If you’ve recently come across blackjack, you might have noticed that some games use one deck of cards while others use several. You may also have seen terms like “single-deck” or “multi-deck” and wondered if they actually make a difference.
This blog explains what the number of decks means in blackjack and how it can affect the way the game plays. You’ll learn how this detail may influence the game’s probabilities, how often certain cards might appear, and the impact it can have on something called the house edge—which is the percentage of money the casino is expected to keep over time.
Everything in this guide is written for people with no background in casino games or card terms. Whether you’re playing online or at a physical table, understanding the deck count can help you make more informed choices and better understand how each game might play out.
How Many Decks Are Used In Blackjack?
Blackjack is played using standard 52-card decks. Each deck includes cards from 2 through 10, plus Jack, Queen, King and Ace, across four suits.
In many UK blackjack games—whether online or in physical casinos—you’ll see different numbers of decks being used. Some games involve just one deck, while others might use four, six or eight shuffled together.
The number of decks affects how many cards are in play at any given time, which in turn influences the way hands are dealt and how often certain combinations may appear. This detail may seem minor, but it can slightly shift the game’s probabilities.
You can usually find the deck count listed in the game’s rules or info section. Some tables may also display it clearly on screen. Before you start playing, it may help to take a moment to check how many decks are in use.
Why Do Casinos Use Multiple Decks In Blackjack?
Using more decks in blackjack helps casinos offer longer and more consistent sessions. With a larger number of cards, the dealer doesn’t need to reshuffle as often, meaning the game flows more smoothly.
It also makes it more difficult for players to try and keep track of which cards have already been dealt—a technique known as card counting. Although card counting is not illegal in the UK, it is strongly discouraged by casinos and is often viewed as a form of gaining an unfair advantage.
Players suspected of using this method may be asked to leave the table, refused service, or banned from the venue altogether. Using multiple decks is one way casinos reduce the effectiveness of this approach and help maintain fair play for everyone.
Multiple-deck setups also allow casinos and online sites to provide a variety of game types. Different tables may offer different deck counts, potential payout structures or side bets. This gives players a wider choice of formats and rule sets.
All of this means that blackjack games using more decks can look and feel quite different from those using fewer. That’s why it can be useful to check the rules before deciding which game may suit you.
Does The Number of Decks In Blackjack Affect Your Chances?
Yes, the number of decks can affect your chances, though usually only slightly. One area it influences is the house edge—the percentage the casino is expected to keep over time.
In games with player-friendly rules, using optimal basic strategy—a set of mathematically proven decisions for every hand—can potentially reduce the house edge to around 0.5%. However, this figure isn’t guaranteed. It depends on both the rules and the decisions made during play.
As more decks are added, the house edge tends to increase slightly—often by 0.1% to 0.2%—because certain hands, like a natural blackjack, become a little less likely.
Other factors, such as how much a blackjack pays, or whether you’re allowed to double after splitting, can have an even bigger impact than deck count. Some single-deck games may offer less favourable rules, which could increase the house edge beyond that of a multi-deck version.
While figures can help give an idea of long-term averages, blackjack is still a game of chance. No outcome can be predicted or assured.
Is Single or Multiple Deck Blackjack Better?
That depends on what you’re looking for. Single-deck games can sometimes offer slightly better odds, but only if the rules are player-friendly. In many cases, casinos change the rules in single-deck games to make up for that, such as by paying less for a winning blackjack.
Multi-deck games tend to follow more standard rules and tend to be more widely available, particularly online. They also allow for more hands to be played between shuffles, which can appeal to some players.
There is no single version of blackjack that’s better for everyone. The best game is the one that fits your preferences—whether that’s fewer interruptions, different table limits, or a particular set of rules.
No strategy or format guarantees a win. Blackjack is a game of chance, and outcomes can’t be predicted. If you’re interested in trying out different games, read the game rules, and use safer gambling tools such as deposit limits or time reminders to help manage your play.
Play Blackjack Online at Red Casino
Red Casino is a UK-registered site, fully licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), so you will find a safe and secure place to play.
With more than 2,800 games, including a wide selection of blackjack variations, Red Casino lets you explore different deck options and find the tables that suit you best. Game details, including the number of decks, are shown clearly so you can make informed choices.
If you would like to try blackjack, you can check the paytable or game rules before you play. Red Casino provides tools to help you set deposit limits, take a break, or get help if you need it. If you decide to join a table, do so at your own pace and enjoy the experience your way.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
If you’ve recently come across blackjack, you might have noticed that some games use one deck of cards while others use several. You may also have seen terms like “single-deck” or “multi-deck” and wondered if they actually make a difference.
