There’s some debate one which is the better way to play blackjack: at a full table or one on one against the dealer. The truth is that there are advantages to both. It just depends on what kind of blackjack player you are.
A Full Table
Playing blackjack at a full table—or at least with more players than just you—is better suited for fun play and for novices.
The reasoning behind this is that the more players there are in a game of blackjack the slower the game play is. This allows novices to have more time to think before making their plays. It also doesn’t require a great deal of focus if you’re out playing with friends.
Playing at a blackjack table with other players cuts down on the number of hands played per hour. This effects the house edge in that the fewer hands that are played per hour. The less hands that are played per hour means that there are less opportunities for the dealer to fun and for the casino to collect your money. If their chances for collecting are less it lowers the house edge.
So if you’re still learning blackjack and are still working on your basic strategy stick with fuller tables so that you are playing less hands per hour. Less hands per hour allows you to hang on to more of your bankroll. Once your strategy and game play improves you can always try going head to head with a dealer.
One on One
Going head to head, one on one with a blackjack dealer is better suited for more advanced players. The reason for this isn’t because the house rules change or anything like that.
The reason that one on one play with a dealer is better suited for sound blackjack players is because more hands are played per hour. More hands per hour actually increase the house edge because it gives the casino more chances to beat you and to take your money.
And if you’re are going to be playing, knowing that house edge is stacked even a little higher, you will want your blackjack strategy and basic strategy to be sound.
Cards are also to count when you’re only watching your hands and the dealer’s. But more caution is advised since all of the dealer’s attention is focused on you. And you certainly don’t want to get caught. This is another reason you want your blackjack play and card counting to be very sound.
Mostly the difference and preferences for a fuller blackjack table or one on one play with a dealer comes down to how comfortable you are with your own blackjack strategy and how it stacks up against the house edge. Always pick your method of play based on which set of house odds you would like: a higher house edge from more hands per hour or a lower house edge with less hand per hour.