The name of this variation of Blackjack is quite self-explanatory, and there are several high-quality versions of the game to be found online. It’s quite a nice version for new players to try, and will help you to develop your skills for other variations as well.
Like almost all versions of the game, Single Deck Blackjack can be played in a no-deposit, free play mode. This is a good way to get familiar with the game and refine your strategy before you place any real money bets using Visa card or other method. Read the write-up below, and then start investigating and playing for free yourself.
Single Deck Blackjack Basics
As with most versions of Blackjack, the objective in this one is to get a hand total that is as near to 21 as possible, without going above this number. Ace cards are with 11 or 1, royal cards are worth 10 and number cards all carry their face value. A Blackjack or natural 21 is made up of an ace and a face card. The game, of course, is played with a single full deck.
At the start of each round, you’ll place your bet and a hand of 2 cards will then be dealt to each player. The dealer will also get 2 cards, with one facing up so that you can see what it is. This is a Hole Card game (called with same name at iPhone casinos NZ), meaning that the dealer will check to see if they are holding Blackjack when their face-up card is an ace or a 10.
At this point, based on what you see, you’ll need to decide whether to Hit and get more cards to try and improve your hand, or Stand and end your turn. You can Split a pair of cards into 2 hands, and if you do this with aces you’ll only be dealt 1 more card with each hand a 10 card will be classified as 21 and not as Blackjack. You’re allowed to Double Down, or double your bet after receiving 1 extra card and then not take any other Hits, with a 9, 10 or 11 hand only. Doubling Down after a split is not permitted.
The Dealer has to Hit until reaching a total of at least 17, and must Hit a Soft 17. A Soft Hand contains an ace, as opposed to a Hard Hand which does not. Since the ace can be 11 or 1, a Soft 17 can never go bust. This rule gives the dealer more flexibility and tips the odds in the favour of the house.
Single Deck Blackjack Tips
The advantage with Single Deck Blackjack is that the odds are better for players than when more decks are used, but casinos often to negate this by offering lesser payouts. To ensure that you get maximum benefit from this rule, choose sites that award 3:2 prizes in the case of a Blackjack.
The biggest tip for successful playing, as mentioned above, is to practice as much as possible, preferably in a free play mode. There are great strategy tables and other tools and gameplans to be found online, and you can use these to make real money once you’ve found what works for you. This in itself is educational and risk-free, so enjoy it!