Multi-Deck Blackjack

How to Play Multiple Deck Blackjack

When first learning how to play multiple deck blackjack, it’s important to keep in mind that the game works much like single-deck blackjack.  While a few rules may differ from casino to casino, the objective is still to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over (also known as “busting“).

Rules for Multiple Deck Blackjack

While a single-deck game of blackjack might be more advantageous for card counters, the multiple deck blackjack games usually offer better rules and betting options.  This is mainly due to the fact that it’s the most common blackjack game in casinos, and they want to draw in as many customers as possible.

In multiple deck blackjack, all face cards are worth 10.  Aces are worth 1 or 11, depending on whether or not it would cause the player to bust.  All other cards are worth the amount printed on their face.

Rules for multiple deck blackjack state that nobody wins in case of a tie.  Getting a natural blackjack (ace and a 10-value card) pays out at 1.5 to 1.  In this case, the player is assumed to have automatically won.

Before receiving your two cards, you’ll need to place your bet.  Afterwards, you’ll receive two face down cards.  The dealer then gives himself one face down card (known as the “hole card”) and one face up.

The player may then choose to stand or hit.  If he stands, his turn is over.  If he hits, the dealer will give him an additional card.  If the player busts, his turn is over.  If his score is still under 21, then the player may choose to hit again.

When the player finally stands (assuming he didn’t bust), the dealer will reveal his hole card.  The dealer will then hit or stand depending on the casino’s rules for multiple deck blackjack.

If the dealer busts, then all players win.  Otherwise, it comes down to whether the dealer or player is closer to 21.  This determines the winner, and then a new game of blackjack is dealt.

Betting Options for Multiple Deck Blackjack

When learning how to play multiple deck blackjack, there are a number of betting options to keep in mind.  Each of these multi-deck blackjack betting options is listed below:

Insurance – When the dealer shows an ace, you can buy insurance against him having a blackjack.  You can wager up to half of your initial bet, with insurance paying out at 2:1 on a dealer blackjack.  If the dealer does not have a natural blackjack, you lose the insurance money.

Surrender – The player essentially folds, but they only lose half of their initial bet.

Early Surrender – This surrender is allowed prior to the dealer checking for blackjack.

Split – When your first two cards are the same (pair of fives, pair of jacks, etc.), you can choose to split them into two new hands.  Each new hand will receive an additional card, and the player must make a wager equal to their initial bet.

Even Money – If the player gets a natural blackjack, they may choose this option if the dealer shows an ace.  The player gets paid for their blackjack at 1:1, but the dealer does not get to check for blackjack. Otherwise, the hand is considered a push if the dealer also has a blackjack.

Double Down – After getting your two cards, the player may opt to double their initial bet and only receive one additional card.  Rules regarding doubling down vary from casino to casino.  Some will allow you to double down on any two cards, while others will even let you double down after splitting.

Blackjack Variations

Besides the traditional game, some casinos also offer blackjack variations.  Some of these blackjack variations include:

- The re-splitting of aces is allowed.

- The dealer does not have a hole card.  Common on cruise ships, the dealer does not get their second card until the player is finished.

- Dealer may hit on a soft 17 (17 with an ace).  This works to the player’s disadvantage.

- The player is allowed to double down after splitting pairs.

- In Atlantic City, many blackjack games are played with four decks.  In these cases, the house stands on 17 and must hit on anything lower.

- Many Las Vegas blackjack games are played with two decks of cards.  In these games, the house must stand on hands of 17 or greater.