American Blackjack: Rules, Payouts and Strategy

Whether you’re playing at a land-based casino or online from home, the American version of Blackjack remains popular everywhere. But what exactly makes it so popular? In this article, we will discuss its unique mechanics, exploring its rules, odds, and special features. 

Here, we will compare American Blackjack to other versions, including European and Classic Blackjack, and determine which one is best for you. Finally, we will answer the most important question: Is American Blackjack worth a shot? Continue reading to find out how this version differs, and when you're ready, check it out for real money or in demo mode.

What is American Blackjack?

American Blackjack is a loved version of the classic card game. Its core goal remains the same: The players need to get as close to 21 as they can without busting. However, in this version, there are a few features that keep the gameplay interesting. This is what every player needs to know about this game:

• The dealer hits on a soft 17, meaning that if there are 17 points on the dealer’s hand and one of the cards is an Ace (counted as 11), they must take another card without stopping.
• Any two cards can be doubled down. You can choose to receive one extra card and double your initial wager after you've been dealt the first two cards.
• If the dealer shows an Ace, the player can buy insurance, a side wager that the dealer has blackjack.

Despite their minor appearance, these rule modifications have a big impact on house edge and strategy, which makes this game worthwhile. 

American Blackjack vs European Blackjack

The manner the dealer deals the second card is the most significant distinction between American and European blackjack. 

In American Blackjack, two cards - one face up and one face down, known as the hole card - are dealt to the dealer. The dealer is allowed to check for blackjack right away if the open card is an Ace or a 10-value card.

However, in European Blackjack, the dealer does not receive their second card until the player has completed their hand. This small timing can make a big difference in strategy and risk taken.

You won't lose time splitting or doubling down when playing American Blackjack just to discover that the dealer had Blackjack the entire time, as it might happen in the European version.

American Blackjack House Edge

Now let’s get back to the math to understand how the American Blackjack house edge works. Thanks to the ‘peek’ rule - the one which lets the dealer check for Blackjack early, players prevent unnecessary risk. Unfortunately, this gives the casino a slightly higher house edge. Here’s the quick comparison:

• American Blackjack: around 0,61% house edge.
• European Blackjack: around 0.39% house edge.

The European version has some advantages that make the house edge higher. This includes the rules where players might double or split before finding out the dealer has Blackjack, which costs them more. Therefore, even though the peek rule seems "fairer," it actually gives the casino a slight advantage.

How to Play American Blackjack

The primary objective of the game, if you are familiar with the original Blackjack version, is to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. Below is a summary of the guidelines:

1. Place your bet: Place your chips on the table first.
2. Initial deal: Each of you, the player and the dealer, receives two cards. Only one of the dealer’s cards is visible, while you see both of yours.
3. Dealer checks for blackjack: If their upcard is an Ace or a 10-value card, the dealer checks for blackjack before you move.
4. Player’s turn: Based on your hand and the dealer's upcard, you determine your next course of action.
5. Dealer’s turn: The dealer can look at their cards and proceed in accordance with the regulations once their turn is over.
6. Outcome: Wins the one closer to 21. If it’s a tie, the next action is ‘push’, where your bet is returned.

Common Actions in American Blackjack

Outcomes

There are three types of outcomes in American Blackjack:

• Win: Your hand is closer to 21 than theirs, or the dealer busts.
• Lose: Either your hand is lower than the dealer's, or you bust.
• Push: You and the dealer have the same total.

American Blackjack Payouts

To manage your risk and reward in American Blackjack, it’s required to understand payouts. Here’s a quick guide to the payout system:

• Blackjack (Natural 21): Pays 3 to 2. You will win $15, for instance, if you wager $10.
• Standard Win: Pays 1 to 1. In this case, when betting $10, you can win $10 back.
• Insurance: Pays 2 to 1 only if the dealer has Blackjack.

Top tip: The Blackjack payoff is reduced to 6 to 5 at certain land-based or online tables. If you want to keep the odds in your favor, stay away from those games.

How to Win at American Blackjack

American blackjack isn’t solely about luck. If you strive to make your wins regular, then you need to make smart decisions, especially when you’re playing the American Blackjack version.

Remember — basic strategy is your best friend. Every action has its own mathematical calculations of success. Based on these calculations, players can form the basic strategy. For your convenience, there are various charts that, by memorizing, you can minimize the house edge. However, be careful that such an approach is often considered illegal in casinos, and players using it may be banned.

A full Blackjack strategy chart provides the statistically optimal decision for every possible hand combination. It’s divided into three sections: hard totals, soft totals, and pairs. For each hand type, the chart will tell you where you need to hit, stand, double, or split based on the dealer’s upcard. Thanks to using this chart, players can make more confident decisions at the table.

Card counting is a legit strategy as well. However, using it for American Blackjack can be complicated, as the game often uses 6-8 decks and automatic shufflers, which simply makes it hard to count. Still, counting can somewhat change the odds in your favor in manual-shuffle or single-deck games.

Play American Blackjack Games Online

You can begin playing with confidence since you are aware of the payouts, strategies, and rules. Casinos now provide American Blackjack in a variety of formats, including mobile apps, animated tables, and live dealer games.

Due to the wide variety of options available, it’s hard to understand which Blackjack variant you are playing at first glance. For this, read the rules first. Here, you need to look for the American Blackjack differences, like the rules where the dealer gets two cards and hits on soft 17.

We advise beginning to play in demo mode or experimenting with modest bets to lower risks if you are still not comfortable enough with the game. American Blackjack is your chance to test your talents and experience real casino thrills, whether you're practicing your strategy or going all in.

FAQ

How do you play American blackjack?

You compete with the dealer by beating them without going over 21. First, players receive two cards and can choose to hit, stand, double, split, or buy insurance. After receiving two cards, the dealer completes their hand by adhering to house rules.

What is the difference between blackjack and American blackjack?

The main difference lies in the fact that in American Blackjack, the dealer can check for Blackjack right away after they are dealt two cards. In other versions, they can check the second card only after all players act.

How many decks are in American blackjack?

Depending on the casino, there can be 6-8 decks. There are single-deck games, but they are more uncommon and typically have stringent regulations.

What is the house edge in American Blackjack?

The house edge in the American version is higher than some other Blackjack variations, such as European Blackjack, which is at about 0.61% when played with flawless fundamental strategy.