Single-Deck vs Multi-Decks : Do the Number of Decks in Blackjack Matter?

Is There a Difference?

If you recently started playing the game of blackjack, you might have noticed that most blackjack card games today are played on 4 or 6 decks of card, while a lesser percentage is played on a single deck. At this stage, you should be wondering: Does the number of decks in Blackjack matters? And if so, is there a substantial difference? I’ll say yes, the number of decks in blackjack plays a significant role. Players stand a higher chance of winning in single-deck games due to a lower house advantage than on multi-deck games.

In the early days of casinos, single deck blackjack was the standard used by all casinos. Most players at the time knew how easy it was to win at single-deck blackjack card games due to its low house edge. To add icing on the cake, blackjack players discovered that counting cards increased the advantage towards the players. Although many a forum says this is not permitted.

But those days are behind us. In a bid to make it harder for players to count cards, most casinos today have moved towards multiple deck games. Though some casinos still offer single-deck games, it’s mostly a facade meant to attract gullible players. Wanna know why? Keep reading to know if the matter how many decks!

Single Deck Blackjack

In a single-deck blackjack card game, players are required to get a hand value not exceeding 21 or any number close before the dealer without busting or going over. You can also win by having the dealer bust first. To begin the game, you are required to place a player bet. At this stage, dealt cards are given to both you and the dealer. Depending on the cards you have in front of you, you can choose to hit or draw cards, stand or stop drawing cards. The blackjack odds don’t differ depending on this. Additionally, you can split cards or double down.

Multi-Deck Blackjack

As stated above, Multi-deck blackjack was introduced to minimise the possibilities of card counting by involving two, four, six or eight decks of cards used simultaneously. Due to differences in the number of decks, the odds and house advantage varies. Listed below is the house advantage for multi-deck blackjack.

Double decks give 0.46% house advantage.

Four decks give 0.60% house advantage

Six decks give 0.64% house advantage

Eight decks give 0.65% house advantage

Why Avoid Single Decks?

Most casinos claim to offer single-deck games, but in a real sense, they don’t. Don’t even consider playing a single-deck blackjack card game if it only pays out 6:5 against its old fashion 3:2 paid before. A single deck game that pays out 6:5 increases the house edge to a stunning 1.45%. It means players are less likely to make any tangible profits if they win. For example, if you place a £20 bet for a single-deck blackjack game that pays 3:2, you walk home with only £22, whereas, you win about £25 for a single-deck game with a 6:5 payout. So until you find a single-deck game that offers 3:2, avoid most single-deck games.