featured-img-Blackjack-Strategies-New_-Players.png

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Discover effective blackjack betting strategies tailored for new players. Learn tips to manage your bankroll, minimize losses, and improve your chances!

Blackjack Betting Strategies for New Players

featured-img-blackjack-CNS-985.png

<p>Blackjack is one of the most popular table games around, both online and in the casinos. The game is now hundreds of years old and comes in several variations. It was often the case that casinos would have limited space and only be able to provide a few different blackjack tables with varying betting rules and amounts. Online casinos don&rsquo;t have this space issue and can, therefore, offer dozens of tables that can appeal to a diverse range of styles and preferences for blackjack players.</p>
<h2>Advantages of playing blackjack online</h2>
<p>With a greater range of games available, there are numerous advantages to <a href="https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/blackjack/">playing blackjack at an online casino</a>. A large range of blackjack tables means there are more options when it comes to rules and betting options. Low and high-stake tables, side-bet options, and more obscure blackjack variations can all be found online. It is just a matter of picking the right table suitable for any given preferred style of play.</p>
<p>The amount of choice may seem overwhelming for some at first. However, online casinos do a good job of categorising and labelling their games to clarify what is being played before entering the game. Each game will also have a list of rules available to players. With online blackjack, a player can take all the time they need to view the rules and various options available. Live tables also allow players to spectate without taking a seat at the table. This means there is no rush to start playing immediately, especially when online blackjack variants offer a demo mode to allow players to play without using real money funds.</p>
<p>Convenience is one of the biggest reasons for players switching to online play. Whether on mobile or desktop devices, playing from the comfort of home or on the go allows players to enjoy their favourite <a href="https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/">casino games</a> from practically anywhere. This is coupled with speedy online transactions, as well as various promotions and offers, making online play more appealing than ever.</p>
<h2>The difference between Online Blackjack and Live Blackjack</h2>
<p><a href="https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/">Online casinos</a> that offer both online and live blackjack tables will typically split the tables into casino and live casino sections. The main difference is that the casino provides fully computer-driven gameplay that is determined by a random number generator. Live casino games will instead have a dealer hosting the table in real-time. Both variations come in various shapes and sizes, catering to different play styles.</p>
<h4>Online Blackjack</h4>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706174790/blog/Online%20Blackjack%20vs%20Live%20Dealer%20Blackjack/img-blackjack-CNS-985.png" />
<p>Online blackjack employs random number generators to determine the cards being dealt. It is all handled automatically, with the player dictating the pace. A new table is created as soon as the player enters the game, meaning that it is just them against the dealer. The user interface allows players to hit, stand, or fold in their own time, as well as change bet amounts or add any side bets between rounds. Other settings will usually be available to adjust the screen size or volume, for example.</p>
<p>The online blackjack format appeals to those players who seek a more relaxing and solitary gaming experience that they can enjoy at their own pace. It is also a great way to get started and become familiar with the various types of blackjack available. Online blackjack games will typically have a demo mode that allows for wagering with fake money. Players can, therefore, try out different tables without risking any of their own funds in this mode.&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Live Blackjack</h4>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706174791/blog/Online%20Blackjack%20vs%20Live%20Dealer%20Blackjack/img-blackjack-CNS-985-1.png" />
<p>Live casino blackjack brings the thrills and excitement of a land-based casino straight to your screen. Sophisticated live-streaming technology is paired with professional dealers to provide an immersive experience that can&rsquo;t be matched. An extensive range of tables can be found, catering to different nationalities and types of players. Standard blackjack, perfect pairs, and double exposure are just some examples of the range that are available here.</p>
<p>Joining a live blackjack game will usually mean joining other players already seated at the table. Live chat functionality allows communication with the other players, as well as the dealers. The dealers are equipped with a microphone, allowing them to respond to anything written directly and call out the state of the game on the fly. While the dealer will be conducting the game from a real blackjack table, players will have an overlay from their screen, allowing them to make various betting options and adjust game settings and preferences, such as audio levels.</p>
<p>The live format means players must make their decisions within a time limit, whether it is adjusting wagering or deciding whether to stand or hit, for example. This might make it less ideal for newer players or when trying out a new format. However, more experienced players are able to enjoy the more social and interactive aspects of live casino blackjack without having to worry about making decisions under pressure.</p>
<p>It should also be noted that live casino games require a more stable internet connection. Streaming live video will require a little more power from your connection, and any time-outs or disconnects will typically default to auto-folding the player.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Online or Live Blackjack: Which has better odds?</h2>
<p><a href="https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/blackjack-odds-and-probabilities/">The odds of any given blackjack table</a> being played online will come down to the game itself and is not necessarily dependent on a live or random number generator format. Live blackjack odds will often depend on the number of decks in play, alongside any additional rules that may be in operation. Most live blackjack tables will use 6 to 8 decks shuffled regularly. Standard blackjack tables will generally have a house edge of around 0.05%, which is very low when compared to other table games. The house edge of American Roulette stands at around 5.26%, for example. A lower house edge is better for the player as it determines the average return to player (RTP).&nbsp;</p>
<p>The odds of online blackjack games are purely determined by the random number generator. This will take into account any side-bets and other additional rules in play. This also means that typical blackjack strategies, such as card counting, will not be as effective as they would be in live variants.</p>
<p>When determining the odds of any blackjack game online, players must take it on a table-by-table basis. When looking at online blackjack games, it is also worth taking note of the game provider. Different providers will typically adhere to different standards when it comes to odds. Some will offer more features, insurance, and betting options in exchange for a greater house edge. Live tables will mainly depend on the ruleset being played, so it is worth doing a little bit of research to determine if the odds seem suitable for the variant being played.</p>
<h2>Best blackjack tables</h2>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706174792/blog/Online%20Blackjack%20vs%20Live%20Dealer%20Blackjack/img-blackjack-CNS-985-2.png" />
<p>Determining what makes a good blackjack table is purely player-dependent. Some players will look out for good insurance or side-bet options. Some prefer more standard rule sets, while others are looking for something a little more niche or new. Looking at the house edge for each variant is also a good way to determine what might be the best blackjack table. For example, blackjack Switch by Playtech offers a lower-than-average house edge of 0.17%. This does come at the cost of having to make two wagers, as players will be playing with two hands instead of the usual one.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Some players get enticed by big win potentials. Progressive Blackjack allows players to win from large progressive jackpots that are constantly increasing with each wager made on the table or network of tables. These tables will generally require higher stake amounts to make up for the potential for winning big.</p>
<p>Pontoon is another popular variation of blackjack that offers a higher payout of 2:1 rather than the usual 3:2. The player&rsquo;s cards are dealt face-down while the dealer&rsquo;s cards are faced up. This means the player must determine whether they can beat the dealer&rsquo;s hand without knowing their own.&nbsp;</p>
<p>These are just a few of the numerous variations of blackjack that can be found online. Determining which is the best should be based on budget and playstyle. Sticking to smaller stakes tables is highly recommended when playing with a smaller budget. Certain game rules may also not be compatible with some players. For example, not being able to see one&rsquo;s own hand in Pontoon may not be for everyone. The good news is that there is so much choice available that there is sure to be a table to suit every blackjack player&rsquo;s style and preferences.</p>
<h2>Live blackjack strategies</h2>
<p>When establishing a live blackjack strategy, one of the first things to consider is determining the budget at play. The overall budget should help determine the wagering amounts for each round and whether applying insurance, splitting, or side bets when available makes sense.</p>
<p>Additionally, knowing when to split and when to stand is the first thing that needs to be learned when playing blackjack. Going for an additional card on 17 has more of a likelihood of ending in a bust, as there are only a few different cards that will keep you within the 21 limit. 16 is a particularly notorious hand, as it is relatively low yet still very risky to be dealt another card on. If the 16 is made up of two 8s, it is generally advised to split the hand.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Card counting is a very popular blackjack strategy. This is, however, made a lot more difficult to achieve successfully due to the number of decks that are typically in play. It can still be used in a rudimentary form to help determine how many high or low cards are still available in the deck. This can be done by applying a minus one value to low cards (2s to 6s), a plus one value to high cards (10s to Aces), and a zero value to the remaining cards. Starting from zero, adding the above-mentioned values becomes a matter when any given card is drawn. A higher total will mean that there are fewer high cards available to draw from the decks. Card-counting strategies lose effectiveness when more decks are in play. Card counting also does not work in online blackjack games where the draw of cards is determined by the random number generator.</p>
<h2>Is live blackjack better than online?</h2>
<p>Deciding on whether to play online or live blackjack is purely a matter of preference. Some players prefer the more relaxing and autonomous nature of online blackjack, whereas others seek the immersion, interactivity, and social aspects that can be enjoyed on the live tables. The freedom of choice means many players simply hop between the two formats depending on their mood. Others may have a strong preference for one format over the other.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Typically, online blackjack is advised for newer players due to the lack of time constraints and potential pressures from other players. Being able to figure out the game's rules at one&rsquo;s own pace while also having the option to play in demo mode is the best way to learn a new game or blackjack variant. With that being said, many experienced players still prefer sticking to online blackjack over the live variants. Simply put, trying out both formats is the best way to figure out which one is better.</p>

