You just got into the world of blackjack, and all you want to do is play, have fun and, of course, increase your bankroll. So, why do you have to worry about the decks involved in a blackjack game? Does it even really matter? Let’s find out!
Single Deck vs. Multi-Deck Cards – What To Know?
If you’ve been playing blackjack, you’d have noticed that some decks will consist of just one pack of cards while others can have as many as 4, 6, or even eight decks of cards. What mightn’t be immediately apparent to you is that the number of decks plays a significant role in the outcome of each game! Simply put, the house edge is more favorable with single decks than it is with multi-decks. However, with blackjack, the story doesn’t just end there! Multi-deck blackjack was born as a result of the fact that it became all too easy for players to count cards with single deck blackjack. Let’s break down each of these blackjack deck systems and see what makes them tick!
The Single Deck Blackjack System
The play’s style here is different from what you’ll find with any other system. To start, you should get a hand value not more than 21 or any close number before the dealer does without going over or busting in the process. Here, you’re also declared the winner if the dealer happens to bust first. Lastly, with single deck blackjack, players are also given the option of doubling down or splitting cards.
The Multi-Deck Blackjack System
Because the problem of card counting had become so prevalent in single deck blackjack, casinos decided to up the ante by introducing more decks into the mix. The increased number of variable elements this resulted in doesn’t precisely eradicate card counting, but it does limit it considerably. When playing multi-deck blackjack, the odds and house advantage you have to work with will vary widely, depending on the precise number of decks used in each game. According to deck number, here is a rough breakdown of the house edge you can expect.
- With two decks, you get a house advantage of 0.46%.
- With four decks, you get a house advantage of 0.60%.
- With six decks, you get a house advantage of 0.46%.
- With eight decks, you get a house advantage of 0.65%.
Which Game Should You Look For In Blackjack?
Multi-deck games.
Here’s why. The main reason you shouldn’t even consider single deck games today is that most casinos have degraded it. In the past, single decks used to pay 3:2. But now, most casinos offer to pay out at 6:5. You don’t know that a 6:5 payout effectively raises the house edge to a whopping 1.45%.
Can I Find a Casino With 3:2 Single Deck Blackjack Payout?
Few as they are, yes, you can. They still offer single deck blackjack in its purest form. However, if you won’t be using it, you’re better served just going for a multi-deck game!
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Blackjack
There are several strategies that can be used to increase your chances of winning at online blackjack. Some of the most effective strategies include:
- Basic strategy: This is a set of rules that tell you the best way to play every hand based on the cards you have and the dealer's up card. By following basic strategy, you can reduce the house edge and increase your chances of winning.
- Card counting: While it is more difficult to count cards online, some players still use this strategy to track the ratio of high to low cards in the deck and adjust their bets accordingly.
- Bankroll management: Setting a budget for your online blackjack sessions and sticking to it can help you avoid losing more money than you can afford.
- Taking advantage of bonuses: Many online casinos offer bonuses and rewards for blackjack players, so be sure to take advantage of these offers to increase your bankroll.
- Playing fewer hands: Online blackjack games deal cards faster than live blackjack games, which can make it easy to play more hands than you intended. To avoid this, set a limit on the number of hands you want to play and stick to it.
It's important to note that, no strategy can guarantee a win and while some of these strategies can help you to increase your chances of winning, it's also important to remember to always gamble responsibly.
It is technically possible to count cards while playing online blackjack, but it is much more difficult than counting cards in a physical casino. In an online blackjack game, the deck is shuffled after every hand, making it impossible to keep track of the cards that have been dealt. Additionally, many online casinos use random number generators to shuffle the virtual deck, further making it impossible to keep track of the cards.
Furthermore, many online casinos use software that detects card counting and will ban players who are caught using this strategy. As such, it is not a recommended strategy when playing online blackjack.
It's worth mentioning that card counting is not illegal, but it's considered frowned upon by the casinos and can get you banned from playing. Additionally, even if you are able to count cards successfully, the house edge in online blackjack is often lower than in physical casinos, so the benefits of card counting are less pronounced.
The odds of winning at online blackjack can be similar to those in a physical casino, but there are some differences to keep in mind.
One of the biggest differences is that online blackjack games typically use a random number generator (RNG) to shuffle the virtual deck, while physical casinos use a physical deck of cards. RNGs are designed to be random, but there is a small chance that they may not be perfectly random. This means that there could be a slight difference in the odds of winning online compared to a physical casino.
Another difference is the number of decks used, online blackjack games can use up to 8 decks while physical casinos use 1-2 decks. This can also affect the odds of winning.
Additionally, some online blackjack games may have different rules or payout structures than those in physical casinos, which can also affect the odds of winning.
Overall, the odds of winning at online blackjack can be similar to those in a physical casino, but it's important to be aware of the potential differences and to choose games that have favorable rules and payout structures.
In general, the rules for online blackjack are similar to those in a physical casino. Both types of blackjack games follow the basic rules of the game, which include:
- The goal is to get a hand with a higher total value than the dealer's hand, without going over 21.
- The player is dealt two cards, and the dealer is dealt one face-up card and one face-down card.
- The player can choose to "hit" and take additional cards, one at a time, in order to increase the total value of their hand.
- The player can choose to "stand" and keep their current hand.
- If the player goes over 21, they lose the game, regardless of the dealer's hand.
However, there may be some small differences in the rules depending on the specific online blackjack game or website you are playing on. For example, some online casinos may offer variations of the game such as "Blackjack Switch" or "Blackjack Surrender" which include different rules.
It's important to check the rules of the specific online blackjack game you are playing before you start. This way you can ensure that you understand the game and how it differs from the traditional version of the game.
Online blackjack can be safe and fair to play if you choose a reputable online casino. Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a safe and fair online blackjack experience:
- Look for a reputable online casino: Do your research and choose an online casino that has a good reputation for fairness and safety. You can check out reviews from other players, and look for certifications from organizations such as eCOGRA.
- Check for a valid license: Make sure the online casino you choose is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority such as the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission.
- Check for security features: Look for online casinos that use SSL encryption to protect your personal and financial information.
- Check the game's RNG: Make sure the online casino is using a reputable Random Number Generator to shuffle the virtual deck and check that the casino has been audited by independent auditing firms.
- Read the terms and conditions: Be sure to read the terms and conditions of the online casino you choose, and make sure that you understand the rules and regulations of the online blackjack game you will be playing.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you have a safe and fair online blackjack experience. It's important to remember to always gamble responsibly and to set limits for yourself.
Yes, we do offer bonuses for new players, such as sign-up bonuses, referral bonuses, and loyalty bonuses. These bonuses can be in the form of free bets, deposit matches, or cashback.
