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European Blackjack Guide: Rules, Strategy, Tips | LeoVegas

Complete Guide To European Blackjack

European Blackjack is one of the oldest incarnations of the popular game, where you need to get as close as you can to a hand value of 21 without going bust.

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So, what exactly does the European version of the game have to offer? Read our full guide below to find out.

Overview of European Blackjack

As one of the oldest living casino table games in the world, blackjack continues to be a huge draw. The premise is simple: get as close to 21 as possible without going bust, and beat the dealer’s hand. And yet, within these simplistic rules, the decisions that have to be made and the table variations you choose to play, can make a huge difference. This is where European blackjack comes into play.

Blackjack is at its most popular in the US, where American blackjack is played – as you’d assume. European blackjack evolved a bit differently on the continent across the Atlantic Ocean. It didn’t introduce the hole card, set firm standards for dealer rules and deck counts, and set limits on doubling down.

European blackjack generally has the lowest house edge among all blackjack variants, although American blackjack offers a higher potential return to the player under ideal conditions. Either way, European blackjack remains very popular and stands among the best value casino games going.

Like its blackjack variant peers, European blackjack offers rich strategic depth, and its unique rules present a different challenge compared to the more common American version. Across European casinos, it's in high demand, perhaps because European versions offer more player-friendly house edges than their American counterparts, similar to roulette.

With popularity remaining high in Europe, the desire to play online has naturally grown too, helping to make European blackjack a hit at the online casino as well.

Understanding the Basics of European Blackjack

Objective of the Game

The fundamental goal of European blackjack is to get as close to 21 without going bust, while holding a greater value than the dealer’s hand. This is of course, the same goal as in other variants of blackjack. You’ll be dealt a two-card hand followed by the choice to hit or stand – drawing another card or staying put.

Where European blackjack play differs from traditional American blackjack is that there isn’t a hole card to peek at, and essentially call the round dead if the dealer has blackjack. So, some players will end up doubling down or splitting and making an additional bet or two when the dealer is already in a position to win.

European Blackjack Table Layout

Anyone familiar with the American blackjack layout will know what to expect from a European blackjack table: a semicircle of seats on one side for the players, with card zones in front of each available spot, and the dealer standing opposite. Cards are dealt from the shoe to the left, with each player playing their hands from left to right.

Game Rules of European Blackjack

Deck Composition and Card Values

One of the big selling points of European blackjack over its American peers is that the number of decks is constant across all tables and the count is low. European blackjack has only two decks in play, helping to lower the house edge against the American options which play with a standard six or eight deck shoe.

Card values are the same across the two forms of blackjack. All numbered cards are worth their face value, while Kings, Queens, and Jacks are worth ten each. Aces can be worth one or 11, depending on whichever will keep you in the game or get you closer to 21.

Dealer’s Role and Rules

In European Blackjack, the dealer deals each player a hand and takes one card face-up. Only after all players' hands are complete does the dealer take their second card. At all European blackjack tables, the dealer’s rule will be to stand on 17 or more.

In American blackjack the dealer gives themselves a face-up card and a face-down hole card, which they can peek at if the face-up card is an Ace, essentially checking for natural blackjack. The dealer rules on standing and hitting can also vary from table to table.

Player Options in European Blackjack

Like all other forms of blackjack, your two main actions in European blackjack are to hit or stand. As a rule, it's best to never hit on hands of 17 or higher. You may also get the chance to double down or split. When you double down or split, you have to place an additional bet, equal to your original wager.

For doubling down, the prime time to do so is when the dealer’s showing a 2 through 9 and you have a hand value of 10 or 11. When you’ve got a pair of 2s, 3s, 7s, 8s, or Aces, it’s recommended to always split if the dealer is showing a 7 or less.

Unique Rules of European Blackjack

No Hole Card Rule

The “No Hole Card” rule is what distinguishes European blackjack from American blackjack.

In European blackjack, the dealer gets one face-up card at the beginning and does not check for a natural blackjack with any face-up card (Ace OR ten-value card). Players make their decisions and may double down or split, and then lose their additional wagers if the dealer ultimately has a natural blackjack.

Doubling and Splitting Limitations

You can double down on any hands worth 9, 10, or 11, and sometimes more. If you get two cards of the same value, you can split, but you can’t double after the split. This is one of the key rule differences that separates it from some American blackjack variants where doubling after splits is often allowed. Plus, split Aces only receive one extra card. These rules do limit player options compared to the more open rules of many American blackjack variants.

Insurance and Surrender in European Blackjack

Insurance pays 2:1 and is offered if the dealer shows an Ace. Surrender isn’t an option at the vast majority of European blackjack tables. In blackjack games where it is an option, the consensus is that should you have a less than 50–50 shot of winning the hand, you should surrender.

