Optimal Six Deck Blackjack Strategy: Maximize Your Winning Chances

Six Deck Blackjack is a popular blackjack variation in casinos, but to beat the dealer, you need to master the right strategies. This guide will help you learn the basics and advanced tips, from using strategy charts to knowing when to hit, stand, double down, and even double after splitting. You'll also discover how to adjust your bets according to the rules of each casino. Let’s dive in and turn every hand into a winning opportunity!

Six Deck Blackjack Explained 

With six decks, card counting is harder, but it also opens up more ways for you to use a smart strategy. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of playing six deck blackjack, so you can decide if it’s the right game for you:

Strategy for 6 Deck Blackjack

The 6-Deck blackjack strategy you use is crucial for improving your chances of winning. With six decks in play, the game becomes more unpredictable, and card counting becomes more challenging. Here’s a breakdown of how to handle each scenario.

Six Deck Strategy Chart - Dealer Hits on Soft 17, Blackjack Pays 3 to 2

Hard Hands (No Ace or Ace counted as 1)

• Hit (H): Always hit if your total is 8 or less.
• Double (D): Double on:
• 9 if the dealer shows 3 to 6.
• 10 if the dealer shows 2 to 9.
• 11 against all dealer cards.
• Stand (S): Stand on:
• 13 - 16 if the dealer shows 2 - 6 (otherwise, hit).
• 17 or more always stand.

Soft Hands

A soft hand is when you have an Ace that counts as 11, like A+2 or A+6.

• Hit (H): Hit on soft 13 - 15.
• Double (D): Double on Soft 16 or 17 if the dealer shows 4, 5, or 6.
• Soft 18 if the dealer shows 3 to 6.
• Stand (S): Stand on Soft 19 or more.

Pairs

When you have two of the same card, like two 2s or two 8s, you can split them into two separate hands.

• Split (SP)
  • Always split A-A and 8-8, regardless of the dealer’s card.
  • Split 2-2, 3-3, or 7-7 if the dealer has 2-7.
  • Split 4-4 if the dealer shows 5-6.
  • Split 6-6 if the dealer has 2-6.
  • Split 9-9 if the dealer shows 2-6 or 8-9.
  • Stand (S): Never split 10-10; it’s already a strong hand (20).
• Hit (H): Hit with 4-4 or 6-6 if the dealer shows 7-Ace.

Six Deck Strategy Chart, Dealer Hits on Soft 17, Blackjack Pays 6 to 5

Hard Hands

• Hit (H):
• Total 5 - 11, regardless of the dealer’s card.
• Total 12 when the dealer has 2 - 3 or 7 - Ace.
• Stand (S):
• Total 17 - 20, regardless of the dealer’s card.
• Total 13 - 16 when the dealer has 2 - 6.
• Double (D):
• Total 9 when the dealer has 3 - 6.
• Total 10 when the dealer has 2 - 9.
• Total 11 when the dealer has 2 - Ace.

Soft Hands

• Hit (H):
• Total A+2 to A+5, regardless of the dealer’s card.
• Total A+6 when the dealer has 7-Ace.
• Stand (S):
• Total A+7 when the dealer has 2, 7-8.
• Total A+8, A+9, regardless of the dealer’s card.
• Double (D):
• Total A+4 to A+7 when the dealer has 4 - 6.
• Total A+3 to A+6 when the dealer has 5 - 6.

Pairs

• Split (SP):
• Split A-A and 8-8, regardless of the dealer’s card.
• Split 2-2, 3-3, or 7-7 when the dealer has 2-7.
• Split 4-4 when the dealer has 5-6.
• Split 6-6 when the dealer has 2-6.
• Split 9-9 when the dealer has 2-6 or 8-9.
• Stand (S): Stand with 10-10.
• Hit (H): Hit with 4-4 or 6-6 when the dealer has 7-Ace.

6 Decks Strategy Chart, Dealer Stands on Soft 17, Blackjack Pays 3 to 2

Hard Hands

• Hit (H):
• Total 5-11, regardless of the dealer’s card.
• Total 12 when the dealer has 2-3 or 7-Ace.
• Stand (S):
• Total 17-20, regardless of the dealer’s card.
• Total 13-16 when the dealer has 2-6.
• Double (D):
• Total 9 when the dealer has 3-6.
• Total 10 when the dealer has 2-9.
• Total 11 when the dealer has 2-Ace.

