Does Online Blackjack Shuffle Every Hand?

If you’re an avid online blackjack player, you may have wondered whether online blackjack shuffles every hand. It’s a valid question, and the answer is not as straightforward as you might think.

Firstly, let’s start by defining what shuffling means in the context of blackjack. Shuffling refers to the process of randomizing the order of cards in a deck.

In land-based casinos, this is typically done by using a mechanical shuffler or by hand. However, in online blackjack, shuffling is done using a random number generator (RNG).

Now, back to our question – does online blackjack shuffle every hand? The answer is both yes and no.

Some online casinos do shuffle every hand in their virtual blackjack games. This is known as continuous shuffling machines (CSM).

CSMs are designed to speed up the game and reduce the effectiveness of card counting strategies. With CSMs, after each hand is played, the used cards are immediately returned to the shuffler and shuffled into the remaining deck.

On the other hand, some online casinos use what’s known as a “virtual shuffle”. This means that all cards are shuffled before the start of each game but not necessarily after every single hand. Instead, once a certain number of hands have been played or once a threshold of used cards has been reached, the virtual shuffle will occur.

So why do some online casinos choose to continuously shuffle while others opt for virtual shuffles? One reason is that continuous shuffling speeds up gameplay which can be beneficial for both players and casinos. Additionally, it reduces opportunities for cheating since card counting becomes less effective.

However, some players prefer virtual shuffles because they feel it provides them with more control over their gameplay experience. They can track which cards have been dealt and use that information to inform their next move.

In conclusion, whether online blackjack shuffles every hand depends on the specific casino and type of game you’re playing. Some online casinos use continuous shuffling machines while others opt for virtual shuffles. Regardless, both methods are designed to ensure fair gameplay and prevent cheating.