The hole card
In American blackjack the dealer takes a second card face down, the hole card, and checks for blackjack when showing an ace or a 10. If the dealer has blackjack, the hand ends straight away and you only lose your original bet. In European blackjack there is no hole card: the dealer draws the second card after all players have finished.
Why it matters
Without a hole card, you can double or split and only then discover the dealer has blackjack. In many European games you then lose the full amount, including the extra bets. That makes aggressive plays against a 10 or an ace riskier.
The strategy changes
Most of the chart is the same. The usual European adjustments are: hit 11 against a 10 instead of doubling, hit 8s against a 10 or an ace instead of splitting, and hit aces against an ace instead of splitting.
Which one to choose
When both are available with otherwise similar rules, American-style games with the dealer peek are slightly better for the player. Our chart and free game let you switch between the two to practice the differences.
FAQ
Is European blackjack worse for players?
Slightly, when other rules are equal, because you can lose doubled and split bets to a dealer blackjack.
Does basic strategy change a lot?
No, only a few hands against a dealer 10 or ace.
Related guides
Strategy and maths reduce the house edge, but never remove it. 18+, play responsibly.