Welcome to Cash Casino's blog post about a crucial topic in the game of Blackjack, one of the most popular card games worldwide. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to brush up on the basics, this blog post is for you.
We'll dive into some of the core essentials of Blackjack, starting with the deck itself - i.e. how many cards make up a Blackjack deck - the number of decks in the game, and, crucially, how many cards you begin with. So, keep reading to find out all this and more.
How Many Cards In a Blackjack Deck?
In the game of Blackjack, a standard 52-card deck is used. This deck comprises four suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades, with each suit containing 13 cards - Ace, the numbers 2-10, Jack, Queen, and King.
However, it's important to note that the number of decks used in Blackjack can vary from one Blackjack game to another.
This variation affects the game's strategy and odds, making it essential to understand the specific rules of the Blackjack table you're playing at.
Are Multiple Decks Used In Blackjack?
Yes, many Blackjack games utilise more than one deck of cards. The exact number of decks can vary widely, but most games feature between 2 and 8 decks.
The practice of using multiple decks, known as shoe games, is primarily designed to make card counting more difficult, thus increasing the challenge for players and maintaining the game's integrity. By adding more decks, the odds of drawing any specific card decrease, subtly shifting the game's odds in favour of the house.
For example, with more decks in play, the likelihood of hitting a natural Blackjack (an Ace paired with a 10 or face card) slightly decreases, affecting strategy considerations and betting decisions. Understanding how multiple decks influence the game can be useful in helping to manage expectations.
How Many Cards Do You Start Off With In Blackjack?
In Blackjack, the bets are placed before any cards are dealt. Initially, each player, including the dealer, is dealt two cards. For the players, both cards are dealt face up; for the dealer, one card is face up (the "upcard") and the other face down (the "hole card").
If you're dealt a pair (two cards of the same value), you have the option to "split" them into two separate hands. Splitting pairs requires placing an additional bet equal to your original wager and effectively gives you another hand to play that is completely separate from the other hand. You receive another card in each hand so that you end up with two hands of two cards (4 cards total).
It may be possible to split pairs even further in some games if the new cards drawn result in another pair, so you could end up with even more cards. However, not only is there added complexity to the game as you navigate additional hands, but you also have to place additional bets so that each hand has its own active wager.
Understanding when and how to split pairs is a part of learning basic Blackjack strategy.
But to answer the original question in a single sentence: all players begin a standard Blackjack game with 2 cards.
Do You Use Jokers In Blackjack?
In the game of Blackjack, Joker cards are not typically included or used. Blackjack is played with the standard 52-card deck, which consists of four suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades, each running from Ace through King.
The inclusion of Jokers in the deck is common in other card games where they may serve as wild cards or have specific roles. However, in Blackjack, the focus is on reaching a total card value of 21 or as close to it as possible without going over, using just the standard cards. The simplicity of the deck without Jokers helps maintain the game's straightforwardness.
Playing Blackjack Online For Real Money
For those looking for a reputable UK casino site that allows for playing Blackjack online for real money, you're in the right place.
Cash Casino has a range of incredible online Blackjack games to choose from. We have Blackjack games that use a Random Number Generator (RNG) to produce fair, random and unpredictable outcomes, as well as live Blackjack games that use real dealers shuffling and drawing cards in real time.
We also offer numerous variations of Blackjack for those looking for something a little different from the standard game. Press 'Join Now' to create an account and play any of our Blackjack games for the chance to win real money payouts.