This is because once there are 4 decks or more on the table, the mathematics are practically the same for 4+ deck tables. In other words, the winning percentages for the outcome of each hand with 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 decks change so fractionally, you do not need to search for new basic strategy charts when playing 4-deck to 8-deck tables.
Under those conditions, the six-deck game with a 3-2 payoff on blackjacks has a house edge of 0.64 percent against a basic strategy player. With two-decks and a 6-5 payoff on blackjacks, the house edge soars to 1.83 percent. If you see 6-5 payoffs on blackjacks, look for a better game.
Two Deck Strategy Chart. Gamblers are famous for their inventiveness. Over the years, blackjack players have worked out charts for planning game strategy, adapted for blackjack games using various numbers of decks. Use only a two deck strategy chart when you are playing double deck blackjack, as it has been specially designed for this type of play.
The second basic strategy you must learn is the Basic Strategy for 1, 2, or 3 Decks. This strategy is very similar to the 4 or More Decks strategy. You will usually find blackjack tables that use 1, 2, or 3 decks have higher minimum bet requirements. The play action you will take in the strategy in the 1, 2, or 3 Decks is different from the 4 or More Decks strategy when you have a hard 11, A2, A3, A6, A7, A8, 22, 33, 44, and 66.
While the most commonly found blackjack tables are 6 deck games, you will find 8 deck tables fairly regularly.
There are quite a few online and land-based casinos that use 8 decks in the shoe because the extra decks effectively give the house a boost on its house edge allowing the casino to offer more rules flexibility to attract players.
For example, the casino can offer splits up to 3 times, double down after a split and on any total. These are liberal blackjack rules that are often available on 8 deck tables because where the house gives away house edge by offering these flexible rules, it gains some percentage back by using 8 decks of cards.
In this guide, we will walk you through the rules you might find on an 8-deck table and the 4 basic strategy charts used for 8 deck blackjack strategy. Plus, we will give you a few additional tips on how to play 8 deck blackjack like a pro.
Here is what we will cover in this exclusive mBitcasino ‘8 Deck Blackjack Strategy’ guide:
Number of Decks Versus House Edge
Firstly, as a blackjack player, you should understand the percentage gain the casino gains by using more than 1 deck of cards in the shoe.
It is also important to understand that just because a table has 8 decks does not mean its house edge is better than a single deck game or a 4 deck game. Numerous other rules can increase or reduce the house edge. In short, blackjack’s house edge is a mathematical equation of rules versus the number of decks.
Single deck blackjack is the game in its most natural form and so in the list below we start from double deck blackjack where the additional decks adds 0.34%.
2 decks will add 0.34% to the house edge
3 decks will add 0.45% to the house edge
4 decks will add 0.5% to the house edge
5 decks will add 0.53% to the house edge
6 decks will add 0.55% to the house edge
7 decks will add 0.56% to the house edge
8 decks will add 0.57% to the house edge
Conversely, if you prefer to calculate blackjack percentages by using RTP (Return to Player), you can subtract these percentages from the table’s base RTP. However, most online casinos will already give you the RTP or house edge so there is never any need to make any calculations.
2 Deck Blackjack Strategy Cards
That said, you may come across tables with no RTP or house edge provided which is why understanding some of these percentages is important.
Blackjack Rules That Affect The House Edge
There is a whole host of rules that affect the house edge or RTP of a blackjack table, so not only the number decks.
In fact, you will find our ‘Advanced Blackjack Strategy’ as well as our ‘How to Play Blackjack and Win’ guides very useful for learning the complete diversification of rules you may comes across. However, for the purpose of this 8 deck blackjack strategy guide, we will walk you through the most common rules only.
What you should find when playing 8 deck tables is that the rules are very liberal i.e. you will have the flexibility to split, double down, early surrender, and more which all put some of the house edge back in your favour.
Double Down Rules
Most 8 deck blackjack tables should allow you to double down on any total. However, some tables only allow you to double down on certain totals which for an 8 deck blackjack is not ideal because it further pushes the house edge in favour of the casino.
9, 10 or 11 Double Down only adds 0.14% to the house edge
10 or 11 Double Down only adds 0.21% to the house edge
11 Double Down only adds 0.79% to the house edge
Most 8 deck tables do not restrict the double downs because the casino knows this will just deter regular blackjack players from playing at their blackjack tables.
If an 8 deck table adds double down restrictions not only does the house gain a 0.57% advantage by using 8 decks, it can also gain up to an extra 0.14% to 0.79%
Double Down After Split Rules
Another interesting rule that most 8 deck games are quite liberal with is double down with splits. The natural form of blackjack should not add any restrictions on the total you can choose to double down.
After you split a pair, you should still have the option to double down on any total on most 8 deck tables
Double down after splits reduces the house edge by 0.14%
Double down after on 3+ cards reduce the house edge by 0.22%
What happens if 8 deck games restrict double downs? If an 8 deck table restricts double downs as per the previous section ‘Double Down Rules’ above, this can be a nuisance because it takes much of the advantage gained by the double down after split rule.
