Single Deck Blackjack offers a unique advantage with just one deck of cards, enhancing your winning odds. In this article, HunnyPlay guides you through mastering this game, providing strategies to maximize your success both online and in person.
What is Single Deck Blackjack?
Let’s start with some fundamentals. Single Deck Blackjack offers the lowest house edge of all Blackjack variants. This low house edge gives players significant advantages over the classic multi-deck game.
In Single Deck Blackjack, only one deck of cards is used. The dealer will hit on a soft 17. Players can split up to three hands but cannot surrender any cards. When splitting Aces, each Ace receives only one additional card.
Before you jump into a game, it’s crucial to understand key strategic points. There are notable differences between playing Single Deck Blackjack and standard multi-deck versions.
Familiarizing yourself with these differences and mastering the rules will enhance your gameplay and increase your chances of winning.
The development of Single Deck Blackjack
Single Deck Blackjack has its roots in the early 17th century European card game “21,” which gained popularity in French casinos as “Vingt-et-Un.”
It was introduced to American casinos in the early 20th century, where it quickly became a favorite due to its straightforward gameplay and lower house edge.
Originally played with a single deck, it allowed players to easily count cards and strategize.
The 1960s saw a surge in its popularity with the publication of Edward O. Thorp‘s “Beat the Dealer”, which highlighted card counting techniques.
Although multiple deck versions emerged to increase the house edge, Single Deck Blackjack remains popular among enthusiasts.
Today, online casinos like HunnyPlay offer this game, combining traditional gameplay with modern conveniences and cryptocurrency transactions.
Single Deck Blackjack offers the lowest House Edge of all Blackjack variants. (Source: Internet)
The difference between Double- and Single Deck Blackjack
The main difference between single-deck and double-deck Blackjack lies in the number of decks used. Single Deck Blackjack is played with one deck of 52 cards, while double-deck Blackjack uses two decks, totaling 104 cards.
Though this distinction seems small, it leads to several key differences in gameplay and strategy.
Card-counting difficulty
Card counting is easier in Single Deck Blackjack due to fewer cards to track. Players can more accurately predict the remaining cards, enhancing their strategic decisions.
However, frequent shuffling in single-deck games can disrupt this strategy. In contrast, double-deck Blackjack complicates card counting with more cards in play, requiring advanced techniques to track the deck composition.
House Edge
The house edge is influenced by the number of decks used. Generally, fewer decks mean a lower house edge. Therefore, Single Deck Blackjack often has a slightly lower house edge compared to double-deck Blackjack, assuming similar rules.
This lower house edge gives players a better chance of winning.
Shuffling frequency
In Single-deck Blackjack, shuffling happens more often due to fewer cards. This frequent shuffling can interfere with card-counting strategies.
Double-deck games have less frequent shuffling, allowing more continuous play before the deck is reshuffled.
Gameplay variations
Rules and strategies can vary between single and double-deck games. For instance, the dealer might hit or stand on a soft 17 differently, which can affect the house edge and player strategy.
Additionally, players may encounter different splitting and doubling-down options.
Betting strategies
Double-deck Blackjack, with more cards in play, experiences less abrupt fluctuations in odds compared to Single Deck Blackjack odds and so on. This can affect betting strategies, as the probabilities of certain outcomes change more gradually. Players in double-deck games might find it easier to implement progressive betting systems.
There are certain differences between Double Deck- and Single Deck Blackjack (Source: Internet)
Payout differences
To maintain their house edge, some casinos offer a 6:5 payout for Blackjack in single-deck games instead of the standard 3:2.
This adjustment impacts the overall payout and can make single-deck Blackjack less favorable despite the lower house edge. Double-deck games more commonly retain the traditional 3:2 payout, offering better returns for Blackjack hands.
Rules and gameplay of Single Deck Blackjack
The basic concept and objective in Single-Deck Blackjack remain consistent: aim to reach 21 points or as close as possible without exceeding it.
First, you place your bet. The dealer will then deal the hands, giving you two face-up cards and themselves one face-up and one face-down card.