This blog explains what the number of decks means in blackjack and how it can affect the way the game plays. You’ll learn how this detail may influence the game’s probabilities, how often certain cards might appear, and the impact it can have on something called the house edge—which is the percentage of money the casino is expected to keep over time.
Everything in this guide is written for people with no background in casino games or card terms. Whether you’re playing online or at a physical table, understanding the deck count can help you make more informed choices and better understand how each game might play out.
How Many Decks Are Used In Blackjack?
Blackjack is played using standard 52-card decks. Each deck includes cards from 2 through 10, plus Jack, Queen, King and Ace, across four suits.
In many UK blackjack games—whether online or in physical casinos—you’ll see different numbers of decks being used. Some games involve just one deck, while others might use four, six or eight shuffled together.
The number of decks affects how many cards are in play at any given time, which in turn influences the way hands are dealt and how often certain combinations may appear. This detail may seem minor, but it can slightly shift the game’s probabilities.
You can usually find the deck count listed in the game’s rules or info section. Some tables may also display it clearly on screen. Before you start playing, it may help to take a moment to check how many decks are in use.
Why Do Casinos Use Multiple Decks In Blackjack?
Using more decks in blackjack helps casinos offer longer and more consistent sessions. With a larger number of cards, the dealer doesn’t need to reshuffle as often, meaning the game flows more smoothly.
It also makes it more difficult for players to try and keep track of which cards have already been dealt—a technique known as card counting. Although card counting is not illegal in the UK, it is strongly discouraged by casinos and is often viewed as a form of gaining an unfair advantage.
Players suspected of using this method may be asked to leave the table, refused service, or banned from the venue altogether. Using multiple decks is one way casinos reduce the effectiveness of this approach and help maintain fair play for everyone.
Multiple-deck setups also allow casinos and online sites to provide a variety of game types. Different tables may offer different deck counts, potential payout structures or side bets. This gives players a wider choice of formats and rule sets.
All of this means that blackjack games using more decks can look and feel quite different from those using fewer. That’s why it can be useful to check the rules before deciding which game may suit you.
Does The Number of Decks In Blackjack Affect Your Chances?
Yes, the number of decks can affect your chances, though usually only slightly. One area it influences is the house edge—the percentage the casino is expected to keep over time.
In games with player-friendly rules, using optimal basic strategy—a set of mathematically proven decisions for every hand—can potentially reduce the house edge to around 0.5%. However, this figure isn’t guaranteed. It depends on both the rules and the decisions made during play.
As more decks are added, the house edge tends to increase slightly—often by 0.1% to 0.2%—because certain hands, like a natural blackjack, become a little less likely.
Other factors, such as how much a blackjack pays, or whether you’re allowed to double after splitting, can have an even bigger impact than deck count. Some single-deck games may offer less favourable rules, which could increase the house edge beyond that of a multi-deck version.
While figures can help give an idea of long-term averages, blackjack is still a game of chance. No outcome can be predicted or assured.
Is Single or Multiple Deck Blackjack Better?
That depends on what you’re looking for. Single-deck games can sometimes offer slightly better odds, but only if the rules are player-friendly. In many cases, casinos change the rules in single-deck games to make up for that, such as by paying less for a winning blackjack.
Multi-deck games tend to follow more standard rules and tend to be more widely available, particularly online. They also allow for more hands to be played between shuffles, which can appeal to some players.
There is no single version of blackjack that’s better for everyone. The best game is the one that fits your preferences—whether that’s fewer interruptions, different table limits, or a particular set of rules.
No strategy or format guarantees a win. Blackjack is a game of chance, and outcomes can’t be predicted. If you’re interested in trying out different games, read the game rules, and use safer gambling tools such as deposit limits or time reminders to help manage your play.
Play Blackjack Online at Red Casino
Red Casino is a UK-registered site, fully licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), so you will find a safe and secure place to play.
With more than 2,800 games, including a wide selection of blackjack variations, Red Casino lets you explore different deck options and find the tables that suit you best. Game details, including the number of decks, are shown clearly so you can make informed choices.
If you would like to try blackjack, you can check the paytable or game rules before you play. Red Casino provides tools to help you set deposit limits, take a break, or get help if you need it. If you decide to join a table, do so at your own pace and enjoy the experience your way.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
