| Updated: September 18, 2025NetEnt’s Single Deck Blackjack is one of the most popular online blackjack versions because of its simplicity and, of course, the use of a single 52-card deck, which gives players a great 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 it features high-quality graphics, a classic green-felt table design, and the option to adjust the game speed. When played with 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 draws two cards – one face-up and the other face-down, called the “hole” card. The dealer peeks at this hole card if his upcard is an Ace or a 10-value card. According to the rules, the dealer also hits on soft 17 – a hand totaling 17 that includes an Ace counted as 11. If he is holding a hard 17, such as 9-8, he must stand.
At the start of each round, players have the standard options, namely Hit and Stand. If their hand totals 10 or 11, they may also Double Down, and an additional card will be dealt to them. Players can also Split a pair if the 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 will be dealt to each hand.
Distinctive Features
NetEnt’s Single Deck Blackjack doesn’t differ much from standard blackjack, except that it is played with only one deck. Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that the game offers Insurance – players can buy insurance for half of their original bet if the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. Insurance is a side bet that pays 2:1 if the dealer makes blackjack.
Another interesting, yet unfavorable, rule in this variation is Even Money. Under this rule, players who have blackjack receive an even payout (1:1) 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 into card counting and prefer to rely solely on basic blackjack strategy, it is still a great game to play.