European Blackjack: Rules, Payouts and Strategy

European Blackjack is a widely played card game that offers a different experience compared to other online blackjack variants. How does European Blackjack compare to American Blackjack? What are its key differences in gameplay and payouts? In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know to play and win.

What is European Blackjack?

European Blackjack is a classic card game where the goal is to beat the dealer by getting a hand value closer to 21 without exceeding it. Unlike American Blackjack, the dealer receives only one face-up card at the start and draws their hole card only after all players have made their decisions.

Typically played with two 52-card decks, European Blackjack does not allow late surrender, and players can only double down on hard hands of 9, 10, or 11.

European Blackjack Rules and How To Play

The main goal in European Blackjack is to beat the dealer by getting a hand value closer to 21 without going over. While it follows the basic Blackjack rules, some key differences impact strategy and House Edge.

Step-by-Step Guide to Playing European Blackjack

1. Place Your Bet – Players start by placing their wagers according to the table limits.
2. Cards Are Dealt – The player and dealer both receive two cards. The player's cards are face-up, while the dealer receives only one face-up card (no hole card at this stage).
3. Player’s Turn – Based on their hand and the dealer’s upcard, the player can make one of the following moves (Hit, Stand, Double Down, Split, Take Insurance)
4. Dealer’s Turn – After all players have finished their moves, the dealer draws their second card (the hole card). If their total is 16 or lower, they must hit. If their total is 17 or higher, they must stand.

Game Outcomes

• If the player’s hand is stronger than the dealer’s, they win and receive a payout.
• If the dealer has a better hand, the player loses their wager.
• If both hands have the same total, the round ends in a push, and the player gets their bet back.

European Blackjack Payouts

• Blackjack pays 3 to 2.
• Standard win pays 1 to 1.
• Insurance pays 2 to 1 if the dealer has blackjack.

European Blackjack Strategy

1. Basic Strategy Chart – This method provides optimal moves for every possible hand based on the dealer’s upcard. Since the dealer doesn't take a hole card immediately, following a basic strategy chart helps players minimize the House Edge by choosing the best action, whether to hit, stand, double down, or split.
2. Martingale System – A progressive betting strategy where the player doubles their bet after each loss and resets to the original wager after a win.
3. Reverse Labouchere – A positive progression strategy where players increase their bets after a win and reduce them after a loss.