Blackjack, one of the most popular card games in casinos worldwide, has its unique charm. The thrill of making strategic decisions, hoping the next card dealt will be the one that brings you closer to 21, is unmatched. But have you ever wondered why certain blackjack tables in South Africa (and other parts of the world) use 8 decks instead of the traditional 1 or 2? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the reasons behind this, explore how it affects gameplay, and discuss its impact on players’ strategies.
The Basics of Blackjack Decks
Before we dive into why multiple decks are used in blackjack, let’s first take a step back and understand the fundamentals of the game. Blackjack is a card game where the goal is to achieve a hand total as close to 21 as possible without going over. Players are dealt two cards, and from there, they make strategic decisions: they can “hit” (take another card) or “stand” (keep their current hand). The object of the game is to either beat the dealer’s hand or get a total of 21, which is known as a blackjack.
The game is typically played with a standard deck of 52 cards, with each card carrying a specific value. The number cards (2-10) are worth their face value, meaning the 2 is worth two points, the 3 is worth three, and so on up to the 10. The face cards — Jack, Queen, and King — all have a value of 10 points each. Aces are unique because they can either be worth 1 point or 11 points, depending on the situation and the hand’s total. For instance, if you have an Ace and a 7, you could have a total of 8 or 18, depending on what works better for your hand.
Now, let’s talk about how blackjack is typically played in casinos. In traditional blackjack, a single deck of 52 cards is used. When only one deck is in play, players can often take advantage of the strategy known as card counting. Card counting is the practice of keeping track of which high or low cards have been dealt, giving players an edge in predicting which cards are likely to come next. While this is not illegal, it’s frowned upon by casinos, and many casinos take steps to counter it.
One of the most effective ways casinos combat card counting is by using multiple decks. In a game with several decks — like the 8-deck games often found in South Africa and other parts of the world — it becomes much more difficult for players to track the remaining cards accurately. With more decks in the game, the number of possible combinations increases significantly, making it far harder for players to predict which cards are likely to appear. This is why casinos prefer using 8 decks, as it reduces the effectiveness of card counting and makes the game more challenging for skilled players.
The Casino’s Advantage: Why 8 Decks Are Used
- Reducing Card Counting Efficiency
One of the main reasons casinos prefer 8-deck blackjack games is to diminish the effectiveness of card counting. When only one deck is used, skilled players can track which cards have been dealt and adjust their strategies accordingly. This allows them to make more informed decisions about when to hit or stand, which can give them an advantage. However, when 8 decks are in play, it becomes much more challenging for players to track the remaining high or low cards. With a large number of cards, it is difficult for players to predict which cards will come next, thus leveling the playing field between the house and the players. - Increased House Edge
Another key factor for using 8 decks is the slight increase in the casino’s advantage. The house edge refers to the percentage by which the casino is statistically more likely to win over time. In a single-deck game, players can take advantage of card counting, reducing the house edge. But with multiple decks in play, the house edge naturally increases. In 8-deck games, the mathematical probabilities associated with a larger deck pool slightly favor the casino, resulting in a marginal but significant edge. While this increase isn’t drastic, over time it can make a noticeable difference in the casino’s profitability. - The Element of Surprise
In a single-deck game, players often rely on their memory or instinct to predict the next few cards, especially if they’re waiting for a particular card to complete their hand. This predictability can reduce the excitement of the game. However, in an 8-deck game, the sheer number of cards in play introduces a high level of unpredictability. With so many cards being dealt, it becomes more difficult for players to anticipate the cards that will appear next. This element of surprise keeps the game more exciting and dynamic, as both players and the dealer are uncertain about what will happen next. - Slowing Down the Game
Another indirect benefit for casinos is that using 8 decks slows down the game. Since players cannot rely on card counting strategies as much, they tend to take longer to make decisions. The larger deck size also means more cards are shuffled and dealt, leading to longer game rounds. In turn, this allows casinos to control the flow of the game and maintain higher levels of play, which can ultimately increase their revenue. - Reducing Player Advantages from Variance
In blackjack, variance can significantly affect the outcomes, especially when a player uses card counting techniques. With 8 decks in play, the chances of players hitting a streak of favorable hands are reduced. The larger deck size means that players can no longer rely on a smaller number of cards to swing the game in their favor, decreasing the potential for large swings of fortune. This helps the casino maintain a more stable and predictable revenue stream.
