Perfect 8 Decks Blackjack Strategy: Chart Maker & Strategies for 2021

Are you a fan of blackjack and looking for a new challenge? Look no further than the 8 decks blackjack strategy, a popular variation found in many casinos. With the increased house edge and card counting difficulties, mastering an 8 decks blackjack strategy is essential to improve your odds and elevate your gameplay. In this blog post, we will walk you through the ins and outs of 8-deck blackjack, providing you with a comprehensive 8-deck blackjack strategy that will have you playing like a pro in no time.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding 8-Deck Blackjack requires knowledge of the basic strategy to reduce house edge.

• Mastering an 8-deck blackjack chart is essential for optimizing gameplay and increasing chances of winning.

• Key strategies include doubling down, splitting pairs, surrendering, modified basic strategy & betting systems in order to maximize success.

Understanding 8-Deck Blackjack

8-deck blackjack is a variation of the classic game of blackjack that is played with eight decks of cards, as opposed to the usual one or two decks found in traditional single deck game blackjack games. This additional layer of complexity makes it a popular choice in casinos due to its increased house edge and difficulty for players to count cards.

Just like other blackjack variations, understanding the basic strategy plays a significant role in 8-deck blackjack. It guides you in making the best decisions according to the dealer's upcard and your two cards.

House Edge in 8-Deck Blackjack

The house edge in 8-deck blackjack is dependent on the number of decks used and specific rules such as whether the dealer hits or stands on a soft 17. Blackjack variants, where the dealer stands on Soft 17 and players cannot double down after splitting, have a maximum house edge of 0.54%. This is the highest house edge observed.

With proper learning and application of the basic strategy, the house edge can be minimized to 0.5%, subject to table rules and the number of decks in play. So, how does one go about learning the basic strategy? To begin, it's essential to learn basic strategy through practice and study.

Card Counting Challenges

Card counting is a strategy that involves:

• Keeping track of the cards that have been played

• Determining the probability of certain cards being dealt next

• Allowing players to adjust their bets and plays accordingly.

However, card counting in 8-deck blackjack is considerably more challenging due to the larger number of decks, making basic strategy a more practical approach for most players. Some common challenges associated with card counting in 8-deck blackjack include the increased difficulty of tracking cards and the likelihood of being detected by casinos, as they reserve the right to deny service to players they suspect of utilizing this technique.

Hence, success in 8-deck blackjack heavily depends on your mastery of the basic strategy.

Mastering the 8-Deck Blackjack Chart

One of the best tools to help you learn the basic strategy for 8-deck blackjack is a basic blackjack strategy chart, which provides guidance on the optimal actions to take in various game scenarios. Utilizing strategy charts, including basic strategy charts and blackjack charts, can significantly improve your gameplay and overall blackjack strategy.

Getting well-acquainted with an 8-deck blackjack strategy chart enhances your gameplay while playing blackjack and lowers the house edge, thus increasing your likelihood of success.

Reading the Chart

An 8-deck blackjack strategy chart outlines suggested decisions based on your hand and the dealer's exposed card. It's important to understand the difference between hard and soft hands when using the chart. A hard hand is one without an Ace or with an Ace that is valued at 1, while a soft hand includes an Ace counted as 11. Adhering to the chart's recommended plays enhances your success rate and reduces the house edge.

When reading the chart, you may come across terms like “Double” and “Double (Stand).” Doubling your bet involves receiving an additional card, whereas Double (Stand) refers to doubling your bet and standing after obtaining one more card. Adhering to these suggestions is vital for achieving the best results.

Adapting to Table Rules

While utilizing an 8-deck blackjack chart, it's necessary to tweak the chart according to specific blackjack tables rules, like the dealer's action on a soft 17 and the surrender options.

For example, if you are unable to surrender according to the blackjack chart, the recommended action is to hit. Making these adjustments guarantees that you're adopting the most favorable strategy for the game's specific rules.

Key Strategies for 8-Deck Blackjack

Having gained a better grasp of the basic strategy for 8-deck blackjack, it's time to explore some key strategies that can boost your odds further. These strategies include doubling down, splitting pairs, and surrendering, all of which are essential components of a successful 8-deck blackjack strategy.

Doubling Down

In 8-deck blackjack, doubling down can be a powerful tool to maximize your potential winnings. The most advantageous move when it comes to doubling down is to double your bet when your total is 10 or 11 and the dealer's upcard is between 2 and 9. Additionally, you should also double down when you have a hard 9 and the dealer's upcard is between 3 and 6. However, remember never to double down on a hard 8.

When it comes to soft hands, doubling down can also be advantageous. For example, you should double down on:

• a soft 13 or 14 against a dealer 5 or 6

• a soft 15 or 16 against a dealer 4 through 6

• a soft 17 or 18 against a dealer 3 through 6

• a soft 19 against a dealer 6 (H17 rules)

This is a great opportunity to increase your winnings significantly.

Splitting Pairs

Another essential strategy in 8-deck blackjack is knowing when to split pairs. As a rule of thumb, always split aces and 8s, as this increases your chances of getting a strong hand. Conversely, never split 5s and 10s, as this can lead to weaker hands.

When it comes to 2s and 3s, you should split them against a dealer 2 through 7 and hit anything else.

