In many respects, Double Deck Blackjack is similar to other versions of the game. The main difference is that only two 52-card decks are used. The game is available in some casinos in both single player and multi-player versions. On single player tables you can play a maximum of five betting positions. Multi-player mode provides more of a ‘social’ experience with some casinos offering chat while you play.
The object of Double Deck Blackjack is straightforward. Just get closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over.
Card Values
Aces count as either 1 or 11.
Kings, Queens and Jacks count as 10.
Number cards 2-10 retain their face value.
The different suits are irrelevant.
If the cards drawn add up to more than 21’ you are ‘bust’ regardless of what the dealer has. If the dealer is bust you win the hand.
Betting limits do vary but most of the best online casinos offer both high and low stakes games, which make the Double Deck Blackjack online game ideal for both the beginner and the more experienced player. Some Double Deck Blackjack casinos will also offer VIP tables where, for the top rank players, the betting limits are higher. There may also be other ‘perks’ for those taking a seat at a VIP table.
How to Play Double Deck Blackjack
Other than this version of Blackjack is played with only two decks of cards, the rules are very similar to the Classic game. However, they may vary between casinos because of house rules and the type of software used.
To receive your cards you first have to place your bet. The dealer then deals two face up cards to each player. The dealer takes one face-up card, and the second (hole card) is placed face down under the up card.
At this stage, the players make the decision about how they want to proceed in the game. They can Hit or Stand or use one of the permitted strategies. The cards are shuffled at the start of each new hand.
Dealer Rules
Dealers do not receive a hole card or peek for Blackjack.
Dealer hits on a soft 17 hand.
A hard hand is one that does not include an ace. A soft hand does contain an ace.
Types of Bets Which can be Placed in Double Deck Blackjack
Split – If the first two cards are of equal value e.g. eight-eight or two-two to create two hands for another wager of the same amount. Split aces draws only one card – no re-splitting of aces. A split ace and a card valued at 10 points do not make a Blackjack.
Double Down – available on any two-card hand if they total 9, 10 or 11 and receive one additional card, after which you must stand. No double down after split.
Insurance – if the dealer’s face up card is an ace, insurance is an option available to you if you believe the dealer might have Blackjack.
Push – when the total of both the dealer and player’s hands are the same nobody wins and the house returns the stakes.
Surrender – this bet is not usually available on Double Deck Blackjack.
The types of bets available may vary from casino to casino.
Payouts
Blackjack pays 3:2
Insurance bets pay 2:1.
Standard wins pay 1:1
All ties push
Best Places to Play Double Deck Blackjack Online
Double Deck Blackjack is always popular because of the range of doubling and splitting strategies available and the lower house edge always attracts players with an eye on the big money. Not every casino will have it as one of their card game options so before you jump in, do some thorough research to see what’s on offer. Compare promotions and newbie offers but look also at reputation, site security, customer service and how payouts are made. There are many online reviews, from real players, which will help with this.
Summary of Double Deck Blackjack
Some online casinos will implement, “User Interface Protection” which is a system designed to warn the player if they make a decision which is considered as accidental or inadvertent. For example:
Hit on hard 17 or over
Stand on 11 or under
Double down on hard 12 or higher
While everybody makes mistakes, it’s often the newbie who gets into trouble this way. A bit of practice at a casino that lets you play free Double Deck Blackjack is a great way of building experience before you decide to play the real money option.
If you’re unlucky enough to drop your Internet connection during play, don’t worry, you won’t lose anything. The game is stored and then replayed when the Internet connection is restored. The dealer’s hole card will be re-dealt.
The theoretical return to Player (RTP) for Double Deck Blackjack is approximately 99.78%.
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