Basic strategy for double deck blackjack is slightly different to the single deck version. Again mathematics plays its part in changing the way the game is played. Below you will see the value of the dealers hand noted across the top and the player's hand going horizontally on the left. With each different version we have also recapped some of the rules just in case you haven't been over other sections on our website covering the rules that dictate when the dealer must hit or stand.
- Double Deck Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart
- Double Deck Blackjack Basic Strategy For Beginners
- Double Deck Blackjack Basic Strategy
Learn how to read a blackjack strategy chart and find examples of a 2 deck black jack strategy charts to use while playing online blackjack games. Appendix 3c:Composition dependent exceptions to single deck basic strategy where the dealer hits a soft 17. Appendix 4:Details on the standard deviation in blackjack. Appendix 5:Infinite deck expected return according to player hand and dealer up card. Basic strategy is just the rocket booster. It gets the shuttle high enough in the atmosphere for the shuttle to do the rest of the work. The rocket booster never makes it to space. You'll need counting, deviations, true count conversions and betting strategy to actually beat the game of blackjack but that's for later. Vegas, single & double deck blackjack Supports Bitcoin transactions PC, Mac and mobile play; Bonus. 150% up to $ 1,000. Play Read Review. Blackjack Basic Strategy.
Basic Strategy: 2 Decks and Dealer Must Stand on a Soft 17
Table of ContentsWhen the dealer has a soft 17, it basically means he/she has an Ace and a 6 card making 17. That basically means the dealer has to stand. In fact, in this style of Blackjack any hand 17 or above the dealer must stand.
Double Deck Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart
- Split-D or Hit means to double after splitting if allowed or if you cannot split, then hit
- Double or stand means to double if you are permitted to do so, otherwise just stand
- Double or hit means double if you are allowed, otherwise hit
Basic Strategy: 2 Decks and Dealer Must Stand on a Soft 17
If the dealer has an A-6 card, then this is a soft 17. On some tables the dealer is forced to hit only when the hand is soft 17; while, any other hand worth 17, the dealer will stand.
- A card between 2 and 4 will be favourable to the dealer as the score will be quite high
- For example, if the dealer is holding an A-6 and draws a 2, 3 or 4, then the Ace counts as an 11 giving scores of (A-6-2) = 19, (A-6-3) = 20 or (A-6-4) = 21
- If the dealer draws another Ace card, then this would be (A-5-A) = 18 because the final Ace drawn would count as 1
- Any other 17 hand dealt to the dealer will be a hard 17 and the dealer will stand; for example, 10-7, J-7, Q-7, K-7
- Any other hand dealt to the dealer that is valued at 17 or above will be will mean the dealer will stand
- Split-D or Hit means to double after splitting if allowed or if you cannot split, then hit
- Surrender or Split/D means to surrender if the table rules allow you to surrender, and if not, then you should split and then double after the split if the double is allowed
- Double or stand means to double if you are permitted to do so, otherwise just stand
- Double or hit means double if you are allowed, otherwise hit
Double Deck Blackjack Basic Strategy For Beginners
Other rules to take note of when playing basic strategy
As you can see above, with the 2 different types of tables other rules apply that slightly affect your next action on the Blackjack table. For example, you may have a table where the dealer must stand on a soft 17, and the table allows players to double. You could similarly have a table that also states that the dealer must stand on a soft 17, but on this table you are not permitted to double. Then again another table may force the dealer to hit on soft 17, and allow doubles. It entirely depends on the casino you play.
Here some basic strategy tips to go with the above strategy guidelines:
- Always avoid taking insurance as this bet is heavily weighted in favour of the house
- If you cannot see a row for splitting; such as, 5s and 10s, you should count your hand as a hard total 10 or 20 and act accordingly
- When there are limits on splits, and this stops you from re-splitting, then you should count your hand's total as a hard total and use the tables above to determine your next action
Final Word on Double Deck Blackjack
Basic strategy may seem complicated, but honestly all it is a case of is learning a set of tables and sticking to the suggested move. This way you will lose as little as possible; while, you will win as often as possible. Obviously learning these tables correctly and efficiently takes time and practise – but with experience, you will soon master each basic strategy table and be able to play a variety of Blackjack games according to mathematically proven optimal strategies.
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ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BLACKJACK
Double Deck Blackjack Basic Strategy
WHAT IS THE CORRECT BLACKJACK BASIC STRATEGY?
There is only one correct basic strategy for this game given a set of established rules. However, since all casinos don't offer the same rules the strategy can be slightly different from game to game. The number of decks used also affects the strategy slightly. A player should always play his hand using the applicable basic strategy chart unless he is card counting or has additional knowledge of the situation. Card counters often refer to basic strategy as the playing strategy for a neutral deck. As the count rises and falls the optimum playing strategy will also change. Check out our FAQfile for more important questions like this about blackjack.
