Here at Joe Fortune the team is always keen to receive and answer your questions about our online table games. One that frequently comes up is how does your Blackjack strategy need to shift when you’re playing with 4, 6 or 8 decks instead of just one? Whether you’re looking to reduce the house edge or just want to avoid rookie mistakes, we’ll walk you through your gameplay and look at the challenges and differences when playing multi-deck blackjack online.
Key Differences When Playing Multi-Deck Blackjack
Righto, so let’s talk about what changes when you go from a single-deck game to one with multiple decks (like 4, 6, or 8). At first glance, it might not seem like much as the rules mostly stay the same, the cards are the same, and your goal is still the same… i.e. to beat the dealer. But those extra decks change the maths behind the game and that means your strategy should be different too.
More decks slightly increase the house edge
The house edge goes up ever so slightly with each added deck. It’s not massive, but over time, it can make a difference. For example, all things being equal, an 8-deck game gives the house a small but better edge than a 4-deck one.
Card counting becomes harder
If you’re one of those players who loves to track cards (or just keep an eye on how many high cards have been played), then it is bad news as the more decks in the shoe, the harder this becomes. That’s because any single card has less of an impact on the odds when there are hundreds of others in play.
More decks mean more blackjacks for the house
Because there are more cards overall, including more 10s and Aces, the odds that both you and the dealer get blackjack are more balanced resulting in a push. This means the dealer always has the edge as it results in slightly more blackjacks that won’t pay you out as a winner.
Basic strategy tweaks
In multi-deck games, the optimal moves in certain situations (like when to double or split) shift a little bit. The changes aren’t drastic, but they matter if you’re looking to play your best game.
4–8 Deck Strategy on H17 (Dealer Hits on Soft 17)
When the dealer hits on soft 17 that is, they draw another card if they have an Ace + 6 (which counts as 17) this gives the house a slight edge because the dealer has another shot at improving their hand. Here’s what to keep in mind with H17 rules in multi-deck games:
Key Strategy Adjustments:
- Double down on soft 18 (A-7) vs dealer’s 2 through 6. Even though soft 18 feels decent, you want to press the advantage against weaker dealer cards.
- Hit soft 18 vs 9, 10 or Ace. Don’t stand here as it’s not as safe as it looks. The dealer has a stronger chance to beat you.
- Always split Aces and 8s. That holds true in any version of blackjack, and especially when the dealer is more aggressive on soft 17.
- Avoid doubling down on 11 when the dealer shows an Ace in H17 games as the risk is too high that they’ll pull something better.
4–8 Deck Strategy on S17 (Dealer Stands on Soft 17)
When the dealer stands on soft 17 the game is slightly more favourable for players. The dealer loses the chance to improve their hand, which means you’ll win more often when they’re holding a marginal hand.
Key Strategy Adjustments:
- Double down more frequently on soft hands. For e.g. double on soft 18 (A-7) when the dealer shows 3 through 6.
- Stand on soft 18 vs dealer’s 2 or 7. Since the dealer can’t hit a soft 17, you’ve got better odds to win or push.
- Split more aggressively. In S17 games, you’re better off splitting 2s, 3s and 6s when the dealer shows 4–6.
Strategy Summary:
- S17 is better for the player than H17.
- Use basic strategy charts specifically for S17 games, it might only be a subtle difference, but it can save you big over time.
House Edge of 4 Deck Games
In a 4-deck game, the house edge is slightly higher than in single or double-deck games, but still low at around 0.48%. This can vary slightly depending on the exact rules (H17 vs S17, whether you can double after splits, etc… With a proper basic strategy, you can reduce that edge even more. Our pro tip here is, if the 4-deck game allows doubling after splitting (DAS), always take advantage of that option.
House Edge of 6 Deck Games
The most common format for online blackjack tables tends to be 6-deck blackjack, and for good reason, it strikes a balance between speed, randomness, and house edge. The average house edge here is about 0.5%, assuming standard rules (H17, double on any two cards, etc..). It’s still a very player-friendly game, especially if you stick to basic strategy. Just one to watch for… If you’re forced to play a 6-deck game with poor rules (i.e. no DAS, limited splitting, dealer wins on ties), the house edge jumps fast. So be sure to check the details and we suggest avoiding games if this is stipulated as part of the game play.
House Edge of 8 Deck Games
With 8 decks in play, you’re looking at a house edge of closer to 0.55% under standard conditions. That’s still better than many other casino games, but it’s the least favourable of the multi-deck blackjack formats. This version is often used in high-volume online tables, auto-deal blackjack, and live dealer games.
Here’s when it is good to play 8-deck Blackjack… When you enjoy fast-paced gameplay and don’t mind the slightly higher edge. The table offers good rule variations (S17, late surrender and DAS to name a few. Finally, you’re able to claim a solid blackjack bonus that offsets the edge.
Play Multi-Deck Blackjack at Joe Fortune
Now here’s where things get exciting… With Joe Fortune being the best online casino for blackjack in Australia, we’ve got all the multi-deck variants you could want.
- Multiple blackjack types. Whether it’s classic blackjack, perfect pairs, or live dealer, Joe Fortune has it all. And yes, you’ll find 4, 6, and 8-deck versions with player-friendly rules.
- Low house edge tables. The games are designed to be fair, fast, and rewarding. Many blackjack tables come with rules like S17 and double after split which reduces the house edge in your favour.
- Crypto-friendly. You can play with Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum and more with no transaction fees, fast payouts, and check out our crypto bonuses which sweeten the deal even more!
- Bonuses galore. From the welcome bonus for all our mates, to ongoing promotions, Joe Fortune sorts you out with maximum playing power which is perfect when tackling multi-deck blackjack.
Final Thoughts
Multi-deck blackjack (4–8 decks) may look just like the single-deck game you’re used to, but don’t let that fool you, your strategy needs to have some subtle changes, and the house edge does vary based on the number of decks.
Quick Recap:
- 4-deck = Lower edge, about 0.48%, good mix of speed and control.
- 6-deck = Most common online, balanced edge about 0.5%.
- 8-deck = Slightly higher edge closer to 0.55%, but fast-paced and more available.
When you’re playing here at Joe Fortune you not only get access to the best-designed blackjack tables and a range of games, but you’ll also enjoy the perks of bonuses, secure banking, and crypto play. Just remember to stick to basic strategy for the game rules you’re playing (H17 vs S17), pick tables where you fully understand the rules, and be smart, it isn’t all about playing fast.