Double Deck Blackjack Basic Strategy

  • Appendices
  • Miscellaneous
  • External Links

To use the basic strategy, look up your hand along the left vertical edge and the dealer's up card along the top. In both cases an A stands for ace. From top to bottom are the hard totals, soft totals, and splittable hands. There are two charts depending on whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17.

  • ­6­ Double Deck Memo. Blackjack Basic Strategy is of course an important element used to evaluate a player during “Skill Checks”.
  • The strategy for Live Blackjack is the same as basic strategy. Multi-hand Blackjack. With no side bets and 4 decks, Multi-hand Blackjack players should follow the basic strategy guide. The minimum bet is 1 coin and the maximum is 3000.
  • Double Down Strategy for Blackjack Another advanced blackjack strategy is the double down, which gives you a chance to double your wager and potential winnings after the initial deal. The idea is for you to lay an additional wager, but you can only get one more dealt card.
  • Dalton’s Soft Double Down Rhyme CORRECT BASIC STRATEGY (GENERIC) This is a generic multi-deck strategy where the dealer stands on soft-17 and double after splits is allowed. Refer to the full charts on this page for all rule variations and fine points for single, double and multi-deck games.

Introduction

Double Deck Blackjack Basic Strategy

In blackjack every card that is played has an impact on the distribution of the remaining cards. The following lists will show exactly how to play your cards immediately after a shuffle in a double deck game where the dealer stands on a soft 17.

To use this guide first go to the list according to the number of cards in your hand. Then note the basic strategy changes and finally the exceptions to the changes. For example if you have a 16 composed of a 10, 4, and 2 against a 10 look under the 3 card list. You will see that with three cards you should stand on 16 against 10. Going further you will see there are some exceptions, for example with a 16 composed of a 6, 6, and 4 you should hit. However 10+4+2 is not listed as an exception so you should stand. It should not be interpreted that this is a card counting guide. Everything is based on exact cards and no numbers represent a count. Some of these plays will not agree with even the best card counting strategies. These tables are always right while card counting is an estimate of the best play. Counting cards does not take into consideration the exact composition of the remaining deck as this analysis does.

Basic Strategy Changes: None

Exceptions:

  1. 11 (9+2) vs Ace = Hit
  2. 11 (8+3) vs Ace = Hit
  3. 12 (10+2) vs 4 = Hit
Deck

Three Cards

Basic Strategy Changes:
  1. 16 vs 10 = Stand
  2. Soft 18 vs A = Stand
Exceptions:
  1. 16 (6+6+4) vs 10 = Hit
  2. 16 (7+6+3) vs 10 = Hit
  3. 16 (8+6+2) vs 10 = Hit
  4. 16 (9+6+A) vs 10 = Hit
  5. 16 (10+3+3) vs 10 = Hit
  6. Soft 18 (A+A+6) vs A = Hit
Basic Strategy Changes:
  1. 16 vs 10 = Stand
  2. Soft 18 vs A = Stand
Exceptions:
  1. 16 (6+6+2+2) vs 10 = Hit
  2. 16 (6+6+3+A) vs 10 = Hit
  3. 16 (7+6+2+A) vs 10 = Hit
  4. 16 (8+6+A+A) vs 10 = Hit
  5. 16 (10+2+2+2) vs 10 = Hit
  6. 16 (10+3+2+A) vs 10 = Hit
  7. 16 (4+4+4+4) vs 9 = Stand
  8. 16 (5+4+4+3) vs 9 = Stand
  9. 16 (5+5+3+3) vs 9 = Stand
  10. 16 (5+5+4+2) vs 9 = Stand
  11. 16 (5+5+5+A) vs 9 = Stand

