SINGLE DECK BLACKJACK REVIEW
One Deck Blackjack (Playtech) Rules & Strategy Card - How To Play
Single Deck Blackjack is the classic Playtech version of the card game that uses 1 regular deck of 52 cards that are shafled after each hand. Note: only a few Playtech online casinos offer this game. The object of the game is for the your cards' total to be closer to 21 than the dealer's cards, without exceeding 21. All card values are the standard: Aces count as either 1 or 11, face cards as 10, and number cards as their face value.
The rules are basically the same as in the standard "Las Vegas Strip" rules, with the following exceptions: The player may only split once and only one card is drawn to split Aces. The player can double down on 10 and 11 only and he/she can not double down after a split. The dealer will check (peek) for Blackjack if he is showing an Ace or a 10-value card.
Single Deck Blackjack Rules in Brief:- One deck
- Dealer Hits on Soft 17
- Blackjack pays 3:2
- You may only split once per hand
- Only one card is drawn to split Aces
- You may double on 10 and 11 only
- You may not double after splitting
- Dealer peeks for Blackjack
- No Surrender
Peek Rule
The dealer always peeks for Blackjack.
If the dealer's up card is an Ace or a 10-card, he will peek at his cards to check for Blackjack
before the player makes any moves. If the dealer does have Blackjack and the player doesn't, the
dealer's hand will win.
7 Card Charlie
It's theoretically possible for you to draw 7 cards without going bust. In this case your
hand automatically wins, except when the dealer has Blackjack.
Splitting Rules
If your first 2 cards have the same value, you may split them (only once) into 2 separate hands by placing a second
bet equal to the original bet. You'll then draw additional cards to each hand. You may draw as many cards
as you like on each split hand, but you'll receive only one card if you split 2 Aces.
If you receive an Ace and a 10-value card in a split hand, it's not Blackjack, just
a 21-value hand.
Double Down Rules
If, after you are dealt your first 2 cards, you think that the third card will allow you to beat the
dealer's hand, you can double your bet. Another bet (with the same amount as your original bet) is taken out of
your balance, and you are dealt one more card. You may Double on 10- or 11-value hands only.
No double after splitting is allowed.
Insurance
If the dealer shows an Ace in his initial hand, you have an option to insure your bet against him
having a Blackjack. The Insurance bet amount equal to half your original bet is placed
on the table. If the dealer does have Blackjack, you are paid 2 : 1 on your insurance bet. This way you do
not lose your original bet. If the dealer does not have Blackjack, you lose your insurance bet.
Single Deck Blackjack Strategy
The correct strategy allows players to lower the house edge to about 0.48%. The optimal strategy card for Playtech's Single Deck Blackjack game is as follows:
The basic strategy card is shown as a table with the Dealer's up card the first row and player's 2-card combination the second column. The letters tell you what to act (Hit, Stand, Double Down or Split) depending on the different combinations of dealer's & player's hands. The Single Deck Blackjack strategy table for Playtech's rules is shown above for player's hard totals, soft totals, and pairs along with a legend below the table.
Where to Play?
You can play the Single Deck Blackjack game at
Europa Casino - popular
International online casino and one of the leader in Europe due to customer support
in 12 languages and localized casino software. Europa offers you to play 10 different versions of
Playtech blackjack games, like BJ switch,
surrender, single deck, 21 Duel and pontoon. New players can receive up to €/£/$
2,400 in welcome bonuses.
