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Single Deck Blackjack Strategy

 

In single-deck games, we double against the Ace, too. To get the most out of the single-deck game, we make a number of little strategy changes from basic strategy for multiple-deck games: Single-deck variations for hard totals. Double down on 11 against all dealer up. Here’s one recommended simplified strategy for doubling down in Single Deck Blackjack: 1. Double with Hard 9 or Soft 16-18 if the Dealer shows a low card (2-6). The master chart used for learning blackjack basic strategy was developed for a multiple-deck game in which the dealer stands on a soft 17. It should not be applied in all situations, because both of these factors the number of decks and the rules that affect the dealer have an impact on possible outcomes. Single Deck Blackjack. In all blackjack, there is a definite limit to the number of. ALWAYS DOUBLE DOWN ON A HARD 11. You’ll always win more money if you double down on hard. Moving Your Bets with the Running Count in Single-Deck Blackjack – Additional Tips Just to give you an example, suppose you are sitting at the single-deck table with two more players – the dealer will reshuffle the deck after three rounds because 3 rounds plus 3 players equals 6. If five players are sitting at the table, the dealer will reshuffle the cards after a single round of play.

  1. Counting Cards Single Deck Blackjack
  2. Single Deck Blackjack Strategy Chart
  3. Single Deck Basic Strategy
  4. Blackjack Basic Strategy Single Deck
  5. Single Deck Blackjack Strategy
  6. Single Deck Blackjack Chart
Lyza Hayn

Table Of Contents

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

Counting Cards Single Deck Blackjack

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.

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.

Single Deck Blackjack Strategy Chart

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

Single deck blackjack strategy chart

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

Deck
  • 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.

Single Deck Basic Strategy

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.

Blackjack Basic Strategy Single Deck

Tips for the Table

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

Single Deck Blackjack Strategy

  • 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.

Single Deck Blackjack Chart

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

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