Five Cards

Basic Strategy Changes:
  1. 16 vs 10 = Stand
  2. Soft 18 vs A = Stand
Exceptions:
  1. 16 (6+3+3+2+2) vs 10 = Hit
  2. 16 (7+6+A+A+A) vs 10 = Hit
  3. 16 (10+2+2+A+A) vs 10 = Hit
  4. 16 (6+6+2+A+A) vs 10 = Hit
  5. 16 (4+4+4+3+A) vs 9 = Stand
  6. 16 (4+4+4+2+2) vs 9 = Stand
  7. 16 (4+4+3+3+2) vs 9 = Stand
  8. 16 (4+3+3+3+3) vs 9 = Stand
  9. 16 (5+5+3+2+A) vs 9 = Stand
  10. 16 (5+4+4+2+A) vs 9 = Stand
  11. 16 (5+4+3+3+A) vs 9 = Stand
  12. 16 (5+5+2+2+2) vs 9 = Stand
  13. 16 (5+4+3+2+2) vs 9 = Stand
  14. 16 (5+3+3+3+2) vs 9 = Stand
Basic Strategy Changes:
  1. 16 vs 10 = Stand
  2. Soft 18 vs A = Stand
Exceptions:
  1. 12 (4+4+A+A+A+A) vs 3 = Stand
  2. 16 (A+A+2+4+4+4) vs 7 = Stand
  3. 16 (A+A+3+3+4+4) vs 7 = Stand
  4. 16 (A+2+2+3+4+4) vs 7 = Stand
  5. 16 (A+2+3+3+3+4) vs 7 = Stand
  6. 16 (A+3+3+3+3+3) vs 7 = Stand
  7. 16 (2+2+2+3+3+4) vs 7 = Stand
  8. 16 (2+2+3+3+3+3) vs 7 = Stand
  9. 16 (A+3+3+3+3+3) vs 8 = Stand
  10. 16 (2+2+3+3+3+3) vs 8 = Stand
  11. 16 (3+3+3+3+3+a) vs 9 = Stand
  12. 16 (3+3+3+3+2+2) vs 9 = Stand
  13. 16 (4+4+4+2+a+a) vs 9 = Stand
  14. 16 (4+4+3+3+a+a) vs 9 = Stand
  15. 16 (4+4+3+2+2+a) vs 9 = Stand
  16. 16 (4+3+3+3+2+a) vs 9 = Stand
  17. 16 (4+4+2+2+2+2) vs 9 = Stand
  18. 16 (4+3+3+2+2+2) vs 9 = Stand
  19. 16 (5+5+3+a+a+a) vs 9 = Stand
  20. 16 (5+4+4+a+a+a) vs 9 = Stand
  21. 16 (5+5+2+2+a+a) vs 9 = Stand
  22. 16 (5+4+3+2+a+a) vs 9 = Stand
  23. 16 (5+3+3+3+a+a) vs 9 = Stand
  24. 16 (5+4+2+2+2+a) vs 9 = Stand
  25. 16 (5+3+3+2+2+a) vs 9 = Stand
  26. 16 (5+3+2+2+2+2) vs 9 = Stand
  27. 16 (6+6+A+A+A+A) vs 10 = Hit
  28. 16 (6+3+2+2+2+A) vs 10 = Hit
  29. 16 (6+2+2+2+2+2) vs 10 = Hit
Basic

Methodology

The fine points of basic strategy was determined using a combinatronic and recursive program that made the optimal play at every step considering the exact distribution of remaining cards. This program was also used to create the basic strategy charts for one and multiple decks.