Surrendering

Surrendering is an option in 8-deck blackjack that allows you to forfeit your hand and receive back half of your bet, rather than playing out the hand and risking the loss of the entire bet. It's recommended to surrender a 16 against a 9 through Ace, and a 15 against a 10 (unless using H17 rules, in which case surrendering against an Ace is the advised option).

Keep in mind that not all tables offer the surrender option, so be sure to check the rules before you play.

Advanced Techniques for 8-Deck Blackjack

As you grow more comfortable with the basic 8-deck blackjack strategy, you might be interested in investigating advanced techniques to enhance your odds even more. These techniques include modified basic strategy and betting systems, which can help you adapt your strategy based on specific game conditions or rule variations.

Modified Basic Strategy

A modified basic strategy involves making adjustments to the basic strategy chart according to specific game conditions or rule variations, such as the dealer's stance on a soft 17 and surrender options. By making these modifications, you can optimize your chances of success and minimize the house edge.

For example, you should hit when a table doesn't allow for surrendering, even if the chart recommends otherwise.

Betting Systems

Betting systems can also be applied to 8-deck blackjack to help maximize winnings and minimize losses. Some popular betting systems include the Martingale System, which involves doubling your bet after each loss to recoup losses and eventually make a profit, and the Fibonacci System, which involves increasing your bet according to the Fibonacci sequence.

While betting systems can be beneficial, it's important to apply them cautiously and manage your bankroll judiciously.

Practice Makes Perfect

To truly master 8-deck blackjack, practice is key. By regularly practicing and applying the strategies discussed in this blog post, you can improve your gameplay, reduce the house edge, and increase your chances of success.

There are several tools available to help you practice and hone your skills, such as free online games and simulation software.

Online Practice

There are several online platforms that offer free 8-deck blackjack games, allowing you to practice and improve your skills without any financial risk. Some of the most effective online tools for 8-Deck Blackjack practice include the Blackjack Trainer by Bojoko, the Blackjack Trainer app, and the online blackjack game by The Wizard of Odds.

Each of these tools offers a tutorial mode, a practice mode, and a challenge mode, providing various ways for you to hone your skills and master the 8-deck blackjack strategy.

Simulation Software

Simulation software, such as Blackjack Trainer and Casino Vérité Blackjack, can be another excellent resource for practicing and mastering 8-deck blackjack strategies. These programs allow you to simulate various game scenarios and practice your strategy in a controlled environment, helping you to improve your gameplay and reduce the house edge.

As with online practice, it's essential to practice regularly and apply the strategies discussed in this blog post to maximize your chances of success.

Live Dealer vs. Online 8-Deck Blackjack

Equipped with the knowledge and strategies required to excel at 8-deck blackjack, you might be considering whether to opt for live dealer or online 8-deck blackjack games. While both options offer their own unique advantages and disadvantages, understanding the differences in gameplay, rules, and strategy application can help you make the best decision for your personal preferences and gaming style.

Live dealer 8-deck blackjack games offer a more realistic and immersive experience.

Pros and Cons

Live dealer 8-deck blackjack offers a realistic casino experience with live action streamed in HD, engaging gameplay, and an exciting atmosphere. However, games may be slower compared to online blackjack, resulting in a higher hourly loss rate due to faster gameplay and limited control over the pace of the game.

On the other hand, online 8-deck blackjack offers quicker gameplay, more control over the speed of the game, and a lower house edge, but it may not provide the same immersive experience as live dealer 8-deck blackjack.

Adapting Strategy

Whether you opt for live dealer or online 8-deck blackjack, adapting your strategy to the particular environment you're playing in is paramount. For example, you may need to consider:

• The table rules

• The number of decks in use

• The dealer's behavior

• The other players at the table

By adapting your strategy to the unique conditions of your chosen game, you can maximize your chances of success and enjoy a more engaging and rewarding 8-deck blackjack experience.

Summary

In conclusion, mastering 8-deck blackjack can be a rewarding and enjoyable pursuit, offering a unique challenge and the opportunity to improve your overall blackjack skills. By learning and applying the basic strategy, understanding the house edge, and practicing regularly, you can greatly increase your chances of success in this popular casino game. Whether you choose to play live dealer or online 8-deck blackjack, adapting your strategy to the specific environment and rules of the game will help ensure a more enjoyable and successful gaming experience.

Remember, practice makes perfect, and with dedication and the right strategies, you can become an 8-deck blackjack pro in no time. So, why not put your newfound skills to the test and embark on your 8-deck blackjack journey today?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the probability of 8 deck blackjack?

The probability of 8 deck blackjack is around 0.32%. With correct strategy, players can have a slight edge over the house, although it's still small.

Thus, with proper strategy and luck, it is possible to succeed in blackjack.

Is 6 or 8 deck blackjack better?

For players, six deck blackjack is generally better than eight deck as it yields a higher win percentage (58.1%) compared to 36.5%.

Therefore, experienced blackjack players typically favor six deck blackjack games.

What to do on 8 blackjack?

When the dealer's upcard is a 2 through 4 and the player has an 8, they should hit.

For a 7 through ace, the same strategy applies as hitting is the optimal move.

How many decks is best for blackjack?

Generally, it is recommended to use six to eight decks for blackjack as this gives players a better chance of winning while also providing the casino with an acceptable house edge.

This provides a good balance between the casino's profitability and players having an enjoyable gaming experience.

What is the house edge in 8-deck blackjack?

The house edge in 8-deck blackjack can be as high as 0.54%, depending on the table rules.