Description
One deck can improve the odds compared with a game using six or eight decks when the other rules are the same. Here, the dealer hits soft 17, you cannot double after splitting, and you can split into a maximum of three hands. Those rules affect the overall odds too.
You can double down on any first two cards. That gives you more options than our European Blackjack game, which limits doubling to hard 9, 10 or 11. The dealer also receives a hole card at the start of the round, rather than waiting until you have finished playing your hand.
With correct basic strategy, single-deck blackjack under similar rules is commonly cited as having a house edge around 0.15%, although the exact figure varies with the precise rules in play. That makes single-deck blackjack one of the lower-house-edge blackjack variants when played accurately.
Instructions
Bet between $5 and $2,000. Blackjack pays 3:2, while other wins pay 1:1. A tie pushes, including when both you and the dealer have blackjack.
The dealer receives a hole card and checks for blackjack. The dealer hits soft 17 and stands on hard 17 or higher.
You can double on your first two cards, but not after splitting. Doubling gives you exactly one more card. If your balance cannot cover the full additional wager, Double uses your remaining balance.
You can split pairs of the same rank to play up to three hands. Split Aces receive one card each and cannot be split again.
Surrender is not available.
When the dealer shows an Ace, you can take insurance for half your wager. Insurance pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack. If you have blackjack, you are offered even money at 1:1 instead.
In Practice mode, the hint shows the play with the best average result for the cards currently on the table and this game’s rules. It accounts for the single deck, the dealer hitting soft 17, doubling only on an initial two card hand and the restrictions on split Aces.
Strategy and Tips
Use a single-deck strategy chart
A chart designed for six or eight decks may give different advice on close decisions. Use one that matches this game’s rules, including the dealer hitting soft 17 and no doubling after a split.
Remember that the dealer hits soft 17
The dealer takes another card on soft 17. This can change the best play on some hands, so check that your strategy chart uses the H17 rule.
Make use of flexible doubling
You can double down on any initial two-card hand. Consider it when your hand has a strong chance of improving against the dealer’s visible card.
Plan before splitting
You cannot double on a hand created by a split, and you can have no more than three hands in play. Each split Ace receives one additional card, and Aces cannot be resplit.
Check the blackjack payout
A natural blackjack pays 3:2 in this game. That payout matters when comparing it with a 6:5 single-deck table, even though both use one deck.
Frequently asked questions
Does this game pay 6:5 or 3:2 on blackjack?
Blackjack pays 3:2. A $10 blackjack wins $15, rather than $12 at 6:5. The site’s 6:5 Single Deck Blackjack is a separate game.
Why does the dealer hit on soft 17 here but not on your other tables?
This game uses the H17 rule: the dealer takes another card on a soft 17, such as an Ace and a 6. Our Vegas Strip, Atlantic City and European Blackjack games use S17, so the dealer stands. H17 slightly favours the house.
Can I double down after splitting a pair?
No. You can double on any initial two-card hand, but you cannot double on a hand created by a split.
How many times can I split my hand?
You can resplit pairs until you have a maximum of three hands. Split Aces receive one additional card each and cannot be resplit.
Is surrender available?
No. Surrender is not available in this game. Depending on your hand, you can hit, stand, double or split.
Why does Single Deck Blackjack reshuffle so often?
This game reshuffles after roughly half the deck has been dealt. With only 52 cards, that point arrives much sooner than it would in a game using several decks. Frequent reshuffling also limits how much information players can gain by tracking the cards already dealt.