Updated: Aug 15, 2022

    Double Deck Blackjack in Online Casinos

    Did you know that Double Deck Blackjack is also referred to as “Pitch”? This is because the cards are pitched face-down to gamblers instead of face-up right in front of them. Double Deck Blackjack is played with two decks, rather than the single deck in standard blackjack. Once the cards are shuffled in the game, play is similar to any other variant, although it has a few rules that place it a step ahead of the rest.

    Granted, it can be tricky counting the cards in double deck blackjack online. However, with a little practice, you’ll perfect the skill. Though the counting process can be complicated, the odds of counting cards in 2-deck vs. 6-deck blackjack are way better.

    Since there are more 10-value cards in the deck, house edges on insurance bets tend to be lower in a 2-deck blackjack. Additionally, doubling down is easier in this blackjack variant as there are more faces and 10s.

    Because Double Deck is a pitch blackjack variation, the croupier holds on to the decks. They can’t always see your cards, and you can’t see theirs. This rule varies from game to game, though. That’s why it always pays to check what a Double Deck Blackjack casino offers before committing to it.

    Top Casinos Offering Double Deck Blackjack in 2024

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    Everything You Need to Know About Double Deck Blackjack

    One difference between shoe-dealt Blackjack and Pitch is that gamblers pick up and hold their face-down cards with one hand. You can play double deck blackjack online for free.

    In a typical Pitch game, the croupier delivers two cards, face down, to every player. The dealer also receives two cards- one of them face up and the other face down. Every face card counts as 10 each.

    Every other card counts at face value save for the Ace that counts as 1 or 11. An Ace with any 10-value card on the first two cards is a Blackjack and gets paid one and one-half times the bet. If the croupier also has a Blackjack, it’s a push.

    What is Double Deck Blackjack?

    Double Deck Blackjack is a variant of Blackjack that uses 104 cards in total (52 cards in two decks). The cards are shuffled together and shuffled at the beginning of each hand. Though the rules are similar to the Classic game, variations of the game differ between gambling establishments because of the type of software used and the house rules.

    In this version, if the cards are drawn up total to more than 21, you are ‘bust’ despite what the croupier has. If the dealer is bust, you win the round.

    As in European Blackjack, the croupier receives no hole card and doesn’t peek for Blackjack. Pitch is one of those gambling games that look intimidating at first, but once you learn your way around it, it’s a game you always want to play.

    Looking for reasons to play it? Here are some incentives:

    • It has a low house edge of 0.42%- 0.45%- which is lower than that of four, six, or eight-deck blackjack variants.
    • You can use its rules to drop the edge further to 0.20%.
    • It’s easy to learn.
    • Some variations offer the Surrender option, which allows you to fold at the loss of only half your original stake.
    • It enables you to double after splitting.

    How to Play Double Deck Blackjack

    Once you’ve learned all you can about Double Deck Blackjack, playing it will be a breeze. If it’s your first time playing this version or you’re a beginner, here’s a detailed guide to get you to a betting table fast:

    • Select a gambling establishment you want to play in. Use features such as the bonuses it offers, its legitimacy, and customer service reliability to decide.
    • Fill in your payment details and select a payment option from the alternatives provided.
    • Sign up by filling in your info: your password and name.
    • Choose a table from the many options provided once you’re granted entry and join it.
    • Remember to check the payout. (3:2 is the best option, and 6:5 is the worst).
    • Place your bet. As you do so, please consider your bankroll and level of experience.
    • When you’re all set, tap Deal.
    • There are several moves to choose from- stand, double, split, or hit. Choose your preferred option.
    • Let the croupier play.
    • If they beat your hand, lose to your cards, or go bust, the round comes to an end.
    • You get instant payment from the dealer. Transfer the cash to your account.
    • Decide whether or not you’d like to play another round.