MULTI-DECK | BASIC STRATEGY |
SINGLE DECK | DOUBLE DECK |
LATE SURRENDER | EARLY SURRENDER |
EXPOSED HOLE CARD | NO HOLE CARD |
BASIC STRATEGY HISTORY
The first scientific and mathematically sound attempts to devise a basic strategy were published by Roger Baldwin, et al in 1953. In 1962, Edward Thorp published his findings of an optimal blackjack strategy using a high-speed digital computer. Julian Braun continued this work and published what most players know today as the correct basic strategy of the game. Further refinements for single and double deck were made by Peter Griffin who published what is considered, by most professional players today, as the exact basic strategy of the game.
Although the majority of the playing strategies shown have been known for many years you may find differences of opinion on some of the finer points of play. Don't labor over these fine points! Instead, you might even consider misplaying some of them to camouflage your play as a card counter.
For many years, Stanford Wong's Basic Blackjack were the player's best resources for the 'correct' basic strategy for any number of decks and rules. These charts are organized by rule and rule variation. Players are advised to check the particular casino or casino area rules to determine which chart and possibly which portions of the charts are applicable.
Although casino rules can change overnight, players were often (prior to 2000) advised to compare rules with those of the Las Vegas Strip casinos. On the Strip you were often able to find games where you can double down on any two cards and in which the dealer stood of soft 17. In Downtown Las Vegas most casinos would have their dealers hit soft 17. In Reno, dealers generally hit soft 17 and you were usually allowed to double only on 10 or 11. Many of the larger casinos allowed doubling after splitting and some even offered late surrender. Be sure you understand all the rules and options available to you before you step inside a casino. In recent years, many casinos are now forcing 6:5 blackjack rules on the public. This is a terrible rule for the player as it adds about 1.39% more to the casino edge against you.
ORDER YOUR BASIC STRATEGY CARDS NOW!
INSURANCE, SIDE BETS AND BLACKJACK VARIATIONS
The basic strategy for the insurance decision is to never take insurance unless you are counting cards and know when to take this side bet. If you find a casino that offers a side bet(e.g., Royal Match, Over/Under 13, etc) you should not play any of these bets at any time — unless you have mastered a specific optimized count to overcome their usual high house edge . The basic strategy for Multiple-Action blackjack (and similar games) is the same as regular blackjack.
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- Best Blackjack Casinos
- How To Play BlackJack
- Blackjack Rules
- Card Counting
- Blackjack Variants
- Single Deck Strategy
- Double Deck Basic Strategy
Find Your Perfect Casino For:
- Slots Casinos
- BlackJack Casinos
- Roulette Casinos
- Mobile Casinos
- Live Dealers
Responsibly Gambling
- Responsibly Gambling
- Beginners Guide to Online Casinos
Current Live Jackpots
- Live Jackpots
Casino Game Guides
- How To Play BlackJack
- How To Play Craps
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- How To Play Slots
Our Casino Reviews
- Vegas Paradise
- Jackpot Paradise
- Betway
- PartyCasino
- Golden Tiger
Live Casino Suppliers
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- Ezugi
- NetEnt Live
- PlayTech
- Pragmatic Play
Sitemap
- Sitemap
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BLACKJACK
Double Deck Blackjack Basic Strategy
WHAT IS THE CORRECT BLACKJACK BASIC STRATEGY?
There is only one correct basic strategy for this game given a set of established rules. However, since all casinos don't offer the same rules the strategy can be slightly different from game to game. The number of decks used also affects the strategy slightly. A player should always play his hand using the applicable basic strategy chart unless he is card counting or has additional knowledge of the situation. Card counters often refer to basic strategy as the playing strategy for a neutral deck. As the count rises and falls the optimum playing strategy will also change. Check out our FAQfile for more important questions like this about blackjack.
MULTI-DECK | BASIC STRATEGY |
SINGLE DECK | DOUBLE DECK |
LATE SURRENDER | EARLY SURRENDER |
EXPOSED HOLE CARD | NO HOLE CARD |
BASIC STRATEGY HISTORY
The first scientific and mathematically sound attempts to devise a basic strategy were published by Roger Baldwin, et al in 1953. In 1962, Edward Thorp published his findings of an optimal blackjack strategy using a high-speed digital computer. Julian Braun continued this work and published what most players know today as the correct basic strategy of the game. Further refinements for single and double deck were made by Peter Griffin who published what is considered, by most professional players today, as the exact basic strategy of the game.
Although the majority of the playing strategies shown have been known for many years you may find differences of opinion on some of the finer points of play. Don't labor over these fine points! Instead, you might even consider misplaying some of them to camouflage your play as a card counter.
For many years, Stanford Wong's Basic Blackjack were the player's best resources for the 'correct' basic strategy for any number of decks and rules. These charts are organized by rule and rule variation. Players are advised to check the particular casino or casino area rules to determine which chart and possibly which portions of the charts are applicable.
