A standard blackjack game typically uses six to eight 52-card decks, significantly complicating strategies like card counting. The casino’s edge over the player shrinks as the number of card decks decreases, reaching its lowest with a single deck. To find a balance between the extremes, the double deck blackjack was introduced.
What is double deck blackjack about? Today’s American casino guide discusses how to play the game, its rules, and winning strategies.
Double Deck Blackjack Offers Better Odds
Double deck blackjack is a variant that is played with just two card decks, offering better odds and more favorable conditions for skilled play and card counting. Its objective is the same as every blackjack variant: beat the dealer by reaching exactly 21 or getting closer without busting (exceeding 21). Check out our single deck blackjack guide.
Double deck blackjack rules vary slightly from others because it uses 104 total cards (two standard 52-card decks). The casino shuffles these cards together and often deals about 50% of them using a dealing shoe before reshuffling. The house edge in blackjack using a double deck is about 0.5 to 2%.
Below are the key rules to be aware of:
Player Rules
Players have the choice to hit (take another card) or stand (refuse to take another card). You can also double down (bet twice your initial wager for one additional card).
You may split (turn a card pair into two different hands, each with a bet that matches the initial wager), but you can not re-split a pair of Aces. Re-splitting refers to splitting a new card pair after splitting an initial pair.
Some casinos also permit doubling after split (DAS). Players often use a double deck blackjack chart, which contains the optimal move for each game scenario. It is similar to the blackjack cheat sheet chart for new players.
Dealer Rules
In double deck blackjack, the dealer must always hit on hands equal to or less than 16 (soft or hard). Generally, the dealer stands on 17 – whether soft (containing an Ace valued as 11 or 1, e.g., A-6, A-10-5) or hard (containing no Ace or an Ace valued only as 1, e.g., 8-9, A-10-6).
Soft 17: Most casinos require the dealer to hit on a soft 17. With an effective double deck blackjack strategy, you can gain an edge.
Payouts
Natural blackjack (a hand of Ace and a 10-value card totaling exactly 21) pays out 3 to 2, providing players with favorable conditions. Other winning hands offer even-money payouts (1:1).
Best Strategy for Double Deck Blackjack
Here are some strategy tips to help you start beating the dealer in double deck blackjack.
Basic Strategy Chart
Making optimal decisions is the best strategy that can improve your game. You can find these optimal moves on the double deck blackjack basic strategy chart.
Card Counting
Card counting in blackjack, which involves keeping track of dealt cards, is a proven two deck blackjack strategy that can give you a long-term edge over the casino. The popular Hi-Lo count system is effective for card counting. Assign +1 to cards 2–6, 0 to cards 7–9, and -1 to cards 10–Ace, adjusting your bets based on the running count.
Deeper Deck Penetration
Select double-deck games where more than 60% of the cards are dealt before reshuffling (deeper penetration). It makes card counting easier because fewer cards remain in the shoe to track.
Select Your Game Wisely
Only choose games with player-friendly rules. Some games have side bets. Learn more about blackjack side bets here.
Adjusting to Rule Variation
Always tailor your action to the table rules – dealer hits or stands on soft 17. Here are the adjustments to make for bigger potential payouts:
- In games that require the dealer to hit on soft 17, double down aggressively on soft 16, 17, or 18 against the dealer’s 4, 5, or 6.
- In games that require the dealer to stand on soft 17, double down aggressively on soft hands like a 16 (Ace-5) or 17 (Ace-6) against the dealer’s 3, 4, 5, or 6.
What Sets The Double Deck Blackjack Game Apart
Fewer decks in double deck blackjack mean fewer unfavorable hands for players and a lower house edge compared to variants with more decks. You have fewer cards to count and have more skilled control over your game. By mastering the rules and strategy, you’ll be just a deal away from beating the house.
FAQs
What is double deck blackjack?
Double deck blackjack is a blackjack variant that uses two decks and has a lower house edge and more strategic depth than multi-deck games.
Is double deck blackjack better?
Double deck blackjack can be better due to its better odds for card counting and reduced house edge than multi-deck blackjack.
How to count double deck blackjack?
To count double deck blackjack, use the Hi-Lo system to assign values to the cards and adjust your bets to the running count.