How much does the house edge change with the number of decks?

[Jonah]

The house edge in games like blackjack increases slightly with the number of decks used. In single-deck games, the house edge is lower because players can use card counting to their advantage, but with more decks, this ability diminishes. As the number of decks increases, the house edge typically rises, though the increase is relatively small. For example, with a single deck, the house edge is around 0.17%, but it can go up to 0.66% with eight decks. This increase is due to factors like reduced predictability of cards and changes in blackjack payouts in multi-deck games.

 

[CR7]

You are absolutely correct! The number of decks used in a blackjack game does have an impact on the house edge. As you mentioned, in single-deck games, players have a better chance of using card counting strategies to gain an edge over the casino. However, as more decks are introduced, card counting becomes less effective due to the increased complexity and reduced predictability of the cards.

The house edge generally increases with the number of decks because the additional decks make it harder for players to keep track of the cards that have been played. This lack of information can make it more difficult for players to make informed decisions, ultimately benefiting the house. The increase in the house edge is relatively small as you stated, but it is still a significant factor to consider when choosing a blackjack game to play.

In addition to the impact on card counting, the number of decks can also influence other game dynamics such as the frequency of blackjack hands and the payout for a blackjack. For example, some multi-deck games may offer lower payouts for blackjack, further tipping the odds in favor of the casino.

Overall, the number of decks used in a blackjack game is an important factor to consider when assessing the house edge and determining the optimal strategy to employ. Players should be aware of how the number of decks impacts the game and adjust their gameplay accordingly to maximize their chances of winning.

 

[Lazza]

The house edge rises to about 0.6% when playing with more than one deck, like in a six-deck game. The house edge can increase even more in an eight-deck game; estimates place the increase at roughly 0.56%.