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How Many Decks of Cards Are Used In Blackjack?

Blackjack tends to be one of the most popular table games in UK casinos. Its appeal probably lies in the fact that the casino has fewer odds than you do, so naturally, more people may want to play it.

This table game can have a live dealer and uses decks of cards to determine your result. But have you wondered just how many decks of cards are used in Blackjack? In this article, we answer that question and more! 

How Many Cards Are Used In Blackjack? 

Blackjack is typically played with a standard deck of 52 playing cards. The card decks have four suits - hearts, diamonds, spades, and clubs, represented by 13 cards: the Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, and King.

The goal of a Blackjack game is to try and beat the dealer by having a hand value of 21 or as close to 21 as possible without going over, also known as going ‘bust’. Each card in the deck is worth a certain number of points, with face cards, the King, Queen, and Jack, worth 10 points each, and all other cards worth their face value. For example, an 8 of hearts is worth 8 points. However, Aces can be worth either 1 or 11. So, if you get an Ace and a 5, you would have either 6 or a soft 16.

How Many Decks Are Used In Blackjack?

In a traditional game of Blackjack played in a casino, anywhere from one to eight decks of cards can be used. However, the number of decks used can significantly impact the game, as it affects your chances of potentially winning. 

Generally, the more decks the dealer uses, the lower your chances of winning. That is because there are fewer high-value cards (10s and face cards) in each deck, and having more decks in play means that there are more low-value cards remaining in the shoe (the device that holds the decks). 

For example, a single-deck Blackjack game has a higher percentage of high-value cards remaining in the shoe than a game using six decks. 

That can potentially give you a higher chance of getting a natural Blackjack value of 21 (an Ace and a 10-value card on the first two cards dealt), or improve your chances of getting a good hand and potentially beating the dealer. 

On the other hand, using more decks can make it more difficult for card counters to attempt to predict what cards will be dealt next. Card counters are players who track the ratio of high to low-value cards in the shoe to try and predict the likelihood of receiving a natural 21.

Using multiple card decks in Blackjack can be seen as an advantage for the casino, as it can make it harder for players to gain an edge over the house. Please note that card counting can be seen as a form of cheating, which is illegal, so do not attempt it.

How Many Decks of Cards Are Used In Online Blackjack?

In online Blackjack, the number of decks used is the same as the ones used in traditional land-based casino tables to emulate the experience genuinely. The only difference is that you are more likely not to see other cards at the table, and instead of a live dealer, the cards could shuffle automatically with the help of a Random Number Generator (RNG). But some Blackjack games are offered live online with a dealer and all.

Some online Blackjack games use a single deck, while others use multiple decks. Additionally, it's important to check the rules and possible payouts for each specific game before playing, as this may affect your strategy and chances of winning. 

Overall, the number of decks used in Blackjack can have a significant impact on the game. So whether you're playing in a traditional land-based or online casino, it can be helpful to understand the rules for your specific game.

How Many Decks Are Used In Live Dealer Online Blackjack?

Unlike most games used in online casinos, Blackjack has the potential to be one of the most interactive and strategic. Live online dealer Blackjack is designed to imitate live casino Blackjack, giving you almost the same feeling you would get from land-based casino Blackjack.

As a result, the number of decks used is the same. In live dealer online Blackjack, it is common to use six or eight decks, although it is possible to find games with fewer decks. As the name suggests, a live dealer Blackjack uses a live dealer, while the others have automatic card shuffles with no dealer.

Does The Number of Decks In Blackjack Matter? 

The number of decks used in a game of Blackjack can affect your odds of potentially winning. Generally, the more decks used, the lower your chances of winning. That is because with each additional deck, the probability of the dealer drawing a high card increases, making it more likely that the dealer can have a stronger hand. 

However, the impact of the number of decks on the player's odds can be relatively small. For example, the house edge (the advantage that the casino has over the player) for a game with eight decks is about 0.48%, while the house edge for a game with a single deck is about 0.17%. 

It is worth noting that the house edge for Blackjack is generally lower when compared to other casino games, such as slot machines or roulette. 

How Can You Tell How Many Decks Are Being Used? 

If you are playing Blackjack in a land-based casino, it can usually be easy to determine how many decks are being used by simply looking at the shoe (the device that holds the decks), or asking the dealer. 

The number of decks used in online Blackjack is usually listed in the game rules or on the casino's website. 

In conclusion, casino and live dealer online Blackjack games typically use six or eight decks of cards. Additionally, there is a slight chance that the number of decks used can affect your odds of winning, but it is relatively small.

Therefore, you should try to know how many decks are being used in your Blackjack game, as it has the potential to affect your odds and the strategies you may choose to use. 

By understanding the number of decks and the impact it can have on the game, you can make more informed decisions and potentially increase your chances of winning.

*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time.