Soft Hands

• Hit (H):
• Total A+2 to A+5, regardless of the dealer’s card.
• Total A+6 when the dealer has 7-Ace.
• Stand (S):
• Total A+7 when the dealer has 2, 7-8.
• Total A+8, A+9, regardless of the dealer’s card.
• Double (D):
• Total A+4 to A+7 when the dealer has 4-6.
• Total A+3 to A+6 when the dealer has 5-6.

Pairs

• Split (SP):
• Split A-A and 8-8, regardless of the dealer’s card.
• Split 2-2, 3-3, or 7-7 when the dealer has 2-7.
• Split 4-4 when the dealer has 5-6.
• Split 6-6 when the dealer has 2-6.
• Split 9-9 when the dealer has 2-6 or 8-9.
• Stand (S): Stand with 10-10.
• Hit (H): Hit with 4-4 or 6-6 when the dealer has 7-Ace.

6 Decks Strategy Chart, Dealer Stands on Soft 17, Blackjack Pays 6 to 5

Hard Hands

• Hit (H):
• Total 5-11, regardless of the dealer’s card.
• Total 12 when the dealer has 2-3 or 7-Ace.
• Stand (S):
• Total 17-20, regardless of the dealer’s card.
• Total 13-16 when the dealer has 2-6.
• Double (D):
• Total 9 when the dealer has 3-6.
• Total 10 when the dealer has 2-9.
• Total 11 when the dealer has 2-Ace.

Soft Hands

• Hit (H):
• Total A+2 to A+5, regardless of the dealer’s card.
• Total A+6 when the dealer has 7-Ace.
• Stand (S):
• Total A+7 when the dealer has 2, 7-8.
• Total A+8, A+9, regardless of the dealer’s card.
• Double (D):
• Total A+4 to A+7 when the dealer has 4-6.
• Total A+3 to A+6 when the dealer has 5-6.

Pairs

• Split (SP):
• Split A-A and 8-8, regardless of the dealer’s card.
• Split 2-2, 3-3, or 7-7 when the dealer has 2-7.
• Split 4-4 when the dealer has 5-6.
• Split 6-6 when the dealer has 2-6.
• Split 9-9 when the dealer has 2-6 or 8-9.
• Stand (S): Stand with 10-10.
• Hit (H): Hit with 4-4 or 6-6 when the dealer has 7-Ace.

Important Tips for Six Deck Blackjack Strategy

Here are some key tips that can help you improve your game:

• When to use splitting: When you split Aces and 8s, you give yourself two chances to win. However, it’s best not to split 10s, as a total of 20 is already a strong hand that’s difficult to beat.
• When to avoid side bets: Side bets like Perfect Pairs or 21+3 tend to favor the house. It’s a good idea for you to stick with the main bet to increase your chances of winning.
• When to use card counting: If you’re able to count cards, you can adjust your bet when more high cards (10s, face cards, Aces) remain in the deck. This can give you an edge, but be cautious, as many casinos monitor for card counters.
• When to use simulators for practice: You can experiment with different plays, like when to hit, stand, split, or double down, and see how your decisions impact the outcome. This way, you’ll be able to make quicker, more accurate decisions when playing at a real table and avoid making costly mistakes.

FAQs

What are the odds for 6 decks in blackjack?

The house edge is about 0.5% if you follow basic strategy, meaning you have a good chance of winning if you play smart.

How do you count 6 decks in blackjack?

To count cards, track which cards have been dealt. If more high cards are left in the deck, you have a better chance, so you can bet more. It takes practice, so start slow.

Is 6 to 5 blackjack beatable?

It’s tougher to beat because the payout is lower, but using basic strategy can still help you win more often.

The six decks blackjack strategy can make things unpredictable, but using a strategy chart takes the guesswork out of it, helping you make smarter decisions with each hand. While the game can be slow at times due to the number of cards in play, the low house edge and potential for big payouts make it worth the effort. By focusing on the right moves and staying disciplined, you’ll turn every hand into a calculated opportunity for success.