How Many Decks Does Blackjack Use?
In most casinos, you'll find at least two decks used in Blackjack, but sometimes it's six or more. Let's dive into how different versions use varying deck counts and how this affects the casino’s edge!
Typically, how many decks of cards does Blackjack utilize?
What's the reason some casinos opt for fewer decks?
In what way does the count of decks sway the house edge?
Typically, how many decks of cards does Blackjack utilize?
Back in the day, Blackjack was a single-deck game. Nowadays, you'll see 6-8 deck games at many real-world and online casinos. The rules haven’t changed much regardless of the setting. Some of the best sites offer multiple variations of Blackjack with diverse deck counts.
More decks mean more hands can be played before the reshuffle, translating to more bets and revenue for the house. It's a straightforward strategy that slightly ups the house's advantage.
Live Blackjack allows card counting, although the high deck count complicates the process quite a bit. Still, it's other strategies you can use applicable when playing in virtual casinos.
The number of decks in Online Blackjack
Online casinos usually feature up to eight decks. However, some platforms offer a single deck version to their players.
Remember that online platforms automate deck reshuffles, which randomizes the cards. Therefore, card counting isn’t feasible online, regardless of deck numbers.
Just like the physical casino versions, online multi-deck Blackjack offers the house a greater edge than single-deck play.
How many decks do live dealer Blackjack games use?
Live dealer casinos Deliver a realistic Blackjack vibe while maintaining the same 6-8 deck count as standard online and physical casinos.
Keep in mind that certain live games modify deck rules for fair gameplay. An example would be replacing at 50% shoe penetration after four decks have been dealt.
At some tables, there’s the use of auto shuffling and ‘burning’ of cards, where the top card or face-down cards are removed before play continues – often at a game's start or new shoe.
Finding single-deck live Blackjack is uncommon, and when you do, there's usually an automatic shuffler continuously mixing the cards.
Why certain casinos use fewer decks
Among Blackjack enthusiasts, it’s widely known that fewer decks improve player odds. Hence, they often seek out games offering minimal decks.
In the cutthroat online gambling market, some casinos provide single-deck games to entice players. Even if it's less profitable, they win in stretching the long game.
Blackjack with fewer decks favors the player with better odds. Regardless, casinos make certain their edge remains to guarantee profit from wagers.
To balance this, some casinos impose a reduced 6/5 payout for single-deck play, compared to the usual 3/2. For example, betting C$10 and winning at 3:2 gives C$15, but a 6:5 only rewards C$12.
Generally, avoid 6:5 Blackjack games due to their lower payouts, regardless of the deck count.
The deck count's role in affecting the house edge
| Number of decks | House edge |
|---|---|
1 |
0.112% |
2 |
0.412% |
4 |
0.556% |
5 |
0.584% |
6 |
0.603% |
8 |
0.627% |
A game's deck number tremendously influences the house edge in Blackjack. The house edge drops to 0.112% with a single deck, making it ideal for card counting.
Casinos don’t encourage card counting, but as a player, it's perfectly legal to use. It's a strategy showcased in many Blackjack movies as the primary winning strategy.
However, online play and games with numerous decks alter dynamics. Starting around six decks, the house edge rises to roughly 0.6%. Though this edge is modest, it can still tip the odds over time. Various reasons contribute to multiple decks augmenting this edge, like diminishing Blackjack occurrences and making card counting harder.