Discover the main differences between online blackjack and live dealer blackjack. Learn which format suits your gaming style, offering insights on gameplay!

Online Blackjack Vs. Live Dealer Blackjack: Which Is Better?

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If you want to win at Blackjack, you’ll need to know how to value each card and how to create a winning hand. In this guide, we take a look at how each card and hand scores in Blackjack and how they all rank. 

## What Is The Value of Each Card in Blackjack?

If you don’t know how much each card is worth in Blackjack, you won’t be able to create a winning hand. Understanding the Blackjack scoring system is crucial to success, but luckily, it’s also pretty easy to remember. 

This table shows the value of every card you might draw during a Blackjack game:
<div class="tableContainer">
<table><thead>
  <tr>
    <th>Card</th>
    <th>Card Value</th>
  </tr></thead>
<tbody>
  <tr>
    <td>2-10</td>
    <td>Blackjack value matches the card value</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Jack/Queen/King</td>
    <td>10</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Ace</td>
    <td>1 or 11</td>
  </tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
If you are dealt a hand which scores 21 with your first two cards, this is a Blackjack, sometimes also known as a natural. This is a winning hand, and it’s why the picture cards and the ace are so important in Blackjack. 

The ace is the sole exception to the fixed numerical value system within Blackjack; you can choose between ace high and ace low, depending on the rest of your hand. You may use the ace as either low or high; there are no fixed rules about how and when to score the ace as either one or 11. This variance provides flexibility in any hand which holds an ace that could be crucial to a win. 

## How Does Each Hand Rank in Blackjack?

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1719390181/blog/Blackjack%20Hand%20Rankings:%20What%20Beats%20What/img-Blackjack-Hand-Rankings.png" alt="Blackjack hand rankings" />

The simplest answer to this is that each hand ranks in numerical value, with 21 being the ultimate goal. The closer to a value of 21 without busting, the higher each hand will rank. 

However, if you don’t instantly score 21 with your opening two cards, the ranking system doesn’t tell the full story. Although low-value hands are officially the lowest ranked, in some circumstances they may be more preferable than a mid-value hand. 

With a low score, you know you can hit without any chance of busting. Therefore, any hand that is valued at 11 or lower may rank poorly, but it’s not a bad hand to hold. Even if you hit and get a maximum 10, the most you can score is 21 - which would be ideal! 

Conversely, scoring 12 or more puts you in a trickier position. The chances of winning with a score of 12 are relatively low, so you may decide to hit, depending on the dealer’s card. The basic strategy for Blackjack suggests hitting with a hand of 12 if the dealer’s face card shows anything from 7-A. However, you are at risk of busting if you are dealt any card worth 10 or more - of which there are 16 of in every deck (all of the face cards and the 10s). This is why the lower-ranked hands are preferable, as you can hit to improve your score without fear of busting.

The closer you move to 21, the greater your chance of busting if you hit. This can make it very difficult to make a decision, especially with a hand valued 15-16, so it’s often advisable to follow the rules set out by the Blackjack basic strategy. These rules are based on statistical probability, and while nothing can guarantee you a win, the suggested moves will give you the best mathematical chance of success.  

