This article first appeared in the Jan/Feb 2010 issue of World Gaming magazine.
Most BlackJack tables have seven spots (also known as “boxes”) on them. Each box has a seat in front of it for a player – so any number of players can play against the dealer from one to seven. Playing BlackJack alone (often called “heads-up”) is a very different game to playing on a crowded table. Let’s take a look at some of the differences.
Hands dealt per hour
There is an average of 2.7 cards in each individual player (and dealer) hand, so the average number of cards in a round of heads-up BlackJack is just 5.4. At the other extreme, a full table of seven boxes requires the dealer to deal an average of 22 cards on the table each round. Playing heads-up, you don’t have to sit around and wait for other players to receive their cards and make their decisions. Because of this, heads-up tables run about four times faster than full tables, so you will win or lose your money much faster.
Decision pressure
Heads-up players have to make decisions in rapid succession – as soon as they have made one decision it is time to make another. With full tables, players get a little mental rest while the other players are making their decisions. Because of this, heads-up may suit more experienced players and a full table may suit beginners and intermediate players.
Atmosphere of the game
When playing heads up you can get into your own little world and not worry about anything other than yourself. It is like playing a round of golf alone. Heads-up play can go on in complete silence for hours. When multiple players are at the table they discuss the game and sometimes pressure each other into making different decisions to what they might make alone. It gives the game a totally different feel.
The annoying player syndrome
Sometimes you are playing BlackJack in a nice, comfortable game, winning happily – and then some annoying person decides to come in and mess up your game. First of all they open another box, which is annoying to most players who have been running well. Then they might make decisions you don’t like, maybe blow smoke in your face and/or make annoying or stupid comments. Maybe they have an annoying girlfriend or boyfriend nearby too. If you get a nice quiet game all to yourself, you don’t have to worry about any of this.
The blame game
It happens all the time. The person on the last box makes a stupid play, like hitting 13 against a five, taking the dealer’s bust card. The dealer would have busted had the “anchorman” done the right thing, but instead gets 21 and everyone loses. This leads to anger and frustration between players. None of this dynamic occurs when playing alone.
In general, you’ll find the more experienced players like to play on emptier tables (heads-up or maybe with just one other player), and the less experienced players prefer playing on a fuller table. For obvious reasons you’ll also notice that the higher stakes tables tend to be emptier than the low stakes tables.
Let us know what you prefer. We’d love to hear your thoughts and comments, which you can make on our website.
