6 Deck Blackjack: Learn the Odds and Optimal Strategy

There are varying versions of blackjack and casinos often use different numbers of decks to deal the game. Those with six decks are some of the most common and present some differing strategy considerations different from games with fewer decks such as single- or double-deck blackjack.

What are some of those main differences? How should you approach these types of games? This article explains the key concepts and strategies behind six-deck blackjack. Keep reading to find out how to play and perfect your own skills.

What is 6 Deck Blackjack?

Six-deck blackjack is played like other blackjack games, but as the name implies, the house uses six decks to deal the game. The dealer uses a dealer shoe to distribute cards to players throughout the game and a cut card when shuffling to determine how much of the deck gets dealt before reshuffling.

Casinos use multiple decks to make card counting easy. Using more decks also speeds the game with less shuffling and adds to the house edge. The casino often reserves games with fewer decks for those playing at higher stakes.

However, six-deck blackjack plays out similarly to single-deck games with players acting on their own hands and hoping to get as close to 21 without busting.

Understanding the Odds in 6 Deck Blackjack

While the number of decks affects the house edge, players will still generally find a favorable game compared to other options in the casino. While slots may have a house edge as high as 25%, six-deck blackjack can come with a house edge of just over 0.5%.

This may edge up a bit more, depending on the house rules. For example, paying out 6 to 5 on blackjack rather than 3 to 2 adds to the house edge. Standing on soft 17 can also add to the casino advantage.

Looking for better rules, such as allowing surrender, 3-to-2 blackjack payouts, and hitting soft 17, will make the game better for players. These more favorable rules can often be found in single-deck blackjack , and can reduce the edge in that game even more, well below 0.5%.

Here’s a look at how the house edge compares to games with other decks based on games with the most favorable rules, according to Wizardofodds.com.

Decks	House edge
Single deck	0.014%
Twos decks	0.341%
Four decks	0.499%
Six decks	0.551%
Eight decks	0.577%

Essential Strategies for 6 Deck Blackjack

As with any blackjack version, using basic strategy gives you the best mathematical chance of winning. This system was developed to thin the house edge as much as possible and offers the best option for players based on the dealer upcard. Basic strategy is also based on the number of decks and the specific rules of the game.

Using a basic strategy chart to practice is a great idea and will help players perfect the system. You can also use the chart when playing online at sites like Lucky Block Casino. There can be some differences between basic strategy for six decks versus games with one or two decks. Here’s a quick example:

Player is dealt soft 13 or 14
Single deck (dealer stands on soft 17; blackjack pays 3 to 2) – double down against 4, 5, and 6
Six decks (dealer stands on soft 17; blackjack pays 3 to 2) – double down only against 5 and 6

These may seem like minor differences, but these kinds of differences can alter the house edge. Knowing basic strategy and adjusting for differing numbers of decks is the best way to play when hoping for some real winnings.

Using the 6 Deck Blackjack Strategy Chart

When using the blackjack strategy chart, notice that the dealer card is located at the top and the players card is located along the left side running vertically. You can look at where the player and dealer’s card correspond to determine what is the correct play.

You will see varying abbreviations for the correct move to make such as:

H – hit
S – stand
D – double down
Sp – split

The chart also features separate sections for soft hands, those that hold an ace, and when dealt pairs, allowing you to determine which hands to split. Regarding 10-10, this hand should never be split no matter how many decks because you risk breaking up a hand with a high potential to win into two possible losing hands. Some practice with a six-deck blackjack strategy chart can go a long way toward improving your skills at the table.

Pros and Cons of Playing 6 Deck Blackjack

There can be some advantages to playing six-deck blackjack as well as some disadvantages to the game. Here’s a look at some keys pros and cons of the game.

Pros	Cons
Still has a low house edge.	House edge is a bit higher than single-deck and double-deck games.
Action can move quickly.	Quick action can mean more losses during a bad run of cards.
These games may feature lower stakes than games with fewer decks.	Basic strategy differs from other games so you’ll need to practice based on the game you play.
Easily available in many casinos.	May have poorer rules, such as 6 to 5 payouts on blackjack.

Conclusion

Blackjack is a game that offers players a low house edge, but casinos alter the number of decks to affect the house edge. Games with more decks, such as six-deck blackjack, tend to have a higher house edge than games with fewer decks, depending on the house rules for the game.

However, six-deck blackjack still has a low house edge of slightly over 0.5%, better than many other games in a casino. Basic strategy can vary depending on the number of decks and rules, so using a basic strategy for six decks is imperative when playing this game. This offers players the best mathematical play to reduce the house edge as much as possible – giving players the best odds of winning.

Looking to play some blackjack online? Hitting the tables at Lucky Block Casino offers players the chance at some real-money gaming to practice those skills and win some real money if the cards go your way. Players will find a trusted site and it only takes a few minutes to set up an account and get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does 6 deck blackjack differ from single deck blackjack?

The game comes with a slightly higher house edge and may feature poorer rules as well, such as 6-to-5 payouts on blackjack. The game is more prevalent, however, and can easily be found in many casinos.

Is card counting effective in 6 deck blackjack?

Yes, card counting can be effective in six-deck blackjack. However, the practice is more difficult than in games with a single deck and players will have to practice so that they can count cards without being detected by casino management.

What are the best strategies for playing 6 deck blackjack?

The best chance at winning is to use a six deck basic strategy chart so that you’ll know the right move to make against any dealer upcard.

Does 6 deck blackjack have better odds than other versions?

That depends on the game rules, but games with fewer decks generally have lower house edges. However, six-deck blackjack is much more favorable to players than many other games in the casino.