Consider the following in a game of single deck Blackjack: You get the best (i.e. lowest) house edge, actually count card, and develop a proper in-game strategy to try to win more.
So, single-deck Blackjack is the only Blackjack variant you should play. You get the best odds, the opportunity to use a Blackjack system, and the chance to win more if you combine that with the correct bankroll management.
What Is Single Deck Blackjack?
Single deck Blackjack is a popular form of the game wherein, as the name suggests, uses one deck of cards. Like it should be.
Originally, all Blackjack games were played with a single deck of cards. Along came the 1960s, when ‘card counting’ changed it all and extinguished most single-deck games.
Some players assimilated themselves on keeping track of the action and utilized this new skill to optimize their play to win more. Casinos reacted accordingly and promptly responded by adding more cards to make things more difficult.
This is the reason why in the modern world single-deck Blackjack games are the ‘truffles of gambling.’ “So precious and yet so rare” that it requires some in-depth skills to find them.
Most Casinos do allow you to play double-deck, 4-deck, 6-deck, and even 8-deck Blackjack games, in which the most common variant in 2019 is the 6-deck one. Well at least that’s what I see on these online Casino sites.
Take note and know that with each deck added to the table, the house edge goes up as well. Thus, if you’re looking for value, Go single-deck!
Here’s where you get the best Return-to-Player (RTP). If you want to play Blackjack, go exclusively with single deck!
How to Play
When we speak regarding the rules of single-deck Blackjack, everything is as in the standard variant of the game, as expected.
- You play against the dealer
- If you make more than 21 points, you lose
- If you make more points than the dealer (but not more than 21), you win
In favor of making this the most complete guide on the internet, we’ll cover the gameplay. If you already know how to play Blackjack, you can give exception and skip this part then proceed to play the game.
The game commences with the dealer serving one card face up to the player, once card face down to themselves and one more card face up to both. Here’s when the player, which is you, resolves which move to make, while on the contrary the dealer follows a simple set of predetermined rules.
The dealer then draws another card if the sum of their hand is 16 or lower and stands in the event the sum of their hands is 17 or higher. The player has the option to either Hit, Stand, Split, or Double Down.
Playing Options
The dealer basically also has different playing options. As a player, you can come about and follow a particular strategy while the dealer is unable to. Keep in mind that the dealer’s playing strategy is pre-determined and follows exact rules.
Hitting signifies that you want the dealer to give you another card. You can definitely draw as many cards as you wish just ensure their total value is lower than 21.
Standing denotes that you are contented with the hand you have and don’t wish to draw cards any further. This is the case normally when you own a hand 21 or close to it.
Splitting is a move you can opt to make when you draw two cards of the same value at the onset of a hand (for example, 8-8).Then, you can choose to split the hand into two separate hands and play the round with two bets.
Doubling Down as the term suggests, is a move you can make in case you are absolutely confident in your skills, and of course, luck. You opt to double their initial bet and then draw one card to enhance your hand.
Card Values
In a game of single deck Blackjack, the cards work similarly as in any other type of Blackjack. All cards from 2 to 10 have their face value and regardless of their suit, picture cards (J, Q, K) give you 10 points.
Now there’s one tricky part, and that is the Ace. Depending on the circumstance, we can count the Ace either 1 or 11.
The Payouts
Single deck Blackjack is undeniably the best game you can play when we speak about RTP. That doesn’t even include only other Blackjack variants, but also all the other Casino games!
This single deck variation has an RTP that is estimated to be at 99.59%. That’s only true though, if you play a game that pays 3:2 on Blackjacks.
Meaning, in the event that you bet 2 chips and win with a 21, you will get 3 chips back. There are certain games that pay 6:5 on Blackjacks and that’s exactly what you need to avoid.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The first and definitely the principal advantage of Blackjack is that it pays the most for every pound that you wager.
Additionally, single deck Blackjack is by far the way to go If you wish to try counting cards (which is solely possible in land-based casinos given that the deck is reshuffled after every round when you play online).
The main disadvantage of playing single deck Blackjack is that casinos at times alter the rules slightly in order to increase the house edge. Say for instance, they offer 6:5 payouts or oblige the dealers to always hit the soft 17.
However, if there’s a way for you to find a game with beneficial rules, there is arguably no better game you can play in an online or land-based casino.
