European Blackjack

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4.06/5 on 54 reviews

European Blackjack Gold released by Microgaming is a classic blackjack game with a 99.60% player return. It entered the online casino market back in August 2006 but it is still perceived as a modern and visually appealing game with consistent animations, good graphics and voice that announces the result of each hand (can be muted). Though the table is set up with five betting spots, only one is active for play, meaning that real money wagering is permitted on only one initial hand at a time.

A small black plate on the online casino table shows the bet sizes which are NZ$1 to NZ$200 (or bitcoin equivalent, if applicable) per hand. Betting is performed in an intuitive way, by choosing a preferred chip value and then tapping on the betting spot. Blackjack pays 3 to 2 and normal wins return the bet, which is a conventional rule found in the majority of blackjack tables. Dealer stands on all 17s and this rule favors the player. European Blackjack is played with two decks which are reshuffled after each deal, which makes card counting pointless. To make the most out of each deal, it is recommended that New Zealand players hold to a basic strategy meant for this game.

If the player is sure to beat the dealer with the next card drawn, he may double the bet. This option highlights on the hard hand of 9, 10 and 11 only. When the player doubles down, he is given only one card and the turn moves to the dealer. It is impossible to double down after a split. Splitting is available on two cards that have the same denomination only (e.g., two jacks). When splitting, a bet equal to the initial bet is placed on the second hand. It is permitted to split only once per play.

If the first card in the dealer’s hand is an ace, the player is invited to buy insurance against dealer’s having blackjack. This traditional side bet costs half the original bet. If the dealer turns out to have 21 (natural blackjack), the insurance bet awards at the odds of 2:1; otherwise, this side bet is lost and the game continues as normal.

Microgaming also has another European Blackjack version, with a 6-deck shoe, a Perfect Pairs side bet and 99.38% edge, assuming you play perfectly. It is played with up to five hands and accepts the side bet with a 30:1 payout up for grabs.

Written & published: 18.11.2020 By author Oliver G.

Reviewed & updated: 11.12.2024 By gambling expert Andrew R.