singledeck

Singledeck is a term used in card gaming to denote a single standard deck of 52 playing cards used in play, as opposed to decks formed by combining multiple decks. The term can describe either the specific physical deck in use or the rules of a game that call for only one deck to be in circulation during play.

Composition: A standard single deck comprises four suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades) with thirteen ranks each: Ace through King. Jokers are not typically used in standard play, though some variations include them as additional wild cards.

Contexts: Single-deck play appears in various traditional card games and in certain wagering games where a single deck is stipulated. In blackjack, single-deck variants exist and are distinguished from multi-deck formats; in solitaire and other single-player games, a single 52-card deck is standard.

Impact on play: With a single deck, the card-counting dynamics and probability distribution differ from multi-deck arrangements, influencing strategy and house edge. Casinos and game designers sometimes favor or discourage single-deck play to control these factors, and the availability of single-deck variants varies by venue and platform.

Handling: In most formats, after all cards are dealt, the deck is shuffled before new hands begin. In live casinos, a deck may be replaced or resealed at set intervals; in online versions, virtual shuffles maintain a single-deck constraint.

History and prevalence: The use of a single deck dates to the early history of card games. Today, single-deck variants persist in certain promotions and venues, though many games use multiple decks to reduce predictability and increase the house advantage. See also deck of cards, blackjack, and solitaire.