This table shows the chance of busting if you hit with each possible hand you could hold:
<div class="tableContainer">

<table><thead>
  <tr>
    <th>Value of Hand Held</th>
    <th>Chance of Busting If You Hit</th>
  </tr></thead>
<tbody>
  <tr>
    <td>11 or less</td>
    <td>0%</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>12</td>
    <td>31%</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>13</td>
    <td>39%</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>14</td>
    <td>56%</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>15</td>
    <td>58%</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>16</td>
    <td>62%</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>17</td>
    <td>69%</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>18</td>
    <td>77%</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>19</td>
    <td>85%</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>20</td>
    <td>92%</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>21</td>
    <td>100%</td>
  </tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
As you can see, the higher the score for the hand, the greater the chance of busting if you hit. The skill in Blackjack lies in comparing your hand to the dealer’s face card and estimating what they are likely to score. 

In terms of ranking, a hand of 15 or 16 are fairly near the top, but most Blackjack experts contend that these are the two worst hands to hold. This is due to the mathematical probability of winning with these hands. 

For example, on average, a hard hand of 16 will win fewer than one in every four hands played. In other words, you’ll lose far more hands with this score than you’ll win. The only exception is if you hold a pair of eights and you take the option to split. 

This doesn’t mean there is no chance of winning with a 16; much depends on adopting the right strategy compared to the dealer's face card. If the dealer has a low-scoring card of between 2-6 showing, they have a fairly high chance of busting (39-42%). In these hands, you can simply stand on 16 and hope that the dealer busts. Blackjack strategy charts are invaluable for these hands.

All of this illustrates why it’s important to understand how a hand ranks in Blackjack, but also that ranking is not the only factor that matters. 

## Are There Different Types of Blackjack Hands?

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1719390181/blog/Blackjack%20Hand%20Rankings:%20What%20Beats%20What/img-Blackjack-Hand-Rankings-1.png" alt="Blackjack cards" />

Although we’ve discussed Blackjack hand rankings in detail here, the one aspect we’ve not mentioned so far is the type of hand that is dealt. Although every hand is assessed based on numerical value, they can also be divided into two distinct and separate types of hands: soft hands and hard hands. 

As a very broad overview, hard hands don’t include an ace, while soft hands do. This makes soft hands more flexible, providing the player with more options. 

### What Is a Hard Hand?

As described above, a hard hand is one where the two cards are dealt without an ace. This means the total is fixed with no variability in manipulating the individual cards' value. This rigidness means that hard hands are more straightforward to play, with fewer options. 

In some circumstances, a hard hand can include an ace. This is only when the value of the cards means that the ace cannot be valued at 11 and must be played with as a number one. This occurs when playing the ace as an 11 would bust the hand, resulting in an instant loss. When an ace must be played as a one, the hand loses its flexibility, classing it as a hard hand rather than a fluid soft hand. 

When you hold a hard hand, you know what your current total is, and you know precisely how much you can add without busting. 

For this reason, hard hands usually follow a simple maxim: stand when you’re strong and hit when you’re weak. In other words, hard hands are played conservatively when they rank highly, but with a low value, players should hit. Of course, the dealer’s face card should always be taken into account, and basic strategy will help with knowing what move to play. 

### What Is a Soft Hand?

A soft hand is defined as a hand of two or more cards that contains an ace, where the ace can be valued as either a one or 11. 

For example, a hand containing an ace and a three could be described as a soft 14. This hand could be played either as a 14 or as a 4. 

Most players hope to be dealt a soft hand because it offers so many options, and it is generally more forgiving. If you make a bad decision with a soft hand, you have a better chance of still securing a good outcome by switching up the value of the ace. A soft hand offers flexibility by allowing players to either value the ace as low or high, depending on what would be beneficial for their hand. 

This means that players can start by valuing the ace as high, but if the strategy doesn’t work out successfully, they can switch to valuing it as one. 

The flexibility of a soft hand means that the strategies for playing it successfully are infinitely more complex. Blackjack basic strategy differentiates between soft and hard hands and offers suggested moves which are tailored to both. However, don’t forget that once the ace in a soft hand can no longer be valued as an 11 because the hand will bust, it is reclassified as a hard hand.

As a more general rule, it’s possible to be more aggressive with a soft hand because of the possibility of valuing the ace as one if you bust by using it as an 11. If you have a soft 16, you can’t bust, unlike a hard 16. This means you can opt to hit to try and obtain a better hand without fear of instantly busting. 

### How Do Pairs Work in Blackjack?

Pairs can be played just like any other hand in Blackjack, with the values added together to try and reach a score of 21. However, there are additional options when you hold two identical cards, which can help with poor hands. 

Players have the option of choosing to split a pair in their hand. This means that the two cards are separated and treated as two hands. Additional cards will be dealt to the player to make up the two hands. Each hand will be played consecutively, just like other hands on the table. Splitting the cards requires the player to pay an additional stake, as it increases the opportunities to win. Splitting means the player has two hands to play, which are played out in exactly the same way as if they had two hands from the start. 

Bets on the two hands must be equal; there’s no option to reduce the overall stake when you split. 

There are some rules which are slightly different when you split in Blackjack, primarily used when you split a pair of aces. You will not be able to hit as many times as you want, unlike in a regular hand of Blackjack. When the aces are split, you will only receive one further card per hand; you will not be able to draw again. In addition, if you receive a 10 or a face card, your winning Blackjack will typically be paid out as 1:1, not 3:2. 

It’s important to understand that you don’t always need to split pairs in Blackjack. Some pairs should always be split, while others are usually better kept together. 

A pair of eights or aces should always be split. This is because splitting a pair of aces gives you multiple chances to score a Blackjack, as there are many cards in the deck with a value of 10.

Conversely, splitting eights is advisable as a hand of 16 is hard to win with; reducing the value to eight gives you the opportunity of a better hand. 

You should never split a pair of fours, fives, or tens. A pair of tens is an excellent hand, and you’ll struggle to beat this if you split and try again. Blackjack doesn’t occur very frequently, and this is the only hand that can beat a pair of tens. Pairs of fours or fives cannot bust and provide an excellent opportunity for a good score. 

Advice around the other pairs depends on the dealer’s face card, and the [basic Blackjack strategy](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/blackjack-chart-list/) should be followed in these circumstances. 

## To Sum Up

Understanding how cards rank and the different options for each type of hand is key to success in Blackjack. Although it’s helpful when Lady Luck is on your side, Blackjack also requires strategy and skill for maximum returns. 

Like all [casino games](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/), Blackjack should always be played responsibly, and you should never gamble with money that you can’t afford to lose. 

Why not head over to CasinoGrounds to check out our other guides to [playing Blackjack](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/how-to-play-online-blackjack/) or to share tips with other players on our [Forum](https://forum.casinogrounds.com/)?

