Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games because it offers players a fair shot at winning, as with the right strategy, the house edge can be as low as 0.5%. But not all versions of it are created equal, as some have terrible odds, making them nearly impossible to beat.
In this article, we’ll reveal the worst variants and teach you how to spot them before you get ready to play with your National Casino login, and avoid these common pitfalls!
The Worst Variants to Avoid
1. “6:5” Blackjack
You’ll find this variant in many casinos, especially on the Las Vegas Strip, but instead of the standard 3:2 payout for a natural blackjack, these tables pay 6:5.
Why it’s bad:
- A 10 bet normally pays 15 (3:2) but only $12 (6:5).
- This small change increases the house edge by 1.39%.
How to spot it:
- Look for signs saying “Blackjack Pays 6:5” near the table.
- Always ask the dealer before sitting down.
2. “Blackjack Switch”
This fun-sounding variant lets you swap cards between two hands, but there’s a catch where a dealer 22 pushes against all hands.
Why it’s bad:
- The dealer’s 22 push rule gives the house a 0.58% edge (compared to standard 0.5% or lower).
- Even with perfect strategy, the odds are worse.
How to spot it:
- The table will have two separate hands for each player.
- Look for the “Dealer 22 is a Push” rule on the felt.
3. “Spanish 21”
Spanish 21 removes all 10-value cards from the deck, leaving only 48 cards. It offers bonus payouts, but the missing 10s hurt your chances.
Why it’s bad:
- Fewer 10s mean fewer blackjacks and strong hands.
- Even with bonus payouts, the house edge can be over 1%.
How to spot it:
- It uses a Spanish deck (48 cards instead of 52).
- Look for bonus payouts advertised on the table.
How to Find Fair Options
Always check the payout for a natural blackjack before sitting down at a table, as a fair game will pay 3:2, meaning a 10 bet wins you 15 when you hit your target, yet many places now sneak in 6:5 payouts, where that same 10 bet only earns you 12. This small change might not seem like much, but it dramatically increases the house edge, so always scan the table for a sign that says “Blackjack Pays 3:2” before playing, and if it says “6:5,” walk away.
Next, look for player-friendly rules that improve your odds, and a big one is whether the dealer stands on soft 17 (instead of hitting), which slightly reduces the house’s advantage. Another key rule is doubling after splitting, which gives you more ways to maximise strong hands, as some tables even offer late surrender, allowing you to fold weak hands and recover half your bet, a rare but valuable option that cuts the house edge, and the more of these rules there are, the better your chances.Finally, be wary of single-deck variants, as while fewer decks usually help players by making card counting easier, some casinos ruin the advantage by adding terrible rules, like 6:5 payouts or banning doubling after splits. A single-deck game with bad rules is actually worse than a multi-deck option with fair ones, so always check the full ruleset before playing.