Internal Links

  • Blackjack main page.
  • Appendix 1:Total dependent expected return table for an infinite deck.
  • Appendix 2a:Dealer probabilities after dealer peeks for blackjack.
  • Appendix 2b:Dealer probabilities before dealer peeks for blackjack.
  • Appendix 3a:Composition dependent exceptions to single deck basic strategy where the dealer stands on soft 17.
  • Appendix 3b:Composition dependent exceptions to double deck basic strategy where the dealer stands on soft 17.
  • Appendix 3c:Composition dependent exceptions to single deck basic strategy where the dealer hits a soft 17.
  • Appendix 4:Details on the standard deviation in blackjack.
  • Appendix 5:Infinite deck expected return according to player hand and dealer up card.
  • Appendix 6:Fine points of when to surrender.
  • Appendix 7:Effect of card removal.
  • Appendix 8:Analysis of some popular blackjack side bets includingSuper Sevens, Streak, Royal Match, and a tie.
  • Appendix 9:Composition dependent expected returns for 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8 decks.
  • Appendix 10:The effect on the house edge of the continuous shuffling machines vs. the cut card.
  • Appendix 11: Value and strategy for 678 and 777 bonuses.
  • Appendix 12:Risk of ruin statistics.
  • Appendix 13:Probabilities in the first four cards. May be used to test for the number of decks in online blackjack.
  • Appendix 14:Value of each initial player card.
  • Appendix 15:House edge using total dependent vs composition dependent basic strategy
  • Appendix 16: Basic strategy when dealer exposes both cards.
  • Appendix 17: The Ace-Five Count. Possibly the easiest way to count cards.
  • Appendix 18: Basic strategy exceptions for three to six cards.
  • Appendix 19: Blackjack splitting strategy when a back-player is betting.
  • Appendix 20: Blackjack doubling strategy, when doubling after splitting aces is allowed.
  • Appendix 21: Details on the Wizard's Simple Strategy.
  • '21' Movie — Truth and Fiction : My comments on the movie '21.'
  • Australian Blackjack: Rules and odds for blackjack down under.
  • Rule Variations: The effect of just about every known blackjack rule change.
  • Automatic Winner Charlie Rule in Blackjack.

Written by: Michael Shackleford
Lyza Hayn

Table Of Contents

We all know that Blackjack is one of the most popular table games out there.

But have you tried out the single deck version?

If you want to play with the best chances the game offers, you'll need a simple single deck Blackjack strategy and a few tips.

  • Single deck Blackjack games have the lowest house edge of all games
  • The low house edge gives players multiple advantages over the classic multi deck game

Before you jump in, you'll need to learn key strategical points and differences between playing single deck Blackjack and standard multi-deck.

Double Deck Blackjack Basic Strategy

Single vs Multiple Deck Blackjack

Back in the good old days, single deck Blackjack was the standard.

It was played widely around the world, with blissful players taking advantage of the 0.15% house edge.

It became popular with card counters, who swooped in with their own single deck Blackjack strategy to take a piece of the pie. The use of one deck makes card counting easy, but Casinos caught on quickly.

They began introducing Blackjack games with a double deck or more decks to raise their own edge and make it harder to count cards.

So, what are the differences between these types of Blackjack? Besides the number of decks, the payout is generally different as well—you'll find that many Casinos offer payouts of 6:5 in single-deck games, while multi-deck games generally pay 3:2.

Rules & Gameplay for Single Deck Play

The basic concept and objective remain the same in single deck Blackjack. You want to get to 21 points or as close to 21 as possible without busting.

You'll place your bet, then the dealer will deal the hands. You'll get two face-up cards, and the dealer will get one face-up and one face-down.

You'll study your cards and the dealer's upcard, then decide to hit, stand, split, or double down.

Remember, both land-based and online casinos usually have specific rules for single-deck Blackjack which differ from multi-deck. These include:

  • Whether or not the dealer hits or stands on soft 17
  • Whether or not players may double down after a split
  • If and when players can surrender

It's common to have the dealer hit on a soft 17, to prohibit players from doubling down after a split, and to prohibit surrender because these rules increase the house edge.

However, these and other rules will vary depending on the online Casino site of your choice

Tips & Single Deck Blackjack Strategy Guide

It's imperative you learn how to make a decision as a player and follow the basics of single deck Blackjack strategy as you play.

Remember that every single card which is played in the single-deck game has an appreciable impact on the distribution of the remaining cards in the deck, more so than multi-deck games.

Always use this to your advantage and pay attention to the cards being played.