More From CasinoGrounds

Navigate the blackjack table with confidence! Our blog post breaks down blackjack hand rankings, showing you what beats what for a winning edge.

Blackjack Hand Rankings: What Beats What?

featured-img-Blackjack-pragmatic.png

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<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1715763598/blog/Pragmatic%20Play%20Blackjack%20League/1200x630.png" alt="pragmatic play blackjack league" />

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From rookies to pros, everyone's talking about the Pragmatic Play Blackjack League. Explore what makes this tournament series a must-play for blackjack enthusiasts.

Get In On The Action With Pragmatic Play Monthly Blackjack League!

Featured-imgblack-jack-insurance.png

Nowadays, virtually anything can be insured. You can insure your car, your house, your life, your boat…heck, you can even insure your individual body parts if they’re _that_ valuable.

So, it should be no surprise that you can get insurance at a land-based or [online casino](https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/), particularly when you hit the blackjack tables.

And why not? Blackjack insurance is a no-lose proposition, right? Getting insured should be the kryptonite of every dealer’s existence. 

_Or is it?_

See, there will always be that one smart aleck at the table telling anyone who’d listen that you should insure your 19 or 20 against a dealer showing an ace—or that insurance is _always_ worth betting on.

But every blackjack pro within earshot will probably snicker at the fool at the table—because they know for a fact that they shouldn’t take that bet **at all**. Unless you’re an eagle-eyed card counter, the maths is against you; buying blackjack insurance will likely generate more losses over the long run. Here’s why.

## Blackjack Insurance: The Mechanics

Blackjack insurance may seem like an attractive option for the player when the dealer is showing an ace because of the odds that their hole card—the one that’s face down—is a 10-value card.

In essence, blackjack insurance is a side bet, insuring your hand against the dealer actually having the dreaded natural blackjack. Blackjack insurance gives the player a chance to break even should the dealer have blackjack, even if the player would lose their main bet either way.

Here’s how it works: once the players at the table who bought insurance have placed their side bets, the dealer will check or reveal their hole card. If it is a 10-value card, the dealer takes everyone’s main bets. Everyone else who insured their hands will get a 2:1 payout on their insurance side bet. It must be noted that players can only insure their hands for half of their original stake, allowing them to break even in case the dealer has blackjack.

If the dealer’s hole card isn’t a 10-value card, they will rake in any insurance bets made, and the game will continue on as per its normal course. If you have 21 while the dealer shows an ace, you may be offered “even money,” but don’t take the bet under any circumstances. It’s just another _modus operandi_ to get you to bet on what is virtually the same thing as insurance.

If you take the even money bet, you won’t get paid at a 3:2 clip like you should. Your blackjack will only get paid 1:1, or the same amount as your original wager, whether or not the dealer has 21. If you stand at blackjack without taking an even money bet and the dealer holds a 21, the game ends in a push, and your main bet is returned. Otherwise, if the dealer doesn’t have 21, your blackjack will be paid 3:2 as it usually would.

Ultimately, insurance and even money are bad side bets. They have nothing to do with the strength of your hand—and their odds are tilted heavily in favour of the house. With the house edge on insurance bets sitting at 7.4%, there’s a good reason why basic blackjack strategy dictates that players should never take them.

## Blackjack Insurance: Pros and Cons

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706174971/blog/Blackjack%20Insurance:%20Is%20It%20a%20Good%20Bet%20for%20New%20Players/img-blackjack-insurance.png" alt="blackjack insurance pros and cons" />

Surely blackjack insurance CAN’T always be a bad idea, can it? Otherwise, why would casinos offer it? How can players protect themselves from an incoming blackjack from a dealer when their hands stand at a “strong” 20? 

Insurance may seem like the right play if the dealer is showing an ace, considering the one-in-three chance that they have a 10-value card in the hole. But the decision requires more nuance than blindly insuring your hand at every possible opportunity. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of blackjack insurance as follows:

### Blackjack Insurance: The Pros

In principle, there are two main advantages to getting blackjack insurance:

- **Protection against the dealer getting blackjack.** The main draw of insurance is that it may protect the player’s main bet if the dealer does indeed have a natural blackjack.
- **Bonus payout.** In the chance that the dealer isn’t holding blackjack and a player is insured, they can receive twice the amount of their insurance to offset the loss of their main bet.

The only way you can win a blackjack insurance bet is for the dealer to have a 10-value card in the hole. However, the odds and probability aren’t in your favour due to the fact that you will lose more by betting on insurance over the long term—unless you are a **god-tier** card counter.

### Blackjack insurance: The Cons

When it comes to blackjack insurance bets, the disadvantages far outweigh the pros. Here are the three main cons to getting blackjack insurance:

- **Negative EV (expected value).** Getting insured on every hand, equates to a net loss or negative expected value over the long run. That’s because the probability of the dealer having a natural blackjack is less than the odds of the dealer NOT having one.
- **Greater house edge.** The casino boosts its overall house edge by offering blackjack insurance, putting it at a greater advantage than the player insuring their hand.
- **Deviation from basic blackjack strategy.** Blackjack pros consider blackjack insurance as a deviation from the basic winning blackjack strategy. Any distraction from the basic strategy will reduce the likelihood of them winning more hands over time.

### Should you get Insurance at all?

Players should only get blackjack insurance if they expect the dealer to have a 10-value card in the hole. For players who play blackjack for fun or rely on their gut feeling when making decisions, this means getting insurance only when the dealer is on a hot run. For highly skilled players—we’re talking about expert card counters and statistical geeks—it means getting insured when they expect an incoming 10.

Although getting insurance at a blackjack table may seem like a good idea at first, it’s a decision against the player’s own interests. Why? You’re giving the casino a greater house edge by doing so—making blackjack insurance a bad decision for most players.

## The Lowdown on Blackjack Insurance and House Edge

Blackjack requires a combination of skill, maths, and a lot of luck to give you the best chance of winning. [Basic blackjack strategy](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/blackjack-chart-list/)—the optimal method of play that dictates the “correct” decision to take in any given situation is mathematically and irrefutably proven to minimise the house edge. Basic strategy is unequivocal about getting blackjack insurance—do NOT, under any circumstances, take it. Politely decline the offer and carry on.

