If you have been curious about how to play Double Deck Blackjack now you can do so for free, without any risk of losing money. This free game will help you learn the rules of Double Deck Blackjack in the quiet and comfort of your own home.
Want to Play for Real Money? And Get a $5000 Casino Bonus While You’re at It?
Get My $5000 in Welcome Bonus Money at Slots.LV Now
The Rules for Double Deck Blackjack
Unless otherwise noted here Double Deck Blackjack uses the same basic rules as the regular game. In this game, though, you play with only 2 decks of cards. This changes the probabilities for card counting. In other words, with a 6-deck shoe you can look for 24 Ace cards but with a 2-deck shoe there are only 8 Ace cards. The probability that another card of any given value will be dealt again from the same shuffle decline more rapidly with only 2 decks than with 6 or 8 decks.
In Double Deck Blackjack the dealer does not receive a “hole” card. He doesn’t get to peak at his hand before you finish betting.
The dealer stands on a soft 17 (a hand featuring an ace that totals either seven or 17).
You are paid 3-to-2 odds if you hit a blackjack (Ace and Jack).
You can double down (double your initial bet) on any two-card hand but you must stand after receiving a third card.
If you are dealt two cards of equal value you can split your hand. You make the same bet on your second hand as for your original hand. The following rules apply to splits:
- You are only allowed one split per original hand.
- Aces receive only one card on each split hand.
- You may double down on any two-card hand (even after a non-Ace pair split).
You may not surrender in Double Deck Blackjack.
If you think the dealer is about to turn up a blackjack you can buy insurance. With insurance you are paid 2-to-1 on your bet if the dealer turns up a blackjack.
If you know the basic game rules very well then adapting to the rules of Double Deck Blackjack should be pretty easy. Some players prefer to play only Double Deck Blackjack but it’s good to experiment with all the variations on the game to see where you are most comfortable.
When to Hit, Stand, or Split in Double Deck Blackjack
When is it best to seek another card in DDB? Here are some suggestions. Of course, the shuffle and previous deals determine the probabilities of your success. If you are counting cards these suggestions may not be as helpful.
Hits
Regardless of what the dealer’s face-up card may be, if your dealt hand falls into 4 through 8, take a hit.
If the dealer is showing a 2 or 3 and your hand totals any of the following, take a hit:
- A and 2, A and 3, A and 4, or A and 5
- A and 6 (only when the dealer shows a 2)
- pair of 4s
- 12
If the dealer is showing a 4 an your hand totals any of the following, take a hit:
- A and 2 or A and 3
- pair of 4s
If the dealer is showing a 10, J, Q, or K and your hand totals any of the following, surrender if you can (otherwise take a hit):
- 15
- 16
Other surrenders (if allowed, otherwise take a hit):
- Dealer shows 2 or 3 and you have a pair of 2s or a pair of 3s
- Dealer shows 5 or 6 and you have a pair of 4s
- Dealer shows a 7 and you have a pair of 6s
- Dealer shows an 8 and you have a pair of 7s
If the dealer is showing a 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, or A and your hand totals any of the following, take a hit:
- 9, 12, 13, or 14
- A and 2, A and 3, A and 4, A and 5, A and 6
- Pair of 2s, pair of 3s, or pair of 6s
If you are NOT allowed to double, hit when the following occurs; otherwise, double.
Dealer shows a 2 and your hand totals 9, 10, or 11.
Dealer shows a 3 through 6 and your hand totals any of the following:
- 9 through 11
- A and 2 or A and 3 (only if dealer shows 5 or 6)
- A and 4 or A and 5 (only if dealer shows 4, 5, or 6)
- A and 6
Dealer shows 7 through 9 and your hand totals 10 or 11.
Dealers shows any 10-card or Ace and your hand totals 11.
Stands
If the dealer is showing a 2 or 3 and your hand totals any of the following, Stand:
- 13 through 21
- A and 7 (only if dealer has a 2)
- A and 7 (only if dealer has a 3 and you CANNOT double)
- A and (8, 9, or any 10-card)
If the dealer is showing a 4, 5, or 6 and your hand totals any of the following, Stand:
- 12 through 21
- A and 6 (only if the dealer shows a 6 and you CANNOT double)
- A and (8, 9, or any 10-card)
If the dealer is showing a 7 or 8 and your hand totals any of the following, Stand:
- 17 through 21
- A and (7, 8, 9, or any 10-card)
- Pair of 9s (only if the dealer has a 7)
If the dealer is showing a 9 and your hand totals any of the following, Stand:
- 17 through 21
- A and (8, 9, or any 10-card)
If the dealer is showing any 10-card or an Ace and your hand totals any of the following, Stand:
- 17 through 21
- Pair of 9s
Splits
If the dealer is showing 2 or 3 and your hand totals any of the following, Split:
- Pair of 6s
- Pair of 7s
- Pair of 8s
- Pair of 9s
- Pair of Aces
If the dealer is showing 4 through 7 and your hand totals any of the following, Split:
- Pair of 2s
- Pair of 3s
- Pair of 6s (if the dealer has a 7, only split if double after split is allowed; otherwise, hit)
- Pair of 7s
- Pair of 8s
- Pair of 9s (if the dealer has a 7, Stand)
- Pair of Aces
If the dealer is showing an 8 and your hand totals any of the following, Split:
- Pair of 7s (only if double after split is allowed; otherwise, hit)
- Pair of 8s
- Pair of 9s
- Pair of Aces
If the dealer is showing 9, any 10-card, or an Ace and your hand totals any of the following, Split:
- Pair of 8s
- Pair of 9s (Stand if dealer shows 10-card or Ace)
- Pair of Aces
Best of luck to you when you hit the tables (or play online)!
Want to Play for Real Money? And Get a $5000 Casino Bonus While You’re at It?