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Double Deck Blackjack: Rules and Strategy | LeoVegas

Double Deck Blackjack

Summary: Double Deck Blackjack is a variant of the classic casino card game that utilizes two decks of cards instead of the more common six to eight.Double deck blackjack usually offers a house edge of around .341% compared to a six deck game’s .55% house edge.

Table of Content:

What is Double Deck Blackjack?

Blackjack is a world favourite when it comes to casino action. Both its simplicity of play and complexity of strategy make it one of the most intriguing and variation rich games on any casino floor. Historically a one deck game, this classic casino card game now offers a myriad of options that include creative side bets, jackpots, and what we're focusing on today - the number of decks in play.

Technically speaking, there’s no limit to the number of decks a game can use. You’ll find single deck games all the way up to the most common six to eight deck plays. If you’re joining a double deck blackjack game, you can denote from its namesake that it’s played with two decks. All things considered equal, blackjack odds and house edge ultimately make using less decks more advantageous to the player. So, if you’re seeking out solid blackjack options, look for double deck games and read on!

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What is the difference between usual and double blackjack?

On any given casino floor, online at LeoVegas Live Casino or otherwise, you’ll find a number of blackjack options. The most common blackjack game usually uses six to eight decks. As we’ve established, double deck blackjack is a game using two.

Seeking out a double deck blackjack game is based on the math-backed opinion that fewer decks are more advantageous to the player. But, there’s more to the matter than simply the number of decks in play. Slight differences in the rules can either negate this advantage or ring it true!

On a tipster note, you’ll also want to look very closely at your particular double deck blackjack rules as they can vary. Here’s what you’ll ideally want to see:

  • Dealers must stand on soft 17.
  • Players can double down on any two cards.
  • Players can double down after splitting.
  • Players can resplit Aces.

Now, these are not guaranteed rules for every two deck blackjack game, but they will optimize your advantage. Here’s a few other rules you’re likely to see that are different from your usual game.

  • Doubling down on 9, 10 or 11.
  • Doubling down on blackjack.
  • Ability to split original hands once, no resplitting Aces.
  • No surrender but insurance is available (pays 2:1 should the dealer hit blackjack).
  • Blackjack pays 3-2 (not 6-5, but we’ll get into that later).

How to play double deck blackjack?

Blackjack, whether it’s six decks or two, is a game of 21. The end goal is always to get as close to or exactly 21 without going over (bust). When playing blackjack, the card deck holds the following values:

  • Ace can count as 1 or 11 (depending on what other cards are in your hand).
  • King, Queen and Jack hold a value of 10.
  • Cards 2 thru 10 hold their face value.

There are a few main key actions you’ll need to know like hitting (taking an additional card) and staying (holding with what you’ve got). If you’re completely new to the game or need a refresher, our LeoVegas Beginner’s Guide is here for you! Every basic strategy you’ll want and need to know before hitting the table of a single, double or eight deck blackjack is there.

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What are the odds and payouts in double deck blackjack?

One of the reasons blackjack soared in popularity is its favourable odds. Overall, blackjack has always offered fabulous casino odds but when you drop the decks down to two, you are dealing with a house edge of around .34%. And even at that low point, certain rules can drop the house edge right down to .25%.

When talking payouts in blackjack, it all comes down to blackjack itself. Try to seek out double deck blackjack tables where the payout remains 3-2. Many casinos will attempt to readjust the payout to 6-5, which negates a lot of the two deck advantage and actually zips the house edge upwards of 1.5%! So, while the 3-2 blackjack payout may seem elusive, it’s worth the hunt.

DecksHouse Edge
20.341%
40.499%
60.551%
80.577%

How does basic strategy work in double deck blackjack?

Basic strategy still applies in double deck blackjack as, at its core, it's the same game. These double deck strategy adjustments come into play only when certain rules are present. For the sake of this post we’ll assume our previously mentioned ‘optimal double deck blackjack rules’ are in play! And if that’s the case, adjust your black book guide with the following:

  • Double down with a hard 9 vs a dealer’s 2.
  • Double down with a hard 11 versus Ace.
  • Split your 6s vs dealer’s 7.
  • Split your 7s vs dealer’s 8.

If the dealer has to hit on a soft 17, then include these as well:

  • Double down on Ace + 8 vs dealer’s 6.
  • Double down on Ace + 3 vs dealer’s 4.
  • Double down on Ace + 7 vs dealer’s 2.

How does card counting work in double deck blackjack?

Blackjack is usually played with six or eight decks. So when it comes to card counting in a double deck blackjack game, the experience is quite different due to speed and the true count’s volatility. Swings are frequent and you’ll need both the bankroll to sustain them and the strategy know-how to take advantage of them!

Now, we’ve just brought up ‘true count’. If you need a refresher on card counting, true count is deduced using the equation below, or consult our Blackjack Card Counting Guide for specifics.

  • True count = running count / decks remainingWhether you’re playing a two deck or eight deck table, the premise is the same. When your count increases, it’s time to increase your bet and work the advantage. When it falls, it’s time to minimize risk and place smaller bets. We recommend adjusting to the double deck’s volatility by considering a lower betting spread of around 1-8 or 1-6.

Double Deck Blackjack Games

If you want to play double-deck blackjack, European Blackjack from Microgaming is an excellent choice. Play a single hand at a time on this 2-deck blackjack game where all the standard blackjack rules apply, take your seat and get as close to 21 as you can.

Double Deck Blackjack FAQ

Is double deck blackjack better?

If you’re a gambler, then yes, a double deck blackjack game is usually better than a six or eight deck game. As a rule of thumb, fewer decks are usually more advantageous for the player. That being said, certain rules must be present as well as a standard 3-2 blackjack payout in order for this statement to ring mathematically true!

Does double deck blackjack have better odds?

Let’s start with, then what? Single deck blackjack offers the very best odds and double deck blackjack is next in line! With only two decks, 104 cards in play, the odds are definitely in the player’s favour, even more so than blackjacks in the casinos that play with six or eight. Double deck blackjack games usually offer an RTP of 99.77%. Again, we say ‘usually’ as certain rules need to apply.

What is a double deck blackjack house edge?

If you’re looking to improve on blackjack’s already low house edge, then less decks are more favourable! The more decks in play at your blackjack table, the higher the house edge will be. Double deck blackjack usually offers a house edge of around .341% compared to a six deck game’s .55% house edge. Note, this is an ‘all things equal’ equation so differing house or specific game rules can and will slightly alter the house edge.

What are the odds of winning double deck blackjack?

The odds of winning in double deck blackjack are favorable to the player compared to games with more decks. The probability of winning in double deck blackjack is 4.578%.

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