Top Strategies & Rules for Playing 8-Deck Blackjack

The number of decks in blackjack ranges from one game to another, with the maximum that can be used on any table is eight. Found in both brick-and-mortar and online casinos, popular variations of Blackjack 8 Deck are Infinite Blackjack, Blackjack Switch, and Atlantic City Blackjack.

While the general rules of 8-Deck Blackjack online stay the same, there are some interesting influences to keep in mind while playing with this many decks. To found out more, keep reading our detailed blackjack guide!

When to Surrender When Playing 8-Deck Blackjack?

The key to playing this game is knowing the correct Blackjack 8-Deck strategy, which includes knowing how to play your cards and when to surrender if the option is offered. Not every eight-deck blackjack game offers the option to surrender, so you’ll want to check the game rules carefully before joining the table.

I would always suggest using a basic strategy chart to see when you should surrender your first two cards when starting out. The general rule, however, is to surrender a hard 16 if the dealer’s upcard is a 9, 10, or an Ace. You should also surrender on a hard 15 if the dealer’s visible card is a 10.

When to Split When Playing 8-Deck Blackjack?

The next part of your blackjack strategy for an eight-deck game is knowing when to split your cards.  Splitting is allowed on specific pairs, usually cards with the same value. When splitting, the dealer will add one new card to each hand, meaning you’ll have four cards. An additional bet equal to your original one must be placed to split a hand.

Once again, a blackjack strategy chart is the best way to make this decision. Moreover, remember to differentiate between soft totals (a hand containing an Ace) and hard totals (blackjack hands without an Ace).

Here are the most important rules for splitting in this game.

• Always split a pair of Aces or 8s.
• Never split if you have a pair of 5s or 10s.
• Split a pair of 2s or 3s if the dealer has a 4, 5, 6, or 7. If doubling after splitting is allowed, split these pairs against a dealer’s 2 or 3 as well.
• Split a pair of 4s if doubling after splitting is allowed, and the dealer has a 5 or a 6.
• Split a pair of 6s against the dealer’s 3 through 6. If doubling after splitting is allowed, split against a dealer’s 2.
• Split a pair of 7s against the dealer’s 2 through 7.
• Split 9s against a dealer’s 2 through 6, 8, or 9.

When to Double When Playing 8-Deck Blackjack?

‘Doubling down’ refers to doubling your initial bet after your first two cards have been dealt. If you make this move, the dealer will add a third card to your hand. Doubling is the correct move on strong hands that you want to take advantage of, but it shouldn’t be overused as it can quickly eat away at your bankroll.

Remember, hitting after doubling down isn’t allowed in most blackjack games. If you’re ever in doubt about doubling, consult an 8-deck blackjack basic strategy chart, and remember that soft hands should be played differently than hard ones.

Below are the essential rules for doubling in 8-deck blackjack games.

• Double on hard 9 if the dealer’s card is 3 through 6.
• Double on hard 10 for any dealer’s upcard, except a 10 or an Ace.
• Double on hard 11 for any dealer’s card except an Ace.
• Double on soft 13 and 14 if the dealer has a 5 or a 6.
• Double on a soft 15 and 16 if the dealer has a 4, 5, or 6.
• Double on a soft 17 and 18 if the dealer’s card is 3 through 6.

When to Hit or Stand When Playing 8-Deck Blackjack?

Hitting or standing are the two most common moves you’ll make in any blackjack game. Hitting refers to drawing a third card to your hand, and it’s usually done if the combined value of your cards is low. In other words, you normally hit if there’s no risk of busting or the risk is low. However, it’s very important to consider the dealer’s card before deciding.

The same applies to standing; you must always check the dealer’s visible card before deciding how to play your hand. Standing means you want to keep your hand as it is and don’t wish to receive an additional card.

Here are the basic rules for hitting in this blackjack game, according to basic strategy.

• Hit on any total up to a hard 11.
• Hit on a soft 17 or less.
• Hit on a hard 12 if the dealer’s card is a 2, 3, or 7 through Ace.
• Hit on a hard 13 through 16 if the dealer’s card is a 7 or higher.
• Hit on a hard 18 if the dealer has a 9, 10, or an Ace.

The rules for standing in 8-deck blackjack are summarised below.

• Stand on a hard 12 if the dealer has a 4, 5, or 6.
• Stand on a hard 13 to 16 if the dealer has anything from 2 to 6.
• Stand on a hard 17 or higher.
• Stand on soft 18 if the dealer’s card is 2 through 8.
• Stand on soft 19 or higher regardless of the dealer’s card.

The House Edge in 8-Deck Blackjack

Experienced blackjack players know that the number of decks in a blackjack game is an important point to consider. There’s a positive correlation between the number of decks and the casino’s advantage. In other words, the higher the number of decks used, the bigger the house edge and the lower your advantage.

The house advantage increases by a small percentage every time a deck is added to the game. For example, the advantage increases by roughly 0.34% with two decks. The 8 Deck Blackjack house edge increases by 0.57%. It may seem like a minor difference, but even this slight difference can negatively impact your odds of winning.

Advantages and Disadvantages of 8-Deck Blackjack

8-Deck Blackjack isn’t the number one choice for most players because of the high number of decks used. As explained in the previous section, the higher the number of decks, the higher the house edge. However, there are advantages to consider as well.

You can compare what I consider to be the pros and cons of 8-Deck Blackjack in the table below.

➕ Advantages	➖ Disadvantages
✅ Multi-deck blackjack, like 8-deck or 6-deck blackjack, is more widely available at casinos.	❌ The house edge is higher than it is in single-deck blackjack.
✅ Doubling down is slightly easier because there are more 10 and picture cards available.	❌ Card counting is more difficult with eight decks in play.
✅ The rules are the same as regular blackjack, making it easy to play even for first-timers.
✅ Blackjack pays 3:2.

Frequently Asked Questions About 8-Deck Blackjack