Blackjack is one of the most-played casino games of all time because it requires not only luck but also skill and knowledge. It is also particularly interesting because it comes in many variations from which players can choose. With such a wide range of versions, the game is very appealing to most casino players as they can try a new one each time.
However, it is very important to remember that, before playing, they should take the time to become familiar not only with the casino but also with the table rules. In some places these differ, which is why it is essential to look at them beforehand. Moreover, players should bear in mind that some casinos impose restrictions on certain moves, such as surrender or re-splitting, which can significantly influence their overall strategy.
One of the most renowned versions is the game played with only one deck, commonly known as single-deck Blackjack. This is one of the most sought-after variations as it gives players relatively good chances of winning. Moreover, card counting works very well in such cases because the process is considerably easier, even for beginners. For this reason, however, it is also very hard to find a table where the game is played with only one deck, as many venues are aware of the benefits this variation offers.
Advantages of Single-Deck Blackjack
One of the biggest advantages of the single-deck version of Blackjack is that the house edge is approximately 0.15%, which is the lowest possible edge a casino can have. This is why this variation is considered very beneficial for players, provided they apply basic strategy and a card-counting system correctly. Keeping track of the cards, as well as calculating them according to the assigned values of a particular card-counting system, is no longer a tedious task.
When only one deck is used, players can draw accurate conclusions from the cards already dealt about those yet to come, something that is very difficult if the game is played with six decks, for example. Bearing in mind that the composition of the deck is always the same – 52 cards in 13 ranks – the counting process is much easier. Single-deck Blackjack gives them the valuable opportunity to employ their chosen strategy successfully and gain an advantage over the casino.
Disadvantages of Single-Deck Blackjack
One of the major drawbacks of single-deck Blackjack is that it is really hard to find a casino that offers it. The reason is quite obvious – this variation is extremely beneficial for card counters and, as such, many venues are reluctant to provide it. However, if players are lucky enough to find single-deck Blackjack, they shouldn’t rush to sit at the table. They should always check the rules first, as many casinos tend to change them in order to increase the house edge.
In some cases, players end up in a worse position and lose more, even though the game is played with only one deck, because the rules are drastically altered. For instance, some casinos impose restrictions on certain moves, which, of course, would disrupt the players’ entire strategy. Another very important consideration is that there are also cases where the payout is different from the standard 3:2.
Hi-Opt Systems
Zen Count System
Wong Halves System
The Illustrious 18
Single-deck Card Counting
Rules of the Single-Deck Blackjack
As already mentioned, many casinos still offer single-deck Blackjack, although there may be some restrictions or adjustments. However, the main rules of the game cannot be changed, and players need to be familiar with them so that they can prepare in advance. One major difference is that players’ first two cards are dealt face down instead of face up.
When only one deck is used, players are allowed to split one hand a maximum of three times. They should also bear in mind that the dealer always hits on a soft seventeen, which is in the casino’s favour. Another point is that re-splitting is not allowed when it comes to aces; they can only be split once. Before each session begins, the deck is shuffled.
Card Counting Systems and Single-Deck Blackjack
Card-counting systems are extremely beneficial for players when only one deck is in play. Even if a particular method is designed for a single deck, it can always be applied to multiple decks and vice versa, as the number of high- and low-value cards is always the same. Therefore, using a particular card-counting system is not an obstacle.
However, their chosen system might need some adjustments, as in most cases the players’ first two cards are dealt face down. One very good card-counting system for single-deck games is the Hi-Opt I system, which has proved to be very efficient and reliable. Before taking a seat at the table, players need to take the rules of the variation into account and decide whether they are favourable.
| Hi-Opt I Card Counting System | |
|---|---|
| Card Value | Count |
| 3, 4, 5, 6 | Count +1 |
| 2, 7, 8, 9, A | Count 0 |
| 10, J, Q, K | Count -1 |
Conclusion
The bottom line is that, as long as players watch out for tables that offer highly unfavourable rules, playing single-deck Blackjack remains one of the best variations of the game. It can be especially beneficial for card counters, as a single deck makes the whole counting process far easier to conduct. Despite the fact that this version gives players a good edge over the casino, they need to remember that they should know their chosen card-counting system, as well as the basic strategy, backwards and forwards in order to take advantage of it.
Even though most of the time players won’t be able to play this variation, they should still familiarise themselves with its basic rules beforehand. The reason is that there are still places where such versions can be found, and if players are lucky enough to encounter them, they should know how to make the most of the opportunity. Playing single-deck Blackjack can be very profitable, but only if players know what it takes to win.