See, the overall house edge in blackjack is approximately 0.7%, with the exact figure changing depending on house rules and game variants. Blackjack offers one of the lowest house edges as far as [card games](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/blackjack/) are concerned, giving players a greater chance to beat the game. In mathematical terms, a blackjack player betting a total of €10,000 over 1,000 blackjack hands could expect to lose a paltry €70.

Insurance throws this house edge out of whack when it is introduced into the equation as a standalone bet. From 0.7%, the house edge skyrockets to an eye-watering 7.4%—representing over a 10x multiplier vis-a-vis the standard house edge. Granted, the precise number may vary depending on the house rules and the number of decks, among other factors–but a general house edge of 7% can be safely assumed for most multi-deck games.

This plays into the narrative that for most players, getting blackjack insurance is a terrible decision due to the house edge it gives to the casino rather than just saying “no” to the offer. This comes with one caveat, though: highly skilled card counters with oodles and oodles of experience may actually be able to maximise blackjack insurance by accurately determining the number of 10s left in a particular shoe.

## When Should You Take Blackjack Insurance?

As we have discussed earlier, the probability of winning a blackjack insurance side bet is determined by the house rules, game variant, and number of decks used. Whenever a dealer shows an ace, their odds of having a 10 in the hole or a “natural”  blackjack are approximately 31%. In other words, in every 4 out of every 13 hands where the dealer’s up-card is an ace, they will have a natural blackjack.

Meanwhile, the payout for blackjack insurance is 2:1. This means that every player betting €20 on insurance will receive a €40 reward if the dealer gets blackjack. The expected value of insurance can be determined by multiplying the odds of the dealer getting blackjack by the payout of the insurance bet. In this particular case, the expected value or EV of the insurance bet would turn out negative—indicating that players will lose more money on this bet over time.

The only reason you would take blackjack insurance is if you are a grizzled veteran blackjack player with exceptional card-counting skills. Another (bad) reason why you might want to bet on insurance is if you’re a “gut” player who plays blackjack for fun and if it doesn’t kill your bankroll. Most experienced blackjack players would recommend that players never bet on insurance. Period, _end of_.

## If You _Must_ Take Blackjack Insurance…Consider This

One of the most common justifications for players to take blackjack insurance is because they have a hand value worth 20. However, unless you have an ace and 9 (which equates to a value of 10 or 20), this is a prime example of flawed reasoning. The basic underlying premise of insurance wagers is that the dealer has a 10 in the hole—making blackjack insurance on a player hand of 20 actively puts you at an instant disadvantage.

The greater the ratio of 10-value cards **in the shoe**, the greater the likelihood that your insurance bet might win. The key phrase in this statement is “in the shoe.” If you have two 10 cards in your hand, the last thing you want to bet on in that situation is that another 10 card is hiding behind the dealer’s ace.

## The Final Word on Blackjack Insurance

Insurance is almost always a good idea—the operative word being “almost.” Except when it comes to blackjack.

See, even if you were Tommy Hyland, Peter Griffin, Al Francesco, and Stanford Wong—that is, one of the greatest card counters of all time—it’s still best to avoid getting blackjack insurance. It’s all a matter of probability. The odds of the dealer holding a natural blackjack is less than 33% of the time. While you might hit an insurance side bet every now and then, the maths stands: you WILL almost always lose money over the long run. Moreover, blackjack insurance goes against every tenet of tried-and-tested basic strategy.

The only thing blackjack insurance increases is the house’s advantage over you. It might sound counterintuitive, but the blackjack table is the last place you’ll want to have an “insurance policy.”


Blackjack insurance may seem like a good idea—until players discover the risk it involves. When is this side bet the right move?

Blackjack Insurance: Should It Be Used?

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This blackjack guide covers an introduction to blackjack, the basic rules, playing blackjack at online casinos, and practical tips for wagering and game management.

How To Play Online Blackjack

featured-img-black-jack-rules.svg

## Shuffling Through Terms: The Complete Blackjack Glossary

Have you ever been completely puzzled by the terminology thrown around [at the blackjack table](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/blackjack/)? Whether you are a new player or a veteran, you don’t want to get caught missing out on key information that could prove valuable to your betting. Blackjack has been around for centuries now and has built up a large vocabulary that players love to throw around. Be sure to check through this complete glossary of blackjack terms to elevate your knowledge and gameplay to the next level.

### Ace Poor or Rich

A deck that is Ace Poor has had more aces drawn than is usually expected. There are, therefore, fewer aces in the deck than would be expected over a certain period of gameplay. An Ace Rich deck is the opposite, where fewer aces have been drawn than you would have anticipated.

### Anchorman

When multiple players are seated at the table, there will inevitably be one who is last on the deal. This player is seated closest to the right of the dealer and is known as an Anchorman.

### Bankroll

Your bankroll is your total real-money budget to spend on [any given casino game](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/). This term isn’t just used for blackjack but for [all casino or sports betting](https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/) activities. Managing your bankroll is a key aspect of any casino strategy.

### Blackjack

Not just the name of the game but also the best hand available. The name of the game actually comes from the hand and not the other way around. You need to be dealt an Ace and a face card or 10 to score a blackjack. This combination automatically wins the round with an increased payout of 3 to 2. 

### Box

The box is where you place your chips when making a bet in any game of blackjack. It gets its name from the rectangular box that is imprinted on the blackjack table.

### Bust

In a game of blackjack, you are aiming to get a score of 21. A lower value than 21 can still result in a win if it is higher than the dealers. Anything higher than 21 will result in a bust, which automatically loses the round.

### Buy-In

The buy-in is the minimum and maximum bet amount possible to make at a table. This amount can vary depending on the casino and the variation of blackjack being played.

### Card Counting

Counting cards is a tactic that is used to predict the likelihood of certain cards appearing on the next draw. You can keep a count in your head to establish the possibility of the next draw being a face card or a 10, for example. Starting from zero, you will either add (+)1 or subtract (-)1 from the count depending on what cards are being drawn. The higher the number, the more likely it is that a 10 or face card has the potential to appear. Below, you can see the basic rules for card counting in blackjack.

- A draw of 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 means adding 1 from your count
- A draw of 7, 8, or 9 – does not affect the count
- A draw of 10, Jack, Queen, King, or Ace means subtracting 1 from your count

### Charlie

A Charlie is a hand that has 5 or more cards without going bust. Some blackjack variants offer this as an alternative way for the player to win a round. Whether you need 5, 6, or 7 cards in your hand to reach this will depend on the table.

