Effective Double Deck Blackjack Strategy for Better Odds
You have just encountered a double-deck blackjack game at your favorite casino and are eager to put your skills to the test. What is the most optimal double-deck blackjack strategy, and how does it differ from the standard strategy?
What is Double Deck Blackjack?
The main difference between double-deck blackjack and standard games is that the former uses two decks while the latter typically uses six or eight.
Generally, two-deck blackjack is more favorable for players, as fewer decks equate to a lower house edge.
A single deck would be better still, but they are rare, and when you do find them, they often come with rule variations that negate the improved edge, such as reducing the standard 3:2 blackjack payout ($15 from a $10 bet) to a 6:5 payout ($12 from a $10 bet).
The payout on two-deck blackjack rarely changes, but other rule variations may tip the odds in the casino’s favor. You should check the rules before betting to learn what odds and options you face.
How Does Double Deck Blackjack Strategy Differ?
The double-deck blackjack chart isn’t that different from the ones you’ll see for six and eight-deck games. There are a few ways you should adjust your play, though.
Assuming the dealer stands on soft 17 (they take no more cards when they have a 17 in which an Ace acts as 11), you should make the following adjustments:
- Split a pair of 6s when the dealer has a 7
- Split a pair of 7s when the dealer has an 8
- Double if you have a hard 9 and the dealer shows a 2
- Double if you have a hard 11 and the dealer shows an Ace
In games where the dealer hits on soft 17 (they must draw another card if they reach 17 on a hand where the Ace counts as 11), there are a few extra considerations:
- Double on a soft 14 if the dealer has a 4
- Double on a soft 18 if the dealer has a 2
- Double on a soft 19 if the dealer has a 6
Games where the dealer hits on soft 17 have a higher house edge than ones where they stand. It’s counterintuitive, as you’d think there would be a high chance of the dealer busting, and there is, but they will still win more times than they bust.
You can learn more about this specific dealer rule in our piece on soft 17 vs hard 17 and our blackjack ace rules guide.
Double Deck Basic Strategy Tips
A 2 deck blackjack strategy is all about increasing your chances of winning. It considers your score and the dealer’s upcard and advocates for the option with the highest chance of winning.
It’s why, for instance, that a double deck blackjack strategy will recommend taking bigger risks when the dealer has a 10 or Ace, as most of the cards the dealer draws will beat you, and you’re more likely to improve with a hit than you are to win without one.
Some key elements of double deck blackjack strategy include:
Don’t Take Insurance
Insurance always sounds like a good bet. It protects you against a guaranteed losing hand and pays 2:1. What’s not to like?
The issue is that it will only land about 30% of the time, so if you take it every time, you will lose more than you win in the long term.
Some players need help with this concept because they have previously succeeded with insurance bets. It’s all about probability when it comes to basic blackjack strategy, and, in this case, probability suggests you need to leave insurance alone.
Limit Side Bets
Side bets are fun, and you can win a lot more in one of these wagers than you can with the main game. The house edge is much less favorable, though, so while it’s okay to take the odd side bet in games like 21+3 blackjack side bet, it’s not something you should do in every hand.
Always Split Aces and 8s
The Ace is the best card in blackjack—the more of them you draw, the stronger your position will be. If you have one, make it two, as it only takes a 10 card (and there are four in every suit) to turn those hands into 21.
As for the 8s, this strategy is more about avoiding the bad than achieving the good. Two 8s give you a 16, probably the worst score in the game. By splitting them, you’re giving yourself a good chance of scoring 17 or 18; if you end up with 15 or less, you can simply hit again.
Never Split 10s or 5s
Two 10s make 20, the second-highest score. Splitting them would give you a chance at two blackjacks, but as you need Aces and not 10s, your odds are much slimmer than with split Aces. Also, if that Ace doesn’t land, the best you can hope for is two 20s.
Why forfeit one 20 just for the slim chance of getting two?
A pair of 5s shouldn’t be split because 5 is a much worse starting hand than 10.
Summary: Using Double Deck Blackjack Strategy
Using a double-deck blackjack strategy will keep your odds high when playing this game, letting you take advantage of a house edge that should already be on the low side.
Remember, many elements remain the same, but a few variations exist between the two-deck blackjack strategy and the six- or eight-deck blackjack strategy. If you already have a firm grip on basic blackjack strategy, you only need to make a few slight adjustments before tackling this variation.
Blackjack Common Queries
Is double-deck blackjack better?
Assuming no negative rule changes, such as a low blackjack payout, the double-deck game should be more favorable for the player.
How to win 2-deck blackjack?
Use basic strategy, accounting for your score and the dealer’s upcard, to make a mathematically sound move that gives you the best chance of winning. Limit your use of side bets and avoid insurance—the payouts might be tempting, but the odds are not.
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