Is single-deck blackjack better?
Fewer decks sounds better, and in a vacuum it is - a single deck gives the player a small edge boost. But casinos know this too, which is why single-deck tables often come with a hidden catch that can make them worse than a six-deck game.
Why fewer decks helps
With one deck you get more blackjacks and your card removal has a bigger effect, shaving roughly 0.5% off the house edge versus a six-deck shoe. It also makes any card counting more powerful, which is exactly why casinos watch these tables closely.
The 6-to-5 catch
Here is the trap: a huge share of single-deck games pay only 6 to 5 on blackjack instead of 3 to 2. That change adds about 1.4% to the edge - triple what the single deck saved. A 3-to-2 six-deck game beats a 6-to-5 single-deck game every time.
Play it the right way
A true 3-to-2 Single-Deck Blackjack game is one of the best deals around. Our free version pays the fair 3 to 2, so you get the genuine single-deck advantage without the casino catch. Compare it with our other variants on the games page.
Related questions
How many decks are used in blackjack?
It varies by table. Blackjack can be played with one deck, two decks, or - most commonly in casinos - six or eight decks dealt from a box called a shoe. More decks slightly increase the house edge and make card counting harder, but the basic rules and strategy stay almost the same.
What does a blackjack pay?
A natural blackjack traditionally pays 3 to 2, meaning a 10-chip bet wins 15. Some tables pay only 6 to 5, so the same bet wins just 12 - a much worse deal that quietly raises the house edge. A regular winning hand pays even money (1 to 1), and a push returns your original bet.
What is the house edge in blackjack?
The house edge is the small built-in advantage the casino holds over time. In a good blackjack game played with correct basic strategy, it is only about 0.5% - one of the best odds in any casino. Poor rules like 6-to-5 blackjacks, and common player mistakes, can push the real edge to 2% or more.