### Chipping Down or Up

Chipping Down or Chipping Up refers to the trajectory of your gameplay over a number of rounds. It could either be going up, so you are building up a stack of chips from your winnings, or it could be going down as a result of some steady losses.

### Cut

The Cut is a plastic card that the dealer can use to signify when a deck needs to be shuffled again. A player can choose where to cut the cards, which the dealer will keep track of with their plastic bookmark.

### DAS or NDAS

DAS is short for Double After Split. This is a game rule that can be found at certain blackjack tables, which allows the player to double their bet after splitting their cards. NDAS refers to tables where this rule isn’t allowed, also known as No Double After Split

### Double Down

To Double Down or Doubling Down refers to a betting action where the player doubles their wager. This option is available after seeing your hand and requires that you then draw one more card and no more.

### Double Exposure

Double Exposure Blackjack is a variant of traditional blackjack that requires the dealer to immediately show both of their dealt cards. This provides the player with the added advantage of knowing exactly what to beat with their hand. Double Exposure Blackjack comes with some drawbacks for the player to compensate for this advantage as landing a blackjack will only result in a 1 to 1 payout, and any draws that happen will result in the dealer winning.

### Early Surrender

The Early Surrender option is available in some variants of blackjack. This allows the player to forfeit their hand before the dealer checks for a blackjack in their hand. Taking this option returns half of your stake.

### Even Money

Even Money refers to the payout that comes with winning a round of blackjack with a standard hand and no side bets. Any winning hand that isn’t a blackjack will result in a 1 to 1 payout, meaning you earn double your stake.

### Face Cards

Jacks, Queens, and Kings are all known as Face Cards. The name comes from the fact that each card depicts a person on them. 10s can also be referred to as Face Cards in blackjack, as their value is the same.

### First Base

The First Base is the seating position opposite the Anchorman. Instead of being the last person to receive their cards, the person seated in First Base receives their cards first out of all the players on the table.

### Five-Card Charlie

Some blackjack tables offer a Five-Card Charlie rule. This allows a player the chance to draw 5 cards, and if it doesn’t result in a bust, the outcome of the round will be a win for the player.

### Flat Bet

A Flat Bet system is a betting strategy that requires the player to keep their bet amount the same no matter the results of any given round. The player chooses a baseline bet amount and sticks with that same amount during the entire session.

### Hard Hand

Any hand that doesn’t contain an Ace or a hand where the Ace counts as a 1 is known as a Hard Hand. This is essentially the opposite of a Soft Hand.

### Heads Up

Playing Heads Up means being seated at a table with no other players. Some prefer this as it allows for faster game rounds.

### Hit

One of the actions available to you on your turn is to tell the dealer to Hit. This signifies that you wish to have another card drawn and added to your hand.

### Hit 17

Hit 17 is a specific rule available at certain blackjack tables. It requires the dealer to Hit when they’ve drawn a soft 17. This is in contrast to a Stand 17 blackjack table.

### Hole Card

The face-down card in the dealer’s hand is referred to as a Hole Card. This card will only be revealed after all players have finalised their betting decisions during a single round.

### House Edge

The house edge refers to the statistical advantage the casino has over the player. In a standard game of blackjack with no side bets, the house edge is around 2%. 

### Insurance

A side bet option that is available with some blackjack variants is Insurance. This option pays out at a rate of 2 to 1 and is available when the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace. The Insurance side bet pays out if the dealer’s hand results in a blackjack. 

### Late Surrender

Similar to the Early Surrender surrender option, this can be used after the dealer has checked their face-down (Hole) card. Taking this option forfeits your hand and pays you half of your stake back.

### Match the Dealer

Another popular side betting option that looks to predict that either one of your cards will be the same as the dealer’s face-up card. This is known as a Match the Dealer side bet. The payouts for winning with this side bet will depend on how many in-play decks are being used. 

### Multiple-Deck

Any game of blackjack that is played with more than 1 deck is known as Multiple-Deck Blackjack.

### Natural Blackjack

Scoring 21 with only 2 cards is known as a Natural Blackjack.

### NRSA and RSA

Non-Resplit Aces (NRSA) and Resplit Aces (RSA) refer to different game rules available at a blackjack table. This determines whether the player is allowed to split the Aces in their hand after already splitting once.

### Paint

Paint is another term used for Face Cards. This includes Jacks, Queens, and Kings.

### Pair

A hand with 2 cards of the same value is known as a Pair.

### Pat Hand

It is usually not recommended to Hit while having a hand with a value of a Hard 17 or higher. Any hand like this is known as a Pat Hand.

### Perfect Pairs

Perfect Pairs are a blackjack variant that enables the player to win if the first 2 cards they draw are of the same value.

### Power Double

Power Blackjack is a specific variant of blackjack with additional rules that allow the player to discard and replace their double-down card. This is usually only allowed when the player has a hand with a value of 9, 10, or 11.

### Push

When both the player and the dealer have hands with the same total value, it becomes a draw, otherwise known as a Push.

### Resplitting

Resplitting is allowed in certain blackjack variants and allows the player to split after having already split. Some variants allow the player to split their hand up to 3 times, enabling them to play with a total of 4 hands.

### Royal Match

An additional side betting option, The Royal Match, requires the player to draw a King and a Queen in the same suit and on the first 2 cards drawn to win.

### Shoe

The Shoe is a device or compartment that stores all of the decks used at the blackjack table.

### Shuffle Tracking

An alternative to card counting, Shuffle Tracking instead follows how the cards are being shuffled to determine the likelihood that certain cards will be drawn in the upcoming round. This is done by steering slugs of high-value cards to the front of the deck.

### Side Bet

Many different blackjack tables offer a variety of Side Bets. These are additional betting options that offer a separate payout when certain conditions are met. This could be betting on specific cards to be drawn into your hand, for example.

### Soft Double

Doubling down on any Soft Hand is known as a Soft Double.

### Soft Hand

Any hand that has an Ace that can be counted as either a 1 or an 11 is known as a Soft Hand. This is in contrast to what is known as a Hard Hand.

### Spanish 21

A specific variant of blackjack, Spanish 21 offers more betting options and the potential for bigger prizes at the cost of a larger house edge.

### Split

If the first 2 cards you are dealt have the same value, you have the option to Split. This means separating the cards into 2 separate hands and being dealt an additional 2 cards. Some blackjack variants allow you to Split multiple times in a round.

