edge increases by about 0.14%. This impact shrinks slightly when multiple re-splits are permitted because the opportunity to double after each split becomes less frequent.
Splitting Options in European Blackjack
The rules governing pair splitting are among the first things gamblers should review before playing European-style blackjack. In these variants, players may split only once, and, as mentioned, several restrictions apply. Such limitations exist because, by splitting, players can capitalize on the dealer’s weaker hands and potentially win more.
While playing European-style blackjack, players may split only when their initial two cards are of equal value. Specifically, the combined value must be 10, so splitting is allowed with 10s, Jacks, Queens, or Kings. Note that even though a King and a Jack each count as 10, a hand containing them cannot be split.
In contrast, the rules of American-style blackjack let players split up to three times, giving them as many as four hands to play simultaneously. Additionally, American games generally impose no restrictions on which pairs may be split. Aces may still be split only once, and players receive just one card per split Ace.
The Surrender Option
Another factor to consider is whether the selected blackjack variant allows players to surrender their hand after the initial deal. This option lets players forfeit an unfavorable hand and reclaim half of their stake.
Needless to say, the surrender rule has a significant impact on the house edge, especially in European blackjack, which is a no-peek game. Although most European-style variants do not offer surrender, when the rule is available it reduces the house edge by roughly 0.39%.
In American-style blackjack, players are generally free to surrender at the appropriate time.
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Payouts and House Edge
Payouts in European Blackjack European Blackjack House EdgePayouts in European Blackjack
Naturally, payouts are among the first things players scrutinize during a betting session. The payoff rates seldom vary, and a natural blackjack pays 3 to 2. This applies regardless of whether you’re wagering at a land-based casino or playing on the go.
When an insurance bet is available, it pays 2 to 1. All other wins pay even money (1 to 1). In the event of a tie, the player neither wins nor loses and the original stake is returned.
European Blackjack House Edge
One factor gamblers should pay close attention to is that the number of decks in play directly affects the house edge. The more decks that are added to the shoe, the greater the casino’s advantage and the smaller the return to player. This remains true whether you are playing an American-style or European-style blackjack variant.
To illustrate how the edge grows, consider a game that uses just one standard deck: the house advantage is roughly 0.27%.
When two or four decks are employed, the edge climbs to 0.57% and 0.70%, respectively. Adding one or two additional decks raises it to 0.73% and 0.75%. With eight decks in play, the house advantage peaks at about 0.77%. Notice that as the deck count approaches eight, each extra deck increases the edge by a smaller amount.
Remember that the house edge is determined not only by deck count but also by the other rules that govern the game.
Before committing to a variant, players should check whether the dealer must hit or stand on 17s. Most tables require the dealer to stand on soft 17, but some compel a hit on soft 17, which tips the scales further in the house’s favor.
Gamblers should also verify the availability of surrender, doubling after a split, re-splits, the ability to hit split Aces, and the maximum number of allowed re-splits.
Whether the dealer hits soft 17 is especially important because it significantly affects the house edge. A soft 17 is any 17-point hand that includes an Ace counted as 11 – for example, an Ace with three 2s, an Ace with a 4, or an Ace with a 6.
Contrary to what some believe, games in which the dealer stands on soft 17 are more favorable to players, because when the dealer is required to hit on soft 17, there is a good chance of improving the hand rather than busting.
If this still seems confusing, just remember that when the dealer stands on soft 17, the house edge drops to about 0.55%, roughly 0.20% lower.
Favorable Rules In European Blackjack
How Do The Rules In European Blackjack Affect Players Special Rules to Pay Attention to while Playing European BlackjackHow Do The Rules In European Blackjack Affect Players
Naturally, players want to maximize their blackjack betting sessions, so they should seek out game variants with the most favorable rules.
Ideally, gamblers should look for single-deck variants in which a natural pays 3 to 2. Splitting and doubling-down rules also have a major impact, so players should ensure the chosen game lets them double on virtually any hand total, including after a split.
Being able to play up to four hands after re-splitting, re-split Aces, and hit split Aces is equally advantageous. When players at least follow basic strategy, these rules reduce the house edge even further and raise their expected returns.
Conversely, expected profit decreases if the dealer must hit soft 17 and eight decks are used. The house edge climbs even higher when doubling is limited to hand totals of 10 or 11, or when re-splits and re-splitting Aces are not allowed.