Next, you analyze your cards and the dealer’s upcard to decide whether to hit, stand, split, or double down.
Both land-based and online casinos have specific rules for Single-Deck Blackjack that differ from multi-deck versions. These rules typically include:
- Whether the dealer hits or stands on a soft 17.
- Whether players can double down after a split.
- If and when players are allowed to surrender.
Usually, dealers hit on a soft 17, players are prohibited from doubling down after a split, and surrendering is not allowed, as these rules increase the house edge.
However, these and other specific rules can vary depending on the online casino you choose. Understanding these variations is crucial to developing a successful strategy in Single Deck Blackjack.
Blackjack variations all have one basic goal: Get 21 points or as close as possible. (Source: Internet)
Single Deck Blackjack Strategy
The optimal plays for Single Deck Blackjack
Assuming the dealer hits on a soft 17, doubling down after a split is not permitted, and surrender is not an option, you can follow these guidelines:
Hard Hands Table
| Card | The play |
| 5-7 | Always request another card |
| 8 | Double down if the dealer displays 5 or 6, otherwise request another card |
| 9 | Double down if the dealer displays 2-6, otherwise request another card |
| 10 | Double down if the dealer displays 2-9, otherwise request another card |
| 11 | Always double down |
| 12 | Stay if the dealer shows 4-6, otherwise request another card |
| 13 | Stay if the dealer shows 2-6, otherwise request another card |
| 14 | Stay if the dealer displays 2-6, otherwise request another card |
| 15 | Stay if the dealer displays 2-6, request another card on 7-Ace |
| 16 | Stay if the dealer displays 2-6, request another card on 7-Ace |
| 17-21 | Always stay |
Soft Hands Table
| Card | The play |
| A-2 | Double down if the dealer displays 4-6, otherwise request another card |
| A-3 | Double down if the dealer displays 4-6, otherwise request another card |
| A-4 | Double down if the dealer displays 4-6, otherwise request another card |
| A-5 | Double down if the dealer displays 4-6, otherwise request another card |
| A-6 | Double down if the dealer displays 2-6, otherwise request another card |
| A-7 | Double down if the dealer displays 3-6, stay on 2, 7, & 8, request another card on 9, 10 & Ace |
| A-8 | Double down if the dealer displays 6, otherwise stay |
| A-9 | Always stay |
| A-10 | Always stay |
Pairs Table
| Card | The play |
| 2-2 | Divide if the dealer displays 3-7, otherwise request another card |
| 3-3 | Divide if the dealer displays 4-7, otherwise request another card |
| 4-4 | Divide if the dealer displays 4-6, otherwise request another card |
| 5-5 | Double down if the dealer displays 2-9, request another card on 10 & Ace |
| 6-6 | Divide if the dealer displays 2-7, otherwise request another card |
| 7-7 | Divide if the dealer displays 2-7, stay on 10, request another card on 8, 9 & Ace |
| 8-8 | Always divide |
| 9-9 | Divide if the dealer displays 2-6 and 8-9, otherwise stay |
| 10-10 | Always stay |
| Ace-Ace | Always divide |
Remember, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy for every game. Not only will your plays vary based on the dealer’s upcard, but your Blackjack Single-Deck strategy will also depend on the specific house rules.
Card Counting: A strategic advantage in Single Deck Blackjack
Card counting can be a game-changer in Single Deck Blackjack, giving you a significant edge. This strategy involves tracking high and low cards that have been dealt to predict the remaining cards. Here’s a simple way to implement card counting:
- Assign values: High cards (10s and Aces) are -1, low cards (2-6) are +1, and middle cards (7-9) are 0.
- Keep a running count: As cards are dealt, add or subtract their values to maintain a running count. This helps determine the proportion of high to low cards left in the deck.
- Adjust your bets: When the count is high, meaning many high cards remain, increase your bets. Conversely, when the count is low, reduce your bets to minimize losses.
Card counting is not illegal, but casinos discourage it. If suspected of card counting, you may be asked to leave. This technique requires practice and discipline, but mastering it can enhance your single-deck Blackjack strategy and improve your chances of winning.