### Split and Double After Split (Surrender SAD)

A blackjack table may offer the option for you to Double Down after committing to a Split. An option can also be available at some tables to allow you to Surrender even after deciding to Double.

### Splitting Pairs

A Split and Splitting Pairs are essentially the same thing. It allows you to Split your hand into 2 while drawing an additional 2 cards. This is only possible when the original 2 cards are both of the same value.

### Stand

When you decide that you don’t wish to have any further cards dealt, you tell the dealer that you have decided to Stand.

### Stand 17

As opposed to the Hit 17 rule, any blackjack table that includes the Stand 17 rule requires the dealer to make the Stand decision when drawing a Soft 17.

### Standing Hand

A Standing Hand is one where you have chosen not to draw any further cards after the initial 2 received at the start of the round.

### Stand-Off

A draw in a game of Blackjack is also known as a Stand-Off. This is where you and the dealer both have the same total value of cards after deciding to Stand.

### Stiff

A hand with values of between 12 and 16 is known as a Stiff. This is generally an unfavourable hand for the player. It can also refer to a dealer’s face-up card being either a 2, 4, 5, or 6.

### Surrender

Players can use the Surrender option instead of deciding to Hit or Stand. This forfeits the hand but returns half of the stake back to the player.

### Tie Bet

A Tie Bet is when both you and the dealer have a hand of 21. This results in a draw, otherwise known as a Push, where the stake is returned to the player.

### Upcard

In a standard game of blackjack, the dealer will give themself a face-up and a face-down card. The card that is face-up is also known as the Upcard.

More from CasinoGrounds.com

Have you ever been completely puzzled by the terminology thrown around at the blackjack table? Whether you are a new player or a veteran, you don’t want to get caught missing out on key information.

Shuffling Through Terms: The Complete Blackjack Glossary

hero_img_free_bet_jack_2_F43_BB_4c04636f0f.jpg

featured_img_free_bet_jack_6850ac89a8_1de6dd4fcc.svg

The strategy of Free Bet Blackjack is much more straightforward to memorize than the basic strategy of standard [Blackjack](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/blackjack/), where the key takeaway is to accept all free doubles and free splits. 

In this article, you will find a quick, straightforward introduction to basic strategy when playing Evolution Gaming's Free Bet Blackjack, together with three charts that tell you the optimal play. 

## Basic Free Bet Blackjack strategy
When you play Evolution Gaming's Free Bet Blackjack variant with eight decks, the house has a 1.55% edge over you. The optimal theoretical payout percentage based on the first-hand dealt from the dealer shoe is 98.45%.

**Tip:** *The optimal strategy of this variant is only achievable when you stay away from the Free Bet Blackjack side bets, as these lower the respective RTP range from 98.45% to between 94.12% and 95.90%.*

The optimal strategy for playing Free Bet Blackjack is to apply regular [basic blackjack strategy](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/blackjack-chart-list/), except for free bets, as you should always accept every free double and free split opportunity. 

## Free Bet Blackjack strategy charts
We've made three charts you can use during play to make better decisions. 
- a chart showing you what to do in real money hands
- a chart showing you what to do when playing free hands
- a chart listing all free splits, and free doubles

**Note:** *The charts presented in this free bet blackjack strategy article assume that you are familiar with regular blackjack rules.* 

### Chart showing how to play real money hands in Free Bet Blackjack

<div class="blog-responsive-image">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706786733/blog/Free%20Bet%20Blackjack%20Strategy/img-01_-_Real_Money_Hand.jpg" alt="strategy chart showing how to play real money hands in Free bet blackjack" />
</div>

**When to double:**
- Always accept a free double.
- Always double a Soft 16 vs. dealer's 6.
- Always double a soft 17 and 18 vs. dealer's 5 or 6.

**When to hit:**
- Always hit on a player 5-8
- When on a hard 12 (except when the dealer shows a 5 or a 6).
- When on a hard 13 (except when the dealer shows a 3, 4, 5, or a 6).
- When on a hard 14/15/16 (except when the dealer shows a 2, 3, 4, 5, or a 6). 
- Always hit when on a soft 12-17 (except for when you double)
- When on a soft 18 vs. dealer's 9, 10, or A.

**When to stand:**
- When on a hard 12 vs. dealer's 5 or 6.
- When on a hard 13 vs. dealer's 3-6. 
- When on a hard 14/15/16 vs. dealers 2-6
- When on any hard 17 and above.
- When on a soft 18 vs. dealer's 2-8 (except when doubling vs. 5 or 6). 
- When on any soft 19 and above. 

### Chart showing how to play free hands in Free Bet Blackjack

<div class="blog-responsive-image">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706785509/blog/Free%20Bet%20Blackjack%20Strategy/img-02_Free_Hand.jpg" alt="strategy chart showing how to play free hands in Free bet blackjack" />
</div>

**When to double:**
- Always accept a free double.
- Always double a soft 16 vs. dealer's 6.
- Always double a soft 17 vs. dealer's 5 or 6.
- Always double a soft 18 vs. dealer's 4, 5, or 6.
- Always double a soft 19 vs. dealer's 5 or 6.
- Always double a soft 20 vs. dealer's 6.

**When to hit:**
- Always hit on a player 5-8
- When on a hard 12 (except when the dealer shows a 5 or a 6).
- When on a hard 13  and 14 (except when the dealer shows 3-6).
- When on a hard 15 and 16 (except when the dealer shows 2-6)
- When on a hard 17 (except when the dealer shows 2-6 or 10)
- When on a soft 12-17, except for when you're doubling.
- When on a soft 18, except when you're doubling versus dealer's 7.

**When to stand:**
- When on a hard 12 vs. dealer's 5 or 6.
- When on a hard 13-14 vs. dealer's 3-6. 
- When on a hard 15-17 vs. dealer's 2-6. 
- Stand on 17 vs. dealer's 10.
- Always stand on hard 18 and above.
- When on a soft 18 vs. dealer's 7.
- When on a soft 19 and above (except for when doubling). 

### Chart showing how to play split hands in Free Bet Blackjack

<div class="blog-responsive-image">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706785509/blog/Free%20Bet%20Blackjack%20Strategy/img-03_-_Splits.jpg" alt="strategy chart showing how to play split hands in Free bet blackjack" />
</div>

- Always opt for a free double when available.
- Always opt for a free split when available.
- Always stand on a pair of tens (10,10).