It's also a good idea to consult some Blackjack basic strategy charts to figure out the optimal play for your hand.

Our Blackjack cheat sheets display possible hands in conjunction with possible dealer upcards, telling whether you should split, double down, stand, or hit for that specific combination of cards.

Optimal Plays

Assuming that the dealer hits on soft 17, doubling down after a split is not allowed, and surrender is not allowed, you can follow these guidelines:
Hard Hands

  • 5-7: Always hit
  • 8: Double if dealer shows 5 or 6, otherwise hit
  • 9: Double if dealer shows 2-6, otherwise hit
  • 10: Double if dealer shows 2-9, otherwise hit
  • 11: Always double
  • 12: Stand if dealer shows 4-6, otherwise hit
  • 13: Stand if dealer shows 2-6, otherwise hit
  • 14: Stand if dealer shows 2-6, otherwise hit
  • 15: Stand if dealer shows 2-6, hit on 7-ace
  • 16: Stand if dealer shows 2-6, hit on 7-ace
  • 17-21: Always stand

Soft Hands

Double Deck Blackjack Basic Strategy Examples

  • A-2: Double if dealer shows 4-6, otherwise hit
  • A-3: Double if dealer shows 4-6, otherwise hit
  • A-4: Double if dealer shows 4-6, otherwise hit
  • A-5: Double if dealer shows 4-6, otherwise hit
  • A-6: Double if dealer shows 2-6, otherwise hit
  • A-7: Double if dealer shows 3-6, stand on 2,7, & 8, hit on 9, 10 & ace
  • A-8: Double if dealer shows 6, otherwise stand
  • A-9: Always stand
  • A-10: Always stand

Pairs:

  • 2-2: Split if dealer shows 3-7, otherwise hit
  • 3-3: Split if dealer shows 4-7, otherwise hit
  • 4-4: Split if dealer shows 4-6, otherwise hit
  • 5-5: Double if dealer shows 2-9, hit on 10 & ace
  • 6-6: Split if dealer shows 2-7, otherwise hit
  • 7-7: Split if dealer shows 2-7, stand on 10, hit on 8, 9 & ace
  • 8-8: Always split
  • 9-9: Split if dealer shows 2-6 and 8-9, otherwise stand
  • 10-10: Always stand
  • Ace-Ace: Always split

Keep in mind that this is not an optimal strategy for every game, because you won't just make different plays according to the dealer's upcard; single deck basic strategy play Blackjack is also dependent on the house rules.

House Rule Variations

If the dealer stands on soft 17, you know that he has no chance of improving this hand. Keep this in mind as you make your decisions, because it actually increases your odds of beating him with certain plays.

Double down rules will affect your bets, so pay close attention to them.

If you can double down after a split, you'll want to be a bit more aggressive with your splits than the guide displays—for example, you could split a pair of 3s if the dealer shows 2 or 3, not just 4 through 6.

Likewise, if you can surrender, you'll want to do so strategically. For example, if you have a pair of sevens and the dealer shows 10, you know your odds aren't good, so surrendering would be the best option.

Tips for the Table

When you're at the table, keep these tips for Blackjack basic strategy in mind:

  • Use your knowledge of the cards which have been played to infer which cards may come up. Remember, this knowledge comes easier when you play with a single deck.
  • Never take insurance or even money, because the house edge on insurance is 5.9% in single-deck Blackjack
  • Use a responsible betting strategy, making wagers which fit with your bankroll and allow you to bet for longer. Remember, it's all about having fun.

Double Deck Blackjack Basic Strategy Games Pc

Now that you know about single deck Blackjack strategy, it's time to try a hand at the tables with this action-packed game.

Double Deck Blackjack Basic Strategy For Dummies

The promotion presented on this page was available at the time of writing. With some Casino promotions changing on daily basis, we suggest you to check on the site if it still available. Also, please do not forget to read the terms and conditions in full before you accept a bonus.