Microgaming Casinos
Microgaming offers the widest variety of blackjack games on the Internet. It also offers some of the best blackjack rules that create favorable returns to players. Virtually any rule may be found to fit a player’s needs. Microgaming accepts players from most countries. The United States is one of the few exceptions.
Microgaming offers two versions of most games. The standard version has limits of $1-$200. The Gold version is the high limit section where most games have a $5 minimum bet.
Atlantic City Blackjack
This is the standard blackjack game where eight decks are dealt. Players may double down on any two cards and after splitting. Surrender is available. Pairs may be split up to three times, except aces, which only receive one card. The dealer stays on all 17’s.
Bonus Blackjack
Bonus Blackjack uses two decks with double down on any two cards and after splitting. The house hits soft 17. Pairs may be split up to three times. Split aces receive just one card.
Classic Blackjack
Classic Blackjack is a single deck game where players can only double on 9, 10 or 11. Double down after splitting is not permitted. Pairs may only be split once. The dealer hits a soft 17.
Big 5 Blackjack
Big 5 Blackjack uses the European hole card rule, meaning that the dealer does not receive his down card until the player has acted. This means the player should never double down or split against a dealer’s 10 or ace. Big 5 Blackjack deals five decks. Players may double down on any two cards and after splitting. Pairs may be split up to three times, except aces, where only one card is dealt. Surrender is allowed except when the dealer is showing an ace. The dealer hits soft 17.
European Blackjack
European Blackjack uses the European hole card rule. This means it does not receive a down card. Its second card is dealt after the player acts. The house stays on all 17’s. Players may double on 9, 10 and 11 only. Double down after splitting is not permitted. Split aces may be hit.
European Blackjack offers a side bet of Over/Under 13. This number represents the total of the first two cards dealt to the player. The over and under bets pay even money. Both lose on a 13. Players may bet 13 exactly, which pays 10-1.
There is also a High Streak Bonus available in European Blackjack. Payouts are based on winning two or more hands in a row:
- Two wins in a row: Even money
- Three wins in a row: 2-1
- Four wins in a row: 5-1
- Five wins in a row: 10-1
Tied hands push the High Streak bonus bet.
There is a Perfect Pairs bonus bet in European Blackjack. The payouts are:
- Off-color pair: 7-1
- Colored pair: 15-1
- Perfect pair: 30-1
The Triple 7’s progressive side bet is also available in European Blackjack. The only bet amount available for this is $1. Payouts are:
- Any seven: $5
- Any two sevens: $25
- Two suited sevens: $50
- Unsuited 777: $250
- Suited 777: $1,000
- 777 Diamonds: Progressive jackpot
Double Exposure
Both of the dealer’s hole cards are dealt face up in Double Exposure. Eight decks are used and the house wins all ties except when the player has blackjack. All player blackjacks are paid even money immediately and cannot push. Players may double on 9, 10 and 11 before and after splitting. Aces may be re-split but not hit. Pairs can be split up to three times. The dealer hits soft 17.
Pontoon
Microgaming Pontoon refers to the online game and not the one found in live casinos in Australia. The game uses eight decks. The player’s cards are dealt face up, while the dealer starts with two down cards.
Pontoon, which is a natural blackjack, pays 2-1. A five-card trick, meaning five cards that do not bust, also pays 2-1. The dealer wins all ties, even against these premium hands.
Players must hit until reaching 15, even after splitting and doubling down. Double down is permitted after hitting and splitting. The dealer hits soft 17.
Spanish Blackjack
Spanish Blackjack is the same game as Spanish 21 that was once found in Las Vegas casinos. Online casinos are the only place to find this game nowadays. Spanish Blackjack uses eight decks and reshuffles every hand. The eight decks do not have any 10’s in them. Other ten-value cards are still in the deck. Keep this in mind as it changes when hits should be taken. It also deals fewer blackjacks, making insurance an even worse bet.
Players may double down on any two cards and after splitting. Double down is also allowed after hitting. A player that receives a terrible card after doubling down may surrender. This involves giving the house the amount of the double down wager and folding the hand. The dealer hits soft 17. A player dealt a blackjack or making 21 always wins.
There are bonus pays at Spanish Blackjack. These wins are paid instantly:
- Suited 777 versus dealer 7: 50-1
- Seven-card 21: 3-1
- 777 or 678 spades: 3-1
- 777 or 678 suited: 2-1
- Six-card 21: 2-1
- Five-card 21: 3-2
- Unsuited 678 or 777: 3-2
- Blackjack: 3-2