Beginner blackjack players who aren’t sure which blackjack version to start with should load up Double Deck Blackjack at Ignition Casino. It’s the only blackjack game at Ignition Casino that still uses the Dealer Must Stand on Soft 17 rule – something that improves your odds of winning. With better odds, Double Deck Blackjack should be everyone’s go-to blackjack variant.

 

Goal

The goal of Double Deck Blackjack is the same as any blackjack game: Get a higher score than the dealer without exceeding 21.

 

How to Play Blackjack

At the start of every round, you and the dealer are dealt two cards each. Both of your cards are dealt face down, whereas only one of the dealer’s cards is dealt face down; the other is visible.

The score of your hand is shown beside your cards. If it’s low, you likely want to request another card (Hit). If it’s close to 21, stick with what you have (Stand). If one more card would make your hand incredibly valuable, double your bet and receive one, and only one, more card (Double). Depending on your score, you may get to Hit or Stand multiple times.

At the end of the round, the dealer’s cards are revealed, and the person with the higher score wins. Scores that exceed 21 are a bust.

Two other actions that pops up are the Split and Insurance. For the Split, you can divide two cards of equal value into two separate hands by using the Split button. You’ll then choose to Hit, Stand, or Double for each of your hands separately.

As for Insurance, when the dealer’s visible card (the upcard) shows an Ace, you’ll be asked if you’d like Insurance, which is a side bet that pays out if the dealer has blackjack (a perfect score of 21 with the first two cards). The cost is half of your initial bet.

 

Point System

The point system for blackjack is tallied automatically, making it easy to keep track of, but for the sake of learning, card values are as follows:

2-10 are face value.
Aces are worth either 1 point or 11.
Jacks, Queen and Kings are worth 10 points.

 

Payouts

All blackjack games at Ignition Casino pay 3:2 for getting that perfect 21, 2:1 for insurance wins, and even money for all other wins. A tie between player and dealer results in a push.

 

Strategy

The following strategy points are specific to Double Deck Blackjack where the dealer stands on soft 17s, allows doubles after splits, and doesn’t offer the option to surrender. You’ll find strategy charts online that should be memorized as part of your training, but here are three basic rules to get you started:

  • Always stand on hard 17 and higher.
  • Always split Aces and Eights.
  • Always double Elevens.