| Updated: NetEnt’s Single Deck Blackjack is one of the most popular online blackjack variations because of its simplicity and, of course, the use of a single 52-card deck, which can give players an advantage. Combined with low betting limits (€1-€40), this game is an ideal choice for beginner-level players.
This game was released as part of NetEnt’s Professional Series and features high-quality graphics, a classic green-felt table design, and the option to adjust the game speed. When played using optimal strategy, it offers a theoretical return-to-player rate of 99.59%.
Rules and Gameplay
This version of blackjack uses only one deck of cards, which is shuffled before each round. The dealer receives two cards: one face-up and the other face-down, known as the “hole” card. The dealer checks the hole card if the upcard is an Ace or a 10-value card. According to the rules, the dealer also hits on soft 17, which is a hand totaling 17 that includes an Ace counted as 11. If the dealer has a hard 17, such as 9-8, the dealer must stand.
At the start of each round, players have the standard options of hitting or standing. If their hand totals 10 or 11, they may also double down, after which one additional card is dealt. Players can also split a pair if their two initial cards have the same value. Only one split is allowed, and players may hit split hands as many times as they like, except when splitting Aces. In this case, only one card is dealt to each hand.
Distinctive Features
NetEnt’s Single Deck Blackjack does not differ significantly from standard blackjack, except that it is played with only one deck. The game also offers insurance. Players can buy insurance for half the value of their original bet if the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. Insurance is a side bet that pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack.
Another notable but unfavorable rule in this variation is Even Money. Under this rule, players who have blackjack can receive a 1:1 payout if the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. In all other cases, blackjack pays 3:2.
Conclusion
Because NetEnt’s Single Deck Blackjack is played with only 52 cards, it attracts many card counters. Even if you are not interested in card counting and prefer to rely solely on basic blackjack strategy, it is still a great game to play.