A table that restricts double down to ‘9, 10, 11′ or ’10, 11’ or ‘9’ only defeats the object of the double down after split rule.
Here is why double down restrictions on 8 decks blackjack tables make this rule almost pointless
The only time you can double down after you split is with the ‘9-9’, plus there are only 7 instances when you should split 9-9 and double down.
You should never split 10s ever according to ALL basic strategy charts and why would you split a hand total of 20 anyway – it makes no sense
No split that can equal 11 so the ’11’ rule is redundant
Early Surrender Rules
The early surrender rule gives you a 0.61% advantage and is used to surrender your hand before you play in exchange for 50% of your bet in return. Early surrender means you can give up your hand even when the dealer has blackjack.
50% of your bet is returned even if the dealer has blackjack
The house edge is reduced by a large 0.61%
Late Surrender
The late surrender rule is slightly less liberal than early surrender. It is exactly the same except if the dealer has blackjack, you will not receive 50% of your bet in return. As such you gain a 0.07% on the house which is why this is the most common type of surrender.
50% of your bet is returned even if the dealer has blackjack
The house edge is reduced by a modest 0.07%%
Learn more about late surrender strategy here!
Dealer ‘Stands’ or ‘Hits’ on Hard/Soft 17
This is an important rule to remember and understand because you will use it when you choose which blackjack basic strategy chart you will use.
Dealer hitssoft 17 and stands on hard 17: (H17)
You will see this rule on basic strategy charts as H17.
When the dealer has a 17 total and the hand has an Ace in it (A-6, or A-3-3, or A-2-4) the Ace is automatically counted as a ‘1’ and not an ’11’. as a result, the dealer will hit this hand. While any 17 hand without an Ace, the dealer will stand.
8 Deck tales using the H17 rule gives the house an increased edge of 0.22%
Dealer stands on hard and soft 17s: (S17)
No matter whether the 17 total has an Ace or not, the dealer must stand on ‘any 17 total’ the house receives. This is known as the S17 rule and works in favour of the player over the house.
8 Deck tales using the S17 rule reduces the house edge by 0.22%
8 Deck Blackjack Basic strategy Charts
Below you will find a set of basic blackjack strategy charts available for 8 deck blackjack strategy. Choosing the correct charts for the 8 deck table you play at is very important because each chart is a mathematical representation of the specific rules for each table.
Ask yourself these 2 questions before you choose your basic strategy chart:
1. Is this a S17 or H17 9 deck blackjack table?
S17 = Dealer stands on any 17
H17 = Dealer stands on 17 and counts Ace as ‘1’
2. Can I double after split
Yes = DAS
No = NDAS
By answering these 2 questions, you are ready to choose the correct basic strategy charts and start playing your 8 deck blackjack strategy.
Play 8 Deck Blackjack at mBitcasino
As 8 deck blackjack games are not very common online, you will find most of the virtual casino blackjack tables and live dealer tables use 6 decks in the shoe. However, at mBitcasino we can suggest some very fun 8 deck tables that come with a twist to the rules.
Power Blackjack: This is a fun 8 deck live dealer blackjack table with 8 decks yet there is a twist to this table game. Evvolution, the software provider, removed all the 9s and 10s from the decks giving you 64 cards less and a new way to play blackjack!
Double Exposure: Another 8 deck live dealer game but this is a virtual blackjack table that can play for free or using crypto. Family guy free slots. On this table you get to see both dealer cards as the dealer will deal all cards face up!
Blackjack White: You can play this Evolution 8 deck blackjack tables which is a S17 game with double downs on any total and you can double down after you split. This is one of the most liberal version of 8 deck blackjack you will find online.
At this time there are no virtual 8 deck games that play standard rules because most blackjack player prefer the 6 deck games. You can check out our 6 deck blackjack strategy guide and at the bottom of guide, there is a section to 6 deck blackjack tables just like this one.
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Blackjack Betting Strategies are quite popular, especially since the game has been featured in hit movies likeRain Man, 21 and The Hangover.
No matter what the game, there is one universal rule; if the casino spreads the game, someone has developed the “perfect” betting strategy.
Roulette strategies are perhaps the most prominent as roulette strategies and systems have been offered for sale for centuries.
As a dealer and a player, I have been able to see and try many of the most famous Blackjack Betting Strategies.
Blackjack strategies don’t change around the world but it is interesting to see different perspectives. A good blackjack resource for Canadians is CanadianCasinos.ca.
Play Blackjack Live Online
Want to try playing blackjack online for real money? We recommened playing with live dealers at Bovada casino (US friendly)
The Two Best Systems
There are two strategies that every player should use every time they take a seat at or swim up to a blackjack table. Ac casino no deposit.
Play to Have Fun
Napoleon was a fan of Vingt-un (blackjack) near the start of the 19th century. For more than two centuries, blackjack has grown in popularity to become the most popular casino table game.Mathematicians have analyzed the game, hundreds of books have been written about it, and a number of myths and legends have been created.
