European blackjack strategy
Explore no-hole-card games in more detail.
What dealer peek means
In a peek game, the dealer already has a second card and checks for blackjack before players make ordinary hit, stand, double, or split decisions when the upcard creates a blackjack possibility. If the dealer has blackjack, the hand ends immediately, subject to insurance and natural-blackjack rules.
What no-peek means
In a no-peek game, players may act before the dealer determines whether the final two-card dealer hand is blackjack. The dealer may not receive the second card until later, or may have a card that is not checked until player actions are finished.
Why additional wagers matter
If a player doubles or splits before the dealer is known not to have blackjack, the rule governing those extra wagers is critical. Some games cause the player to lose all money committed to the hand if the dealer later has blackjack. Others protect the extra wagers and take only the original bet.
Strategy consequences
When extra double and split money is exposed to a possible dealer blackjack, some aggressive actions against an Ace or 10 become less attractive. The exact changes depend on the rule set, which is why dealer-peek settings belong in a serious strategy profile.
Do not infer the rule from appearance
A live-dealer game can look American-style while using a different check procedure, and a European table can use protective original-bet rules. Read the rules or ask the operator rather than guessing from the visual layout.
Related blackjack guides
Surrender rules
See how the check procedure interacts with surrender.
Strategy charts by rules
Match the chart to the dealer procedure.