The card counting technique is discouraged by casinos. (Source: Internet)
Tips for making the most of Single Deck Blackjack
Here are some essential tips to enhance your Single Deck Blackjack game:
- Learn basic strategy: Follow a set of guidelines on when to hit, stand, split, or double down based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard. Adhere to this strategy strictly to maximize your chances.
- Avoid insurance bets: Insurance bets usually aren’t worth it, as they increase the house’s edge, making them a poor choice in the long run.
- Watch the payouts: Ensure you’re playing at a table that offers 3:2 payouts for Blackjack, rather than the less favorable 6:5 payouts. This significantly impacts your potential winnings.
- Stay disciplined: Maintain control over your emotions and avoid chasing losses. Discipline is key to a successful Blackjack strategy.
- Understand deck penetration: Deck penetration refers to the percentage of cards dealt before reshuffling. Higher deck penetration (more cards dealt) benefits card counters by providing a more accurate gauge of the remaining cards.
- Refine card counting techniques: Practice card counting diligently. Start at home with a single deck of cards and stick to simpler counting systems like the Hi-Lo system, which is both effective and straightforward for single-deck games.
- Mind your bankroll: Set your betting limits before you start playing and stick to them. Only bet a small percentage of your bankroll on each hand to minimize the risk of significant losses.
- Emotional control: Maintain a steady emotional state, regardless of wins or losses. Emotional control helps you make better decisions. If you feel frustrated or angry, take a break to avoid making poor decisions.
- Practice online and offline: Use online simulators to practice single-deck Blackjack. Many websites offer free games. Additionally, practice with friends or alone to master both basic strategy and card counting.
Where to play Single Deck Blackjack online?
When it comes to playing Single Deck Blackjack online, HunnyPlay stands out as the top choice for enthusiasts.
Established in 2021, HunnyPlay offers a unique, cryptocurrency-based platform that emphasizes privacy with no Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures required. This allows players to enjoy anonymous gambling.
HunnyPlay is licensed in Curacao and features games from top software providers like NetEnt, Playtech, Play’n GO, and Evolution, ensuring high-quality gameplay.
With over 1,000 games available, including a variety of slots and table games, HunnyPlay provides a comprehensive gaming experience.
One of the major attractions of HunnyPlay is its generous welcome offer, which includes a match bonus of up to 180% on the first deposit. This bonus comes with a fair 35x wagering requirement, making it accessible for most players.
In addition to a vast game selection and attractive bonuses, HunnyPlay offers staking rewards of up to 65% APR by locking crypto balances on the platform. Daily payouts in cryptocurrencies like BUSD, BNB, and CAKE add to the appeal.
HunnyPlay supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies across various blockchain networks, including Binance Smart Chain, Avalanche, and Ethereum, making it convenient for crypto enthusiasts.
For a top-notch Single Deck Blackjack experience, HunnyPlay is the best online casino choice.
Single Deck Blackjack FAQs
Q: Is Single Deck Blackjack better?
A: Yes, Single Deck Blackjack typically has a lower house edge, often around 0.5%, making it highly favorable for players.
Q: What are the odds of winning a Single Deck Blackjack game?
A: With a single deck of 52 cards, the odds of being dealt a Blackjack (21) are 4.83%, meaning you can expect to hit Blackjack approximately 1 in every 20 hands.
Q: How do you deal with Single Deck Blackjack?
A: If you have one player at your table, deal them 5 hands before shuffling. For two players, deal 4 hands each. For three players, deal 3 hands each before shuffling.
Q: How often do you shuffle in Single Deck Blackjack?
A: As a dealer, shuffle in the following situations: when a new customer approaches your table, when the cut card appears during dealing, when a new dealer takes over, when a new deck is put into play, upon the Floor’s request, and after all players leave the table.
Conclusion
Single Deck Blackjack offers a unique advantage with a lower house edge and simpler card counting opportunities, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts. Understanding the rules, strategies, and differences from multi-deck variations can significantly improve your gameplay.
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