All of these restrictions help the casino gain a greater advantage over players, thus lowering expected profits – especially in variants where a natural pays 6 to 5 instead of the standard 3 to 2.
Special Rules to Pay Attention to while Playing European Blackjack
Although it is not widely used, the Five-Card Charlie rule is one many players have heard of. When this rule is in effect, a player who draws five cards without busting becomes an instant winner.
The so-called Original Bets and Busted Only (OBBO) rule is also worth noting, as it causes players to lose all of their original bets. For example, if a player stakes $10 and then splits, creating two $10 bets, both original wagers would be forfeited under OBBO.
Another rule to remember is that, in most cases, receiving a ten-valued card after splitting Aces does not count as a blackjack; instead, the hand is treated as a regular 21, paying even money rather than the usual 3 to 2.
Other rules to review include whether tied 17s are lost, and whether splitting and doubling down are permitted. In some games, players may even lose tied 18s and 19s, but this varies from one variant to another.
Most Popular European Blackjack Variants to Play Online
Today, gambling enthusiasts are spoiled for choice, regardless of whether they prefer American or European-style versions of the card classic.
Game developers continue to expand the lineup, introducing attention-grabbing variants of this casino staple. Below are some of the fan-favorite blackjack variants players will encounter online, all sourced from the portfolios of leading software providers.
European Blackjack by Microgaming European Blackjack by Play’n GO European Blackjack by BetsoftEuropean Blackjack by Microgaming
Microgaming has played a major role in broadening the variety of online blackjack games. The company offers several exciting variants of the card classic, including multiple titles that follow European rules.
Microgaming’s European Blackjack appeals to players who enjoy a straightforward version of the game. It supports only one hand at a time and offers a wide range of chip denominations. Payouts remain traditional: blackjack pays 3 to 2, while insurance pays 2 to 1.
In this title, the dealer must stand on all 17s, and play is conducted with two standard decks. Surrender is not available, and doubling down after a split is prohibited. Players may double only on their first hard hand totaling 9, 10, or 11. The variant boasts an RTP of 99.60%.
European Blackjack by Play’n GO
Play’n GO has also embraced the popularity of European-style blackjack. The company’s version runs smoothly on tablets, smartphones, and desktop computers, and its polished visuals enhance the overall experience. Voice announcements further add to the ambience, making players feel as though they are at a brick-and-mortar casino.
Suitable for all skill levels, the game lets users play up to three hands simultaneously. Payouts follow the standard model: an insurance bet pays 2 to 1, while a natural blackjack pays 3 to 2. The game’s RTP is a competitive 99.37%.
European Blackjack by Betsoft
Betsoft’s European Blackjack is a strong choice if you like to bet on multiple hands simultaneously. The game features crisp graphics and remarkably smooth animations, and its range of chip denominations caters to both cautious and high-stakes players.
This variant uses six decks, and, combined with its rule set, that deck count influences the RTP. The dealer must draw to 16 and stand on all 17s. Blackjack pays 3 to 2, while insurance pays 2 to 1.
Under the game’s rules, players may split only their initial hand, giving them a maximum of two hands. When Aces are split, only one additional card is dealt per hand. Doubling down is allowed on hands totaling 9 through 11.
Hi Lo European Blackjack Gold by Microgaming
Hi-Lo European Blackjack is another impressive Microgaming title, bringing the glamour of brick-and-mortar casinos to players’ desktops and mobile devices. This two-deck variant offers an RTP of 99.60%.
Some players may be disappointed that only one hand can be played at a time. Payouts follow the traditional structure: insurance pays 2 to 1, and blackjack pays 3 to 2. The dealer must stand on all 17s.
In this game, surrender and re-splits are unavailable. Although players may hit split Aces, doubling after a split is not permitted.
European Blackjack Gold Redeal By Microgaming
Microgaming’s European Blackjack Redeal stands out for its authentic atmosphere and eye-pleasing visuals. It employs two standard decks and offers an RTP of 99.60%.
Players will immediately notice that insurance is not available when the dealer shows an Ace, and doubling down after a split is not permitted. Doubling is possible only on hard totals of 9, 10, or 11. Ten-valued cards cannot be split, and the split option may be used only once, limiting play to two hands.
The game’s signature feature is the Redeal option, which allows players to redeal either their own hand or the dealer’s hand at no additional cost. This feature can be used a maximum of five times per game and is unavailable after a split. Remember that an Ace and a Ten dealt after a Redeal counts as 21 rather than blackjack.