Single Deck Blackjack vs Double Deck Blackjack – Which is better?

Blackjack is the casino game that inspires everything from Saturday night outings with the homies to movies about math geniuses counting cards. It’s approachable for beginners and offers payouts impressive enough to attract high rollers.

Regardless of whether you’re Ben Campbell from the movie “21” or someone just learning the ropes at their first velvet table, there’s always one key choice: single-deck vs double-deck blackjack. Each option comes with its own strategies, rules, and odds.

We’ll break down the differences across single-deck, double-deck, and multi-deck blackjack games so you can make an informed choice the next time you play.

How To Play Blackjack And Why Multi-Deck Blackjack Was Introduced

In blackjack, your goal is to get a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. You begin with two cards and the dealer shows one face-up card. Based on the total from your first two cards and the dealer’s upcard, you decide whether to hit, stand, double down, or if you should split.

Traditionally, classic blackjack was played using only a single deck. Single-deck blackjack has a lower house edge, but it’s also easier for card counters to gain an advantage. Thus, multi-deck blackjack was introduced to counter them. Multiple decks keep blackjack games fair and challenging, and a little challenge is part of the fun.

While games like single-deck and multi-deck blackjack dominate many casinos, variations like Pontoon 21 have unique twists on the standard rules.

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Different Strategies Between Single Deck And Double Deck Blackjack   

When comparing single-deck blackjack vs double-deck, your strategy shifts based on the number of cards.

Single-deck blackjack is your standard blackjack game with fewer cards to track. It’s easier to use basic strategy and notice patterns, like when it’s ideal to double down.

With more cards in double-deck blackjack, you have to adjust your doubling and splitting decisions based on the slightly reduced odds of drawing high-value cards.

Hit/Stand: Single Deck Vs Multi-Deck Cheat Sheet

When playing blackjack, the number of decks and the house rules affect the optimal strategy, like when you should hit or stand. The biggest blackjack tip we can give you is to follow a pre-made chart.

If you compare single deck vs multi deck blackjack, you’ll see the odds are slightly different.

Single Deck Cheat Sheet

In a single-deck game compared to a double or multi-deck, you’re advised to stand on totals like 12 or 13 against a dealer’s 4 or 5 because the chances of a dealer bust are slightly higher with fewer remaining cards.

When faced with the same situation in multi-deck games, it’s wise to hit. That’s because, with more cards in play, there’s a greater likelihood that the dealer draws a strong hand, like 17 or higher. With multiple decks, it’s riskier to stand on weaker totals like 12 or 13.

Double Deck Cheat Sheet

Multi-deck Strategy Cheat Sheet

Doubling Down

In a single-deck game, the smaller card pool makes it easier to predict when doubling down on two cards will lead to better odds of winning blackjack. For example, you might choose not to double down on a total of 10 against a dealer’s 9 because you know most of the high cards have been dealt, and you have a lower chance of drawing a high card to reach 20.

With multiple decks, the larger card pool increases the number of high-value cards overall, so it’s a good call to double on totals like 9, 10, or 11. You’re more likely to pull a strong 10-value card. Doubling down at the right moments can lead to more money, especially if the dealer busts.

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Which is better?

When it comes to choosing between single-deck blackjack, double-deck blackjack, or even an eight-deck game, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each deck game comes with its own quirks that affect player odds, strategy, and what the casino expects from you at the table.

Are your odds better with single-deck blackjack?

Your odds are generally better with single-deck blackjack, thanks to the lower house edge and specific rules usually found in single-deck games.

For example, in a standard single-deck game, the house edge can be as low as 0.5% with optimal strategy. House rules, such as 3:2 payouts (instead of 6:5), also work in your favor and significantly improve the odds. This alone makes single-deck a better choice for winning blackjack games.

Is double-deck blackjack better than multi-deck blackjack?

Double-deck blackjack strikes a happy medium between single and multi-deck games. With two decks, the house edge is slightly higher than single-deck blackjack but still lower than in multi-deck games.

Basic blackjack strategy still applies, as always, but double-deck blackjack usually has favorable rules, like 3:2 payouts or doubling on any two cards.

Are blackjack pushes more likely in a multi-deck game?

Blackjack pushes are slightly more likely in multi-deck blackjack. With more decks, the distribution of card values evens out. This increases the chances of you and the dealer ending up with the same total on a possible hand.

For example, with six decks, the odds of matching the dealer’s upcard value are marginally higher. This can affect decisions like taking even money when you have a natural blackjack, as you have a slightly higher likelihood that the dealer also has blackjack and you don’t win anything.

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Probability Of Getting A Blackjack Hand For 1, 2, 4, And 8 Decks

A natural blackjack is when your first two cards dealt are an Ace and a 10-value card, adding up to 21 exactly. You get chills just thinking about it.

The probability of this happening depends on the number of decks in play. With just one deck, your odds are the highest at 4.83%. With two decks, it drops slightly to 4.78%, and for games with four or eight decks, the probability evens out at around 4.75%. More decks mean more cards but slightly lower chances overall.

FAQs

Now that we’ve covered the key strategies and odds for different types of blackjack games, let’s deal with more of your burning questions.

What is wonging in blackjack? Is it useful when choosing which game to play?

Wonging. Nope, that’s not a type-o from “wronging.” Wonging in blackjack is a card-counting technique. You observe the game without placing a bet until the remaining cards give you a favorable count.

Skilled players use this to maximize their odds by only entering blackjack games when the deck is “hot” – meaning high-value cards are more likely to appear.

When is it better to play a multi-deck blackjack game over a single deck?

Generally speaking, single-deck blackjack has better odds; therefore, you should choose it most of the time. However, if the payout odds are 6:5 instead of the standard 3:2, the house edge increases significantly, and it’s not worth it.

Multi-deck blackjack, such as an eight-deck game, often includes more favorable rules like 3:2 payouts, which can result in a low house edge. This is especially true at online casinos, where table games frequently have consistent rules across more decks.

Whether you’re playing single-deck, double-deck, or a million-deck blackjack (excuse the hyperbole – but you get the point), always use an optimal blackjack strategy. Practice blackjack for free in “Practice Mode” at Cafe Casino, experiment with different versions and lock down your ultimate favorite. Yo, what’s the deal? Blackjack. That’s what.

Disclaimer: whilst the strategies outlined in this article could help you win, there is no guarantee. Play for fun and never bet more than you can afford to lose.