Card counting in Blackjack is one of the most practised strategies of all time, as it gives players a moderately high chance of gaining an advantage over the casino. This is why, over the years, many card-counting systems have been refined so that they provide more accurate information about the ratio of high-value cards to low-value ones.
When applied correctly, each allows players to adjust their bets and moves, thereby minimising their losses. However, casinos did not remain indifferent, and multi-deck games appeared as a counter-measure to card counters. Nowadays, finding a single-deck game can be very difficult, because many venues are aware of the benefits this variation offers.
Does Card Counting Work with Multi-deck Blackjack
Many players have second thoughts when it comes to counting cards in variants that involve four, six or eight decks. It is true that in any of these situations the counting process will be more complicated; however, if the system is applied correctly throughout the game, it will still be beneficial. Many card-counting systems use the fundamental principle of assigning particular point values to the cards, thereby determining the ratio of powerful to weak cards.
Bearing in mind that every deck contains 52 cards, 16 of which are tens, players can work out the proportions for multiple decks and adjust their strategy accordingly. Any card-counting system can be employed effectively, irrespective of the number of decks, although the counting procedure, the starting count and the rich point – which indicates when players are in a favourable position – will differ. To use a card-counting system successfully with multiple decks, players must be extremely disciplined and know their chosen strategy inside out.
Importance of the True Count
When multiple decks are involved in the game, the true count plays a crucial role, and players should pay special attention to it. For greater accuracy and efficiency, many card-counting systems are balanced, which means players must convert the running count to a true count.
To do so, they must divide the running count by the number of decks in play. In this way they can take full advantage of the information the card-counting system provides, including the best time to surrender or take insurance.
However, making this conversion requires considerable concentration and can be difficult in a casino setting. Therefore, when preparing, it is recommended to practise in a distracting environment, as this will likely mirror the casino conditions. In this way, they will adapt more easily when they go to the casino and will be able to stay focused for longer.
Balanced Card Counting Systems
The most famous balanced card-counting systems are Hi-Lo, Hi-Opt II, Halves, Omega II and Zen. These strategies have proved highly effective in multi-deck blackjack and are used by professional players worldwide. Although calculating the true count may seem difficult, it is extremely useful and essential if players wish to make the most of every game.
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House Edge of the Multi-Deck Blackjack
As previously mentioned, casinos started using multiple decks in blackjack to prevent card counters from gaining an advantage and to increase the house’s chances of winning. The number of decks involved in the game plays a crucial role not only for the players but also for the casinos.
Depending on the number of decks, the house edge – and therefore the potential profit – changes. Consequently, it is now very hard to find a single-deck table and, when you do, the rules are likely to have been altered in the casino’s favour.
When the game is played with two decks, the casino’s edge is around 0.35%. If six decks are used, the house edge is approximately 0.58%. The worst-case scenario for card counters is eight decks, as the edge is then around 0.61% and the entire counting process becomes very difficult. It is clear that the more decks are in use, the greater the casino’s advantage, which is why players should seek tables with as few decks as possible.
| House Edge of the Multi-Deck Blackjack | |
|---|---|
| Number of decks | House Edge |
| Single Deck | 0.04% |
| Double Deck | 0.42% |
| Four Decks | 0.61% |
| Six Decks | 0.67% |
| Eight Decks | 0.70% |
Important Considerations When Playing Multi-deck Blackjack
One of the adjustments card counters need to make to their chosen system, depending on the number of decks involved, is to choose an appropriate start count. This can be set individually, as there is no universal number for every system. Players are advised to choose a number that is not close to zero, to avoid complicated calculations.
Additionally, they should set their rich point – that is, the moment when the deck favours them – around four numbers above their starting count, so that they can capitalise by placing higher bets. For example, if six decks are involved, a player’s starting count might be 26 and the rich point 30. It is also worth noting that the greater the number of decks in use, the longer players will have to wait to reach this point.
Conclusion
Ultimately, playing multi-deck blackjack is not ideal for card counters, as it makes the counting process far more difficult. However, players should remember that they can still apply their chosen system successfully, regardless of how many decks are in play. They simply need to ensure that they have adjusted their card-counting system accordingly.
It is also vital to maintain the discipline required to stay focused throughout the game. Players must know how to play when multiple decks are involved, as these are the most common tables in casinos.