Beginning players looking for basic one-deck blackjack strategy are already becoming technical players. No doubt after hearing a colleague talk or reading about blackjack strategy, players realize the importance of technique, especially in a single deck game.
Blackjack has the plays already marked for each hand. An experienced player can predict another player’s move based on the cards on the table. Asking, giving in or stopping are actions that are not carried out out of emotion, but by a calculated analysis of the situation. We will explain the differences between single deck and multi-deck blackjack, the main rules that differentiate this game from others and, of course, the basic strategy to play.
One Deck Blackjack
The main objective of the game: get as close as possible to the value of 21 without exceeding it. This remains the purpose of single deck blackjack, as it is for all other types. However, due to the smaller number of cards available for possible combinations, the single deck game has some differences, both in rules and strategy.
How is single deck blackjack different from multi deck blackjack?
Single deck blackjack only uses a 52 card deck. The deck and its influence in the game lies in determining the number of cards available for the player to reach his goal: completing 21 points. In certain situations a game with many decks can be beneficial for the player, for example, having more cards with values of 10.
However, due to some techniques developed by professional players, the fewer the number of cards in the deck, the better. Because of this, casinos tried to use up to 8 decks in the shuffling machine. The number 8 is quite common, since, after this number, the house advantage practically does not increase if the decks increase.
That is why it is quite common to find games with 6 or 8 decks, and so rare to find a table with 1 or 2 decks. Here’s a tip: Bodog offers individual deck tables so you can practice basic strategy and bet on blackjack online!
Differences in an individual deck
Now let us know the differences between single deck blackjack and multi deck blackjack
House edge
By playing single deck blackjack, you have a better chance of beating the dealer. The house edge is 0.15% in an individual deck, whereas in multi-deck blackjack games, the house edge is usually between 0.46% and 0.65%. This means that the house edge in a single deck is 4 to 6 less than in multi-deck games.
Payments
Because the house edge is lower, some online blackjack games seek to make a difference in another way. Whereas in a multi-deck game it usually pays out at a ratio of 3 to 2, or 1.5 times the bet, in blackjack it is usually less. A 6:5 ratio is paid in single deck blackjack, which is 1.2 times the amount wagered.
Sure
The insurance in single deck blackjack is usually a bit higher at 5.9%, while the house edge in insurance in multi-deck blackjack is 5.8%.
Fold
As we’ll see, there are generally more opportunities to double down in a single deck than in other multi-deck modes. This is due to the lower probability that the player will find a card with a value of 10 and therefore exceed 21 points.
Play Single Deck Blackjack
Players looking for single deck tables look for opportunities to beat the house. In fact, technical players know that in a single deck blackjack game each revealed card is very important compared to the hidden ones in the deck.
Since this feature is an advantage for the player, you must pay close attention to the cards on the table.
Single deck blackjack strategies are a bit more aggressive than in other forms. So, for example, if you have a pair of 3s, you can split and double down if the dealer has any cards from 2 to 6. Surrender, although rarely used, should always be considered if the dealer has higher odds than you.
Another issue is never buy insurance. Even though it guarantees some of your money back, the payout rate is lower, making the house edge even higher. In the 21 of a deck, the insurance makes the house advantage even greater than in the other modes of the game.
