In this article, our main focus is on six-deck games and everything they offer. Do understand that the number of decks affects the house edge and basic strategy in blackjack games. We've explained everything you should know about six-deck blackjack, including how to play, basic strategy, the house edge, strategy charts, and the payouts you get from different bets.
If you are playing blackjack for the first time, you made the best choice to come to our page. Blackjack is a popular table game with many variations. You will come across single-deck blackjack games and others with multiple decks. The reason we have multiple online blackjack variations is because of the flexible rules of playing.
Carry on reading to learn more about six-deck games of blackjack.
What is 6 Deck Blackjack?
A six-deck blackjack is a variant of a classic card game that uses 6 standard decks of 52 cards each. The unique thing about this version is that it follows the rules of Las Vegas Strip games. The difference in rules is that decks are shuffled after each hand is completed. Also, players are allowed to split where only one card is drawn to split aces.
As with other blackjack games, for the total card to add as close to 21 as possible without going over. All the card values in this variant are standard. The aces count as 1 or 11, the face cards are equal to 10, and all pictured cards have the same value that is indicated.
How to Play Six Deck Blackjack
Six-deck blackjack is a game between a player and the dealer. In the beginning, the player makes bets before the cards are dealt. Note that you cannot change wagers after cards have been drawn.
Side bets in 6-deck blackjack are available to a player with a blackjack bet, and it is valid for one hand only. The cards in this variant are dealt face up, one to each player and then one card for the dealer. This is followed by the second card, which is dealt to each player on the table.
As mentioned earlier, the card values are similar to other blackjack games. Ace counts as 1 or 11; the court cards count as 10, while other cards retain their face value. When a player busts, the blackjack bet is lost and surrendered to the casino.
In six-deck blackjack, blackjack is available for the player's first two cards only. This card can beat any other combinations but the dealer's or player's blackjack. It has a payout of 3 to 2 if you win. Players are free to pick as many cards as they want, but the total must not exceed 21. In addition, players are restricted from drawing or doubling any hand that is 21.
The Best 6 Decks Blackjack Strategy Tables
One of the advantages you get from playing blackjack with six decks is that the rules are very liberal. In this version, the casino has an extra percentage point for the additional decks added to the shoe. The following rules apply in 6 decks of blackjack:
- Dealer Stands on Soft 17
- Double Down After Split
- Re-Splitting Allowed
- Early Surrender Allowed
- Double Down on Any Total Allowed
- Blackjack Pays 3-2
These rules are represented on the blackjack charts as S17, DAS, RSA, ES & DOA.
However, there are several strategy tables hands in 6-deck blackjack you must avoid by all means if you want to be successful. These hands are represented on the blackjack strategy chart as H17, NDAS, NRSA, NS, and NDOA.
These are the worst strategy table rules:
- The dealer Stands on 17 (S17)
- No Double Down After Split (NDAS)
- There’s No Re-Splitting Allowed (RSA)
- No Surrender Rules (NS)
- Double Down on 9 Total Only (D9)
- Blackjack Pays 6-5
The above rules favor the casino as they raise the house edge. Therefore, before you start playing 6 deck blackjack table game, make sure the rules are in your favor and not the opposite. To help you out, we've listed the different rules you should master to minimize losses in blackjack:
Double Downs Rules
- Always Double Down on 10 or 11 (D10)
- Always Doubling down on the soft count
- Always Double down on three cards
- Always Double on any number of cards
- Always Redouble
Surrender Rules
- Late Surrender Allowed (LS)
- Always Surrender any number of cards
- Always Surrender after Double
Split Rules
- Always Surrender after Split
- Split any time
- Multiple draws after split Aces
The Worst Blackjack Strategy Tables to Avoid
When playing blackjack with six decks, the dreaded 16 hands are the worst on the strategy charts. This hand has been known for leaving many players regretting. This is because the 16 hands are pretty easy to go bust.
Additionally, the casino has a bigger advantage on this hand. Many blackjack players fall into the trick of standing on this hand when the dealer has 7, 8, 9, 10, or an Ace-up card. However, expert players know that this is the wrong move to make.
These are the blackjack strategy options you get with 16 total:
- Only stand when the dealer has a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 up card
- Always hit if the dealer’s card is a 7 or 8
- Always surrender if the dealer has a 9, 10, or A
- If surrender is not allowed, hit if the dealer has a 9, 10, or A
- Always split if you have 8-8 and the dealer’s upcard is 2 through to 10
- Always surrender if you have 8-8 and the dealer’s upcard is an Ace
In case you are dealt a soft 16(A-5), take it as 6 and always hit. The actions we have shared above apply to other blackjack games with 3, 4, and 5 decks.
How to Play 17+ Totals on 6 Decks Blackjack Games
One of the most challenging moments when you are playing 6 decks blackjack game is getting a hand close to 21. The best decision you can make in this case is to stand o each hand with a value of 17. This is also recommended by basic strategy charts.
- When you have 17 totals, always Surrender or Stand if the dealer’s upcard is an Ace unless you are playing on an S17 DAS table where you must always ‘Stand.’
- When you have 18 totals, always Stand unless you have 9-9, where you can Split only when the dealer’s upcard is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, or 9.
- When you have 19 totals, always Stand.
- When you have 20 Totals, always ‘Stand’ even if you have 10-10.
The House Edge in Six Deck Blackjack in Comparison to Other Games
The number of decks always affects the house edge, regardless of the betting strategy you use. It is important to understand that card counting does not work in 6-deck games or other decks.
If you plan to become an expert blackjack player, you must know the rules that affect the player's edge. The advantage of playing at online casinos is that the RTP and other rules are available. With this information, you can choose the best blackjack variation to play.
How to Memorize Blackjack Charts
Memorizing blackjack charts is essential if you want to be successful. The good thing is that you can print a strategy chart and use it as you play. The best way you can master the charts is to practice online in free mode. There are four strategy charts in 6-deck blackjack games. Take time to understand how each of them works before applying them in your real money games.
The Bottom Line
In summary, six decks blackjack is a fantastic game, and you can play in top online and land-based casinos. As you can see, there are specific rules that work for this variation and may not apply to other decks. Understand how the rules work and master the basic strategy charts to optimize your chances of beating the dealer. Make sure you practice well before playing six-deck blackjack online.