    Double Deck Blackjack Rules

    The key to winning any game, whether a betting kind or not, is learning its rules and abiding by them. Rules not only help you enjoy a game, but they help you know which move to make and at what instance too. The laws of Pitch are as follows:

    • Insurance is permitted. However, you shouldn’t be too quick to use it as it may mean a loss on your part. Insurance is created to raise the house edge in the casino’s favor.
    • Blackjack pays 3:2.
    • Cards are only handled with one hand.
    • The croupier stands on 17, whether hard or soft.
    • Double on Blackjack is permitted.
    • If you’re playing two hands, the hand nearest to the croupier’s left should be acted on and tucked before the second hand is played.
    • Double Down is permitted on 9, 10, and 11.
    • You may split original hands only once.
    • Immediately the cards are tucked, the gambler isn’t allowed to touch them anymore.
    • A $1 ante will be charged every hand no matter the amount being wagered.
    • No double is allowed after a split.
    • Aces may only be split once and will get one hit card.
    • Dealers don’t get a hole card.

    Double Deck Blackjack Strategies

    With a double deck feature, the game of Pitch makes it easier for players to determine the odds of a specific card being dealt. For easier determination, you have to put a mental note in your mind of all the cards issued. Alternatively, you can study and master the chart format available online. These charts depict blackjack strategies and will typically look like any other double deck blackjack chart. In the chart, they’ll be colored boxes showing hit, surrender, stand, doubling, split, etc.

    When playing double deck blackjack online for free, note the value of your hand and that of the dealer. Then, cross-reference those hands with those on the chart. By doing so, you learn what your best next course of action will be. Sounds hard? Don’t worry. There are some additional techniques that you can use before you master the mental-note skill or the chart. These double deck blackjack basic strategy are:

    • Don’t accept “even money” or insurance.
    • In case you can’t split because of a re-splitting limit, look up your hand as a hard total, except aces.
    • If there’s no row for splitting (fives and tens), look up your hand as a hard total (10 or 20).
    • Always split Aces and Eights.
    • Always stand on hard 17 and higher.
    • Always double Elevens.

    Double Deck Blackjack FAQ

    What is the Main Goal in Double Deck Blackjack?

    As is the case with every other blackjack game, the prime goal in Double Deck Blackjack is to have a more favorable hand than the dealer’s without getting a score that’s higher than 21 or going bust.

    If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s at the end of the session, you’re the winner. However, if you draw cards that total more than 21, the hand “breaks,” and you lose automatically.

    Can You Count Cards in Double Deck Blackjack?

    Yes, you can. The trick to card counting is to guess what cards are left in the shoe as the game is played.

    You can also use the tones of card counting resources online. Or, use a no-sweat and quicker system referred to as the Knockout Card system.

    In this system, every 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7- point card counts as +1. Aces and tens count as -1. Gamblers raise the value of their stakes when the count is positive and lower it when the value is negative.

    What is the Best Strategy for Double Deck Blackjack?

    If you’re looking for a more conservative option apart from the strategy chart, you can use the 1-3-2-6 strategy.

    This technique works through betting on 1, 3, 2, and 6 units in every consecutive round, but only when you have winnings. It’s best for bets that pay even money.

    Another notable option is the no-insurance strategy.

    What are the Oas in Double Deck Blackjack?

    Due to its flexible rules and house edge, your oas of winning in a double deck blackjack online game are impressively high. All you have to do is learn the rules by heart and take time to weigh a move before making it.

    And, do some research on an online gambling establishment before playing in it. Since Pitch is a highly rewarding game that’s attracted many players, some unscrupulous casinos want to scam gamblers.

    How Old Should One Be to Play Double Deck Blackjack?

    In many states, the age limit is 21 if you’re betting in a live casino or playing for real money. Others, however, lower the age requirement to 18, 19, or even 20, and this is if you’re playing online or playing the free Double Deck Blackjack version.

    Before playing in a casino, whether land-based or online, find out what its age limit is in advance to avoid getting on the wrong side of the law.

    1. Blackjack Card Counting
    2. How Many Decks are Used in Blackjack?
    3. How to Win at Blackjack
    4. How to Play Blackjack
    5. Blackjack Strategy Chart
    6. Blackjack Odds and Probability
    7. Online Blackjack Real Money
    8. Atlantic City Blackjack
    9. Blackjack Switch
    10. European Blackjack
    11. Mobile Blackjack
    12. Single Deck Blackjack
    13. Vegas Strip Blackjack
    Maryna Mykhailiuta

    My name is Maryna, I am content manager and author of articles at SlotsUP. Our team is constantly in search of decent brands and updates in iGaming industry to reveal our experience to you. We try to create the best content for our visitors and make sure that we speak the same language.