Playtech live blackjack: rules, strategy and card counting

Playtech Live runs blackjack tables for many online casinos. A lot of them are branded for one casino, with that casino's logo on the felt and its own language, so you may be playing Playtech without seeing the name.

How a classic Playtech table works

Seven seats, plus Bet Behind on other players' hands at many tables.
Cards come from a multi-deck shoe, usually 8 decks, with a cut card near the end.
Blackjack normally pays 3:2. Insurance is offered against a dealer ace.
Side bets such as Perfect Pairs and 21+3 are common.
Branded tables may use the casino's own name and language but play by the same basic rules. Check the help screen for the exact rules at your table.

The strategy to use

For an 8-deck table where the dealer stands on soft 17, use the 8-deck basic strategy chart. Remember:

Double 11 against every dealer card except an ace in most 8-deck games.
Hit soft 17 (A,6) against a 2, and double it against 3 to 6 where allowed.
Stand on hard 13 to 16 against 2 to 6, and hit against 7 to ace.
Never take insurance unless you're counting and the true count is +3 or higher.

Counting cards on a Playtech shoe

As at any live table with a real shoe, counting works if you count from the shuffle and convert to a true count. The edge is small and only shows up in some shoes. At the start of each new shoe, reset your count to zero.

Blackjack Lens reads Playtech tables, including many casino-branded ones, and finds your seat automatically. Click New shoe when the dealer changes the shoe, and the count, the best play and your advantage follow every card. If your casino isn't recognised straight away, you can add it from the connector. It never places bets. How to set it up →

Before you play

Read your casino's terms, play only with money you can afford to lose, and remember that no strategy guarantees winnings.

Questions people ask

How do I know if my casino uses Playtech live blackjack?

The table's help or info screen usually names the provider. Many casinos run Playtech tables under their own branding.

How many decks does Playtech live blackjack use?

Classic tables usually deal from an 8-deck shoe with a cut card near the end. Check your table's help screen for the exact rules.

Can you count cards at Playtech live blackjack?

Yes, at tables that deal from a real shoe, as long as you count from the shuffle and reset at every new shoe.

Should I take insurance?

Not with basic strategy. Card counters take it only when the true count is about +3 or higher.

Evolution live blackjack →Pragmatic Play live blackjack →How to calculate the true count →

18+. Playtech is a trademark of its owner. Blackjack Lens is not affiliated with any casino or game provider. Nothing here guarantees winnings. If gambling stops being fun, visit BeGambleAware.