Although casino rules can change overnight, players were often (prior to 2000) advised to compare rules with those of the Las Vegas Strip casinos. On the Strip you were often able to find games where you can double down on any two cards and in which the dealer stood of soft 17. In Downtown Las Vegas most casinos would have their dealers hit soft 17. In Reno, dealers generally hit soft 17 and you were usually allowed to double only on 10 or 11. Many of the larger casinos allowed doubling after splitting and some even offered late surrender. Be sure you understand all the rules and options available to you before you step inside a casino. In recent years, many casinos are now forcing 6:5 blackjack rules on the public. This is a terrible rule for the player as it adds about 1.39% more to the casino edge against you.
ORDER YOUR BASIC STRATEGY CARDS NOW!
INSURANCE, SIDE BETS AND BLACKJACK VARIATIONS
The basic strategy for the insurance decision is to never take insurance unless you are counting cards and know when to take this side bet. If you find a casino that offers a side bet(e.g., Royal Match, Over/Under 13, etc) you should not play any of these bets at any time — unless you have mastered a specific optimized count to overcome their usual high house edge . The basic strategy for Multiple-Action blackjack (and similar games) is the same as regular blackjack.
READING THE BASIC STRATEGY CHART(S)
- Dealer's up-card is shown along the top of the chart.
- Player's hand is shown vertically on the left side of the chart.
- Always hit hands less than 9 unless otherwise indicated.
- Always stand on A,9 or higher. Always treat 5,5 as a 10.
- If soft doubling is not allowed stand on A,7 Vs 2 – 8.
CORRECT BASIC STRATEGY (GENERIC)
This is a generic multi-deck strategy where the dealer stands on soft-17 and double after splits is allowed. Refer to the full charts on this page for all rule variations and fine points for single, double and multi-deck games. When trying to make a decision, first decide if surrendering is an option, then whether to split or double and finally whether you should hit or stand.
SURRENDER
Surrender hard 16 (but not 88 pair) vs dealer 9, 10 or Ace.
Surrender hard 15 vs dealer 10.
SPLIT
Always split Aces and 8s.
Never split 10s and 5s.
Split 2s and 3s vs dealer 4-7.
Split 4s vs dealer 5-6.
Split 6s vs dealer 2-6.
Split 7s vs dealer 2-7.
Split 9s vs dealer 2-6 and 8-9.
DOUBLE DOWN
Double hard 9 vs dealer 3-6.
Double hard 10 vs dealer 2-9.
Double hard 11 vs dealer 2-10.
Double soft 13 or 14 vs dealer 5-6.
Double soft 15 or 16 vs dealer 4-6.
Double soft 17 or 18 vs dealer 3-6.
HIT OR STAND
Stand on hard 12 vs dealer 4-6.
Stand on hard 13-16 vs dealer 2-6.
Stand on hard 17 or more.
Stand on soft 19 (A8) or more.
Hit hard 11 or less.
Hit soft 17 (A6) or less.
Hit soft 18 (A7) vs dealer 9, 10 and Ace.
IF DEALER HITS SOFT 17
Surrender 15, 88 and 17 vs dealer Ace.
Double 11 vs dealer Ace.
Double soft 18 (A7) vs dealer 2.
Double soft 19 (A8) vs dealer 6.
A PROVEN WINNING SYSTEM
The correct basic strategy is a proven winning system for the game of twenty-one. It is a strategy which maximizes the player's expectation given only knowledge of the player's hand and the dealer's up-card. In the good old days when single deck was plentiful and rules were great, these non-counting strategies could actually give the player a small advantage. Today, casino managers are aware of the power of basic strategy and generally do not offer games that can be beaten off the top of the deck. However, players should keep their eyes open for promotional games which do surface from time to time!
Basic strategy is powerful! All card counters must master it before moving on to the fine art of card counting. Basic strategy is not difficult! A person with average intelligence can memorize it in just a few hours. Basic strategy is the way to play! Every time you make a play on a hunch or intuition and ignore the 'correct' basic strategy play you increase the casino advantage against you.
For example, a pit boss witnessing a player standing on an A-7 versus a ten valued dealer up-card would generally consider this player a novice or an idiot. If you stand on this hand you will win it about 41% of the time. If you hit the hand you increase your chances to 43%. Why would anyone not hit this hand? You can't bust (at least not initially) and you stand a good chance of improving it. But every time I play this game I witness players standing on A-7 vs 10 with the hope that the dealer doesn't have a nine or ten in the hole. Don't be an idiot! Trust in basic strategy and play it perfectly. Your bankroll will thank you for it.
OTHER GOOD RESOURCES
- Spanish 21 by Michael Shackleford
- Blackjack B.S. Engine by '>Ken Smith
- Ultimate Guide to Blackjack by Michael Shackleford
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FAQ 3: Portions of the above article were originally published as a Frequently Asked Question in Volume 4 Issue 4 of Blackjack Review Magazine
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