Essential Strategy for European Blackjack

Basic Strategy Chart

The European blackjack basic strategy chart works the same as any other and presents you with optimum plays for each hand and dealer up card, mathematically speaking. On these charts, H means to Hit, S is to Stand, D is to double down, and P is to Split the hand.

Optimal Strategies for European Blackjack

Basic strategy charts for European blackjack differ from American blackjack due to rule variations. While American blackjack typically allows doubling on any hand, doubling after splits, late surrender, and offers blackjack payouts ranging from 3:2 to 6:5, European blackjack's more restrictive rules require different decisions for when to double, split, stand, or hit.

Generally, the rule differences make the ideal plays less aggressive.

When to Double Down in European Blackjack

Optimized plays for doubling down in European blackjack are whenever you have a hand valued at 10 (including a pair of 5s), or 11 and the dealer’s face-up card shows 9 or less. You should also double down on a hand valued at 9 if the dealer’s card is a 3, 4, 5, or 6. You can’t go bust after hitting these double downs, while the dealer isn’t in an advantageous position.

Splitting Pairs: A Key Strategy

Splitting pairs gives you two hands to play against the dealer's up card. When the dealer's up card is weak compared to your pair, splitting can create an opportunity to win two hands. The golden rule of European blackjack splitting is to never split a pair of 5s, 10s, or 9s if the dealer’s showing a 7, 10, or Ace.

Advanced Strategies and Techniques

Card Counting in European Blackjack

Card counting is the practice of mentally tracking cards that come out of the shoe, and then using that intel to make sized-plays based on the likelihood of what’s coming next. American blackjack tries to counter this tactic by using more decks in the shoe. European blackjack makes card counting a bit more viable as it only has two decks in play.

Adjusting Strategy for the “No Hole Card” Rule

Without the hole card in European blackjack, a face-up Ace becomes a bit more menacing. So, if an Ace does show, you should run a tighter risk assessment – which will invariably mean that you don’t double down or split.

Bankroll Management for European Blackjack

As in any variant of blackjack or casino game, bankroll management is key to European blackjack. A big part of this is that the low house edge with optimized play allows for longer sessions. Still, it’s also very important to set a limit on how much you want to spend in one session and just as importantly, how long you want to play for.

Tips for Winning at European Blackjack

Understanding House Edge and How to Reduce It

The house edge in European blackjack is very low – around 0.39% according to some calculations – but it’s still there. To maximize opportunity and get the edge as low as possible, it’s best to refer to the European blackjack basic strategy chart. The standardized nature of European blackjack makes finding the right strategy chart and even more advanced strategies easier.

Mistakes to Avoid in European Blackjack

New and experienced players can succumb to the draw of a low face-up dealer card when they’ve got a middling hand. Avoid this common pitfall and improve your win rate by always standing when you have a 13, 14, 15, or 16 when the dealer shows a 2 through 6.

Practicing with Free European Blackjack Games

European blackjack is a different experience than American blackjack, so it’s well worth giving it a test run when possible. Playing for free will increase your skill development without cutting into your bankroll. Still, you should also find a reputable platform before you start to play European blackjack – even when it’s free to play!

FAQs

What is the primary difference between European and American blackjack?

The primary difference between European and American blackjack is that European blackjack is a “no peek” game. In European Blackjack, the dealer receives only one face-up card initially, while in American Blackjack, the dealer gets both a face-up and face-down card. This means that in European Blackjack, the dealer cannot check for a natural blackjack before players complete their hands.

How does the “no hole card” rule affect the game?

The 'no hole card' rule in European blackjack increases potential player losses when the dealer's up card is either an Ace or a 10-value card.

In American blackjack, the dealer checks for blackjack immediately with these up cards, protecting players from losing additional bets if the dealer has Blackjack.

In European Blackjack, players must complete all their actions before the dealer receives their second card, putting any additional bets at risk.

Is card counting feasible in European blackjack?

The standard for European blackjack is to have two decks in the shoe, whereas American blackjacktypically plays with six or eight, making it easier and much more feasible to count cards when playing European blackjack.

What are the best strategies for beginners in European blackjack?

The best strategy for beginners in European blackjack is to adopt the optimized plays of basic strategy. You’ll need a chart that’s been adapted for European blackjack, but the premise of basic strategy still stands and is easy to follow.

Can I play European blackjack online for free?

Yes, LeoVegas Canada offers many free blackjack options. For European blackjack specifically, choose ‘Try Game’ when launching Microgaming’s European Blackjack to play for free, without any risk.

What is the house edge in European Blackjack?

The house edge in a game of European blackjack (that pays 3:2 for blackjack) is 0.39%, which is a good 0.22% percent lower than that of American blackjack with the same 3:2 blackjack payout.

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