Double-deck blackjack is a thrilling variant of the classic casino game, offering players unique opportunities to exercise their skills and increase their chances of winning.
Understanding the odds, implementing effective strategies and considering the impact of the number of decks on the house edge are key factors in achieving success at a double-deck blackjack table.
Single Deck vs. Double-Deck Blackjack
Single-deck blackjack is going extinct and double-deck blackjack is becoming the norm. If you find a single-deck game, it’s likely to have poor rules. So is double-deck blackjack better? Read on to find out.
A 3:2 single-deck game is the best type of blackjack you can find — depending on the rules of the game. Unfortunately, it’s incredibly rare to find these in casinos. By the same token, the cheaper the casino, the more likely it is that there’ll be a double-deck blackjack game at low limits on the floor.
To practice your double-deck blackjack strategy, start with low limits at a practice table. There are also a host of free-to-play blackjack apps online. Alternatively, setting up mock casino table games with friends will also get you there.
Double-Deck Blackjack Odds
The odds in double-deck blackjack can be favorable if you know how to leverage them to your advantage. With only two decks in play, the game offers better odds compared to multi-deck variants.
The exact odds depend on several factors, including the specific rules of the game, the dealer’s actions and your strategic choices. The house edge of double-deck blackjack is generally around 0.34% but can drop below 0.25%.
Learning Basic Double-Deck Blackjack Strategy
Mastering basic strategy is crucial in any blackjack game and will guide your decisions based on the dealer’s upcard and your own hand. Familiarize yourself with the recommended actions for each possible combination, such as hitting, standing, doubling down or splitting.
For every game in the casino, the ultimate goal is to reduce the house edge. Fortunately, blackjack is one of the best games for doing this. Unlike a game of roulette, craps or jackpot slots where the results are completely random, games like online poker and blackjack involve an element of skill.
1. Only Play at 3:2 Double-Deck Blackjack Tables
Start by gravitating towards a table with double-deck blackjack instead of another table with more decks. However, if it isn’t a 3:2 double-deck blackjack table then you should keep searching.
If you’re at a high-end casino, this may only be in the high-limit room.
Most success happens at a 3:2 table. Try your best to avoid 6:5 or, even, worse, blackjack that offers even odds. The house edge for 6:5 double-deck blackjack can exceed 1.80%.
2. Locate Blackjack Tables With the Best Rules
After locating 3:2 blackjack tables, establish what the rules are before you begin to play. The rules of the game should be on the felt of the table or in the rules section of a live dealer online casino.
The most favorable double-deck blackjack rules are as follows:
- Dealer must stand on soft 17.
- Player can double down on any two cards.
- Player can double down after splitting.
- Player can resplit aces.
The dealer standing on soft 17 is the most important rule in double-deck blackjack. Ensure that this rule is in place for your double-deck blackjack strategy.
3. Learn To Count Cards
While card counting is challenging in today’s casinos because of countermeasures such as continuous shuffling machines, let alone being under scrutiny from casino staff, it can still be a valuable skill in double-deck blackjack.
Understanding which high- and low-value cards remain in the shoe can give you an edge in adjusting your bets and making strategic decisions.
Professional players say it’s the only way to guarantee a profit in the long term and fortunately, double-deck (and single-deck) blackjack games make it much easier to keep a running count. Where more decks are concerned, the odds of being good at card counting diminish quickly.
Other Basic Strategy Rules
Some other pointers to include in your strategy include never taking insurance or “even money.” Also, if there’s no row for splitting (5s and 10s,) then look at your hand as a hard total (10 or 20.)
Finally, if you can’t split because of a limit on re-splitting, then look at your hand as a hard total (except aces.) In the extremely unlikely event that you have a pair of aces you can’t re-split and drawing to split aces is allowed, then double against a 5 or 6. Otherwise, you should hit.
The Impact the Number of Decks Has on House Edge
The number of decks used directly affects the house edge in live dealer blackjack. In general, the fewer decks in play, the lower the house edge. Keeping a running count of cards is important in double-deck blackjack, but it’s incredibly difficult when more decks are involved.
When more decks are added to the blackjack game, the odds drop for the player. Six- and eight-deck games are most certainly using an automatic shuffler. An eight-deck blackjack game can see the house edge go to well over 2%.
It’s important to note that other factors like rule variations and playing strategy can also influence the overall advantage.
Test Your Double-Deck Blackjack Strategy With Borgata Online
Double-deck blackjack offers an exciting and potentially rewarding gaming experience if you understand the odds and implement effective strategies. By adjusting your tactics based on rule variations and recognizing the impact the number of decks has on the house edge, you can improve your chances of success, either at the table or playing at an online game casino. Register now with Borgata Online.