Earning a place in the Blackjack Hall of Fame at the Barona Casino in California is the only honorary award for players of any casino table game. There is a reason that blackjack has remained popular for a couple of centuries; it’s fun! There are many varieties of blackjack. Mr. Green offers a great selection of 15 blackjack games by 6 software providers, including Double Exposure Blackjack Professional Series by Net Entertainment, VIP Blackjack by Extreme Live Gaming, and 6-in-1 Blackjack by Felt.
Spin Palace offers a remarkable amount of blackjack games. There are over 40 blackjack games in total on offer. They also offer practice play which is perfect for sharpening your blackjack skills before you start playing for real money. Most of their games are developed by Microgaming which are very popular in English speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand, UK and Canada.
Yes, the game has a really low house edge, which makes it appealing, but it is a very social game, so in many cases, the table wins or loses as a group. This builds comradery and makes it fairly common for players to talk with one another. The social aspect of the game is a very important one to most players.
Bet the Right Amount
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Set up a bankroll before you go to the table. This is your total stake.
As has been mentioned numerous times, blackjack is supposed to be fun. Playing with money you can’t afford to lose (what dealers and players call “scared money”) practically guarantees you won’t enjoy the game.
It is fairly easy to find table limits to fit most bankrolls.
The Martingale – Blackjack Betting Strategies
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The Martingale system originated in 18th century France and is one of the oldest systems around. The original theory was used to prove that someone with infinite wealth could always avoid a loss in even money bets by doubling the best after each loss. Most likely the first casino game where the Martingale system was touted was roulette, but it can also be used in other areas, such as in stock market trading.
You will often see players use the Martingale system at the blackjack table, doubling their wager after each loss. In theory, this strategy sounds solid. However, blackjack is not an even money game. And additionally, players will occasionally run into a bad streak of cards. At a $5 table using the Martingale system if you lose 8 hands in a row, you will be wagering $1280 on your next hand, so unless you are a legendary high-roller, you are probably better off taking the $5 loss.
One of the common laments one hears from players is the one where they were “way ahead” but gave it all back. These players are the same ones that usually talk about “playing with ‘house’ money.”
Here is a fact: Once the chips are in your stack, they are your chips, not the house’s.
The second most common lament you will hear is a player talking about missing out on a hot streak. The 2-1-2 strategy helps address both.
First, there is no mathematical foundation for “hot” or “cold” streaks at the blackjack table. Mathematicians will tell you (truthfully) that there is no such phenomenon. Blackjack players know they exist.
As a player you want to capitalize on a good run of cards and this strategy has some merits. Start with a 2 unit bet. If you win you reduce the bet to one unit. If you win that bet you increase to 3 units. Once the dealer wins you go back to your original 2 unit bet.
A run of 10 hands could look like this:
Wager Result +/-
2 W +2
1 W +3
2 W +5
3 W +8
4 L +4
2 W +6
1 L +5
2 W +7
3 W +10
4 L +6
With the 2-1-2 strategy, players will win a bit more with a hot run yet not sacrifice all of their winnings.
Oscar’s System – Blackjack Betting Strategies
Oscar’s System was proposed in the 1960’s in a book by mathematician Dr. Allan Wilson. It is a fairly decent system. The goal of the strategy is to win exactly one unit per series.
The player starts a series by betting one unit. After a win, the player adds a unit; after a loss, the next bet is exactly the same as the previous one. That’s it.
Many players feel that playing multiple hands increases their odds of winning. Playing multiple spots can be exciting, but it does absolutely nothing to increase your win rate.
Most of these systems fall under the heading of progressive bets. While these are among the most common, they are by no means the only strategies out there. It is perfectly fine to sit at the table and make the exact same wager every hand. While this strategy is a bit boring for me, if it works for you that is what counts. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking out a deck of cards and developing your own strategy as well.
Blackjack Betting Systems in the Long Run
Ok so we’ve covered the popular blackjack betting systems here and highlighted how they are used but are any of them really useful in the long run? The answer is a resounding NO (this article goes into great depth as to why).
While you might make great short term wins, any betting system will not be a formula for success in the long term. To truly gain an advantage against the casino you must start with learning basic strategy and then moving to card counting.
2 Deck Blackjack Strategy Chart
There are plenty of resources to get started. We recommend:
BlackjackInfo’s Blackjack School – A comprehensive free resource that covers both basic strategy and card counting principles.
Blackjack Apprenticeship – Run by Colin Jones, a professional counter who featured in the blackjack documentary Holy Rollers, this site provides a paid course offering video training material, private coaching and more.
WizardofOdds – The wizard has some great strategy charts but only for 4-8 decks. If you need more customized charts then BlackjackInfo has a good strategy chart builder.
HolyMolyCasinos.com – Offers a how to guide on the rules and how to play blackjack as well as other popular casino games.