How Does Using 8 Decks Affect the Strategy?
| Aspect of Strategy | Single-Deck Game | 8-Deck Game | Effect on Strategy | Recommended Adjustments |
| Insurance Bets | Odds of dealer having blackjack are higher. Insurance bet is more favorable. | Odds of dealer having blackjack are slightly lower. Insurance bet is less favorable. | Insurance bets become less beneficial in 8-deck games. | Avoid taking insurance bets in an 8-deck game. |
| Doubling Down | Doubling down is a common strategy, especially on hands like 11. | Doubling down is riskier due to more cards in play. | Increased deck size reduces the probability of favorable outcomes for doubling down. | Be more selective with doubling down. Focus on hands like 10 and 11 only. |
| Surrender | Surrendering may be employed less frequently, depending on the hand. | Surrendering becomes more important in certain hands due to card distribution. | Statistical shifts in card distribution make the surrender option more useful. | Use surrender option more often, particularly on poor hands like 16 vs. dealer 9. |
| Bet Sizing | Card counting allows for more precise bet sizing based on remaining cards. | Bet sizing must now be based on overall game odds, not on card tracking. | Bet sizing becomes more about managing risk, with no card counting advantage. | Consider conservative betting, adjusting based on hand strength rather than card count. |
| Risk Management | Players can adjust their bets based on the count of high and low cards. | Risk management is trickier with multiple decks, as players cannot rely on card counts. | The lack of card counting changes how players assess risk and make betting decisions. | Adopt a conservative betting strategy, especially for less favorable hands. |
How Are Payouts Affected in 8-Deck Blackjack?
In blackjack, the general payout structure remains the same whether you’re playing a single-deck or an 8-deck game. For a standard winning hand, players receive a 1:1 payout, meaning they are paid back their original bet plus the same amount in winnings. If you get a blackjack, which is an Ace and a 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, or King), you’re usually paid at 3:2. Some casinos might offer slightly lower payouts, but the payout percentages themselves tend to remain relatively consistent across the board.
However, the increased house edge in an 8-deck game can make it more difficult for players to consistently win, even when the payout structure is unchanged. This happens because of the larger number of decks in play, which dilutes the effectiveness of card counting and increases the statistical advantage the casino has over the player. Essentially, while the payout rates may look identical at first glance, the actual chances of winning are lower in a multi-deck game, which makes it harder for players to maintain a steady profit in the long run.
Another factor that can impact the overall payouts in an 8-deck blackjack game is the risk of higher variance. In a multi-deck game, the number of cards in play increases, which introduces a greater element of unpredictability. The variance of outcomes — the extent to which the results of individual hands deviate from the expected results — tends to be higher in games with more decks. As a result, players may experience larger swings in their bankrolls, with the potential for significant short-term losses or gains.
The increased variance means that, while the odds of winning a hand might not change dramatically, the overall fluctuations in a player’s bankroll can become more extreme. For example, a player might win several hands in a row, only to be hit with a losing streak that depletes their stack much faster than it would in a single-deck game. Understanding this variance and adjusting your betting strategy accordingly can help mitigate some of these risks, but it’s important to be aware that the unpredictability is higher in an 8-deck game compared to single-deck blackjack. This added volatility is a crucial factor for players to keep in mind when managing their bankroll and planning their approach to the game.
