Blackjack decision table

The same abbreviations that were used in the tables and charts for

single-deck games are used for double-deck games.
Note: The abbreviations also appear below each table and color-coded chart.

HOW TO USE THE STRATEGY TABLES AND CHARTS

Below are some sample hands for a double-deck game.

Suppose you are playing a S17, DAS game and you are dealt A-7 and the dealer shows a 9 upcard. If you refer to the Double-Deck, S17, DAS Table, you will find the following rule for A-7:

* Double on 3 through 6
** Stand on 2, 7, 8; Hit on 9, 10, A

Since the dealer’s upcard is a 9, the correct basic strategy play is to Hit.

If you refer to the Double Deck, S17, DAS chart, you will see that at the intersection of the A-7 and dealer’s 9 upcard is the letter H, meaning Hit.

Let’s try one more hand. You are dealt 4-4 and the dealer’s upcard is a 5. The rules are H17, DAS. What does the strategy table or chart say to play it?

The answer is to Split.

DOUBLE DECK, S17, DAS

STRATEGY TABLE
STRATEGY CHART

DOUBLE DECK, S17, NDAS

STRATEGY TABLE
STRATEGY CHART

DOUBLE DECK, H17, DAS

STRATEGY TABLE
STRATEGY CHART

DOUBLE DECK, H17, NDAS

STRATEGY TABLE
STRATEGY CHART

INSIDER TIPS FOR PLAYING DOUBLE-DECK GAMES

In most double-deck games, the dealers pitch the cards face down to players, although a few casinos use a dealing shoe, but that’s rare. Be sure you know the correct Blackjack etiquette for holding your cards and signaling your playing decision to the dealer when playing in a double-deck pitch game.

Some double-deck games in land-based casinos pay only 6 to 5, instead of 3 to 2, for a winning blackjack. When the casino pays only 6-5 for a blackjack, the house edge increases by 1.4% (ouch!). I’ll have more to say about these dastardly 6-5 games in Chapter 6.2 but for now remember to never play any blackjack game that pays 6-5 on a blackjack.

The house edge against a basic strategy player in a 3-2 double-deck game is a function of the mix of playing rules.
The following table summarizes the relationship of typical rules that you will find in a 3-2 double-deck game and the corresponding house edge against a basic strategy player. Notice that the best double-deck games offer S17 and DAS (with or without RSA).
The house edge is only 0.14% - 0.19%, which is quite good. If your local casino offers only an H17 double-deck game, make sure they allow DAS, and better yet, with RSA and/or LS.

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