The Player’s Perspective: Pros and Cons
- Less Card Counting
For casual players who aren’t focused on card counting, an 8-deck game provides a simpler experience. The increased number of decks makes it difficult to track which cards have already been dealt, removing the need for complex card-counting techniques. Players can focus more on enjoying the game rather than trying to outsmart the system. - Faster Gameplay
With multiple decks in play, the game can flow more quickly, as there are fewer delays due to reshuffling between hands. The pace of the game picks up, making it more engaging for players who enjoy a faster tempo. - No Need for Advanced Strategies
Since the odds of card counting are diminished, players don’t need to worry about mastering advanced strategies. This makes 8-deck blackjack more accessible for beginners and those who want to play without the pressure of learning complex systems. - Less Focus on Card Tracking
The complexity of keeping track of which cards have been dealt is reduced, allowing players to focus on other aspects of the game. This is particularly advantageous for players who want to enjoy blackjack without worrying about memorizing every card in the deck. - Increased House Edge
One of the key downsides of 8-deck blackjack is the increased house edge. While the difference isn’t huge, the house edge is still higher compared to single-deck games. This means players have a lower probability of winning over the long term and are less likely to make consistent profits. - Less Control for Experienced Players
For seasoned blackjack players who rely on card counting and detailed strategies, the use of 8 decks makes it significantly more challenging to make informed decisions. The larger number of decks diminishes the ability to accurately predict which cards are coming next, making strategies less effective.
Are 8-Deck Blackjack Tables Common in South Africa?
| Casino Type | Prevalence of 8-Deck Games | Reason for Popularity | Land-Based Casinos | Online Casinos |
| Major Casinos | Very Common | To reduce card counting and maintain house edge | 8-deck games are typically offered on most casino floors | Most online platforms provide 8-deck options for a standardized gaming experience |
| Smaller Casinos | Less Common | Smaller casinos may use fewer decks due to cost considerations | Some smaller venues offer fewer decks (like 4-deck) | 8-deck games are still prevalent, but there may be fewer options overall |
| Online Platforms | Very Common | To ensure consistency in game rules and reduce the effectiveness of card counting | 8-deck games are standard across most online platforms | Provides a consistent user experience with the same number of decks across games |
| Casino Variety | Consistently Offered | Players prefer the consistency in rules and gameplay | Larger, more popular casinos often favor 8-deck games | Online casinos commonly offer 8-deck blackjack alongside other variants |
| Tourist Areas | Highly Prevalent | Attracts international players with familiar rules | Big casinos in tourist destinations feature 8-deck games | Global online casinos targeting South African players frequently use 8-deck formats |
The 8-Deck Strategy
The use of 8 decks in blackjack significantly alters the dynamics of the game, creating an environment where the ability to count cards is severely diminished. For casinos, this is a clear advantage, as it ensures a more even playing field, minimizing the chances of skilled players using card-counting techniques to gain an edge. With so many cards in play, predicting the remaining deck composition becomes nearly impossible, making it harder for players to adjust their bets based on the high or low cards that remain. While the casino benefits from this change, players must adapt their strategies accordingly.
One of the biggest impacts of playing with 8 decks is the increased house edge. Unlike single-deck blackjack, where players can more easily identify favorable odds and adjust their bets, the larger number of decks introduces greater variance and complexity. While the house edge increase isn’t enormous, it is enough to affect a player’s long-term profitability. Players must be aware of this subtle shift and adjust their playing strategies to minimize the effects of the increased house advantage. Basic strategy charts become more important, and players may need to tweak their approach to things like doubling down and taking insurance bets.
In terms of strategy, players must also acknowledge that certain tactics that work well in single-deck games may not be as effective in an 8-deck game. For instance, it is often less advantageous to take insurance or double down in a multi-deck game because the probability of getting a favorable outcome is lower. This shift means players must focus more on disciplined betting and more conservative strategies, avoiding the temptation to make risky moves that may have worked in simpler, single-deck versions of the game.
Finally, embracing the unpredictability of an 8-deck game can add excitement and challenge. The game becomes less predictable, and players can no longer rely solely on memorizing the deck composition or relying on card-counting systems. Instead, it’s about playing with what’s in front of you and making smart, calculated decisions in the face of uncertainty. While this can be daunting for some players, for others, it adds an element of thrill and increases the overall enjoyment of the game. By adapting to these changes and adjusting their mindset, players can still enjoy a rewarding experience even in the multi-deck blackjack environment.