You can try [demo play blackjack](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/blackjack/) or head over to [our online casinos section](https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/) to play for real money.

In this article, you will find a quick, straightforward introduction to basic strategy when playing Evolution Gaming's Free Bet Blackjack, together with three charts that tell you the optimal play.

Free Bet Blackjack strategy charts

featured_img_blackjack_odds_c3e3ce434d_e171b2d6fe_1e4afcf0da_d8f39cba47.png

Blackjack ranks among the [top casino games](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/) at online and physical casinos. It draws its popularity from its seemingly simple game mechanics. Starting from two cards, a player has to create a hand with a value higher than that of the dealer without going bust or exceeding a hand value of 21. 

A player total of 21 is called “blackjack” or a “natural.” Likewise, players may stand on the first two cards they were initially dealt or ask the dealer for more cards (called a “hit”) to add to their total until they choose to “stand” on the total hand value or go bust.

However, blackjack’s simplicity can be misleading—delving underneath the surface of blackjack odds and probabilities can reveal how maddeningly complicated the game can be.

Therefore, each player must understand the inner workings of blackjack odds and how to leverage them to their advantage. Sharpening your blackjack skill makes the game even more thrilling and potentially lucrative. This guide will give you the full scoop on blackjack odds and probabilities, teach you concepts such as the house edge and return to player (RTP), and, finally, teach you how to extract the most value out of your bets. Ready? Let’s begin.

## Blackjack Odds: How Likely Can a Player Bust Out?

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706014199/blog/Blackjack%20Odds%20and%20Probabilities/img-blackjack-odds.png" alt="image of two aces and a jack adding up to 22 and the text bust" />

Players can use various blackjack strategies to increase their probability of winning, gain more advantageous blackjack odds, and reduce the house edge.

At the same time, casinos have plenty of tools at their disposal to reduce players’ odds of winning. This includes adding gameplay restrictions (e.g., no doubling after a split), reducing blackjack payouts, or adding an extra deck or two in the shoe.

For this reason, players need to gain a thorough understanding of blackjack probabilities to recognise the edge they might have against the house. 

The following blackjack odds table demonstrates your probability of busting out on a hit after the dealer has dealt your first two cards.

<div class="blog-responsive-image">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706014201/blog/Blackjack%20Odds%20and%20Probabilities/Table_01.png" alt="probability of busting out on a hit" />
</div>

## Blackjack Odds: How Likely Can the Dealer Bust Out?

Every casino gives itself a house edge. That means the odds are tilted against you, and the dealer holds a clear-cut advantage and better blackjack odds than you. This is compounded by the fact that the dealer always acts after the player, with the benefit of deciding based on your results as an added bonus.

However, house rules for blackjack will vary depending on the casino you choose to play, which may further tilt the odds in the house’s favour. For example, a dealer required by house rules to hit on a “soft” 17 (a hand containing an ace that can be counted either as 1 or 11 without the hand exceeding 21) has a better probability of winning than a dealer required to stand on a soft 17.

The following table will demonstrate the probability of a dealer busting out and how house rules can play a factor in the latter.

<div class="blog-responsive-image">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706014201/blog/Blackjack%20Odds%20and%20Probabilities/Table_02.png" alt="image of two aces and a jack adding up to 22 and the text bust" />
</div>

## The Lowdown on House Edge: Explained

The “house edge” refers to the mathematical advantage the casino holds over the players. This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone playing casino games—it is, after all, the reason why casinos operate. The built-in mathematical advantage applies to all casino games, meaning the odds of the house winning money over the long run are significantly higher than the players’ odds of making a profit. Therefore, the lower the house edge, the better it is for the player.

The mere fact that the dealer acts after a player and bases their decisions on how the player acts is a significant house edge. If a player busts out, the dealer wins without having to act any further. Besides house rules, different blackjack variants may lead to a higher or lower house advantage when compared to traditional blackjack.

It’s key to understand blackjack odds and probability and how they are affected based on the blackjack variant you wish to play. The following table lists the most common blackjack variants and how they affect the house edge.

### House Edge in Popular Blackjack Variants

<div class="blog-responsive-image">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706014200/blog/Blackjack%20Odds%20and%20Probabilities/Table_03.png" alt="image of two aces and a jack adding up to 22 and the text bust" />
</div>

Ultimately, a player's house edge is determined by the blackjack variant they choose to play. Every blackjack game has its own subtle variation that may increase or decrease house edge based on house rules and the number of decks the variant uses. These factors may favour either player or dealer, therefore changing the house advantage, blackjack odds, probabilities, and rewards. Before playing a blackjack game, you should be familiar with the rules and house edge—and the actions that may increase or reduce it—because they might mean the difference between turning a profit or losing.

## What is Return to Player (RTP)?

The return to player (RTP) metric can be seen as the opposite of the casino’s house edge. In essence, RTP is the percentage of a payout that a game “returns” or pays back to the player over a set number of bets. From another perspective, RTP can be seen as the ratio of winning bets over the total number of bets a player makes.

As discussed earlier, the inherent statistical advantage in blackjack odds is called the house edge. The house edge indicates the casino’s profit margin on a particular game over the long term. House edge is calculated by subtracting the RTP value from the total turnover. For instance, a blackjack game showing an RTP of 99% would have a house edge of 1%, as demonstrated by the equation: 100%-99%. The higher the house edge, the less favourable it is for players to turn in a consistent profit over a sustained betting period. 

The effects of RTP in the game of blackjack resonate across all aspects of the game. Online and land-based casinos offer many blackjack variants, each with its own set of rules, house edge, and number of decks used. Casino game developers painstakingly implement these options when they create games. Therefore, players ought to familiarise themselves with the rules, RTP, and information about the blackjack games they wish to play. While RTP isn’t a perfect metric by any means, it can be a vital tool to improve your chances of winning at blackjack (or any casino game, for that matter).

## Card counting: How can it affect a player’s odds of winning?

Card counting is a hot topic in the world of online betting—especially when it comes to blackjack. In essence, card counting involves a player using a system to monitor the ratio of low cards vis-a-vis high cards by keeping track of the cards that have been dealt over a game of blackjack or other table games to gain an edge over the house. The basic underlying premise of card counting is that a shoe or a deck rich with 10 value cards, such as 10s, Kings, Queens, and Jacks, is favourable to the player, while one with low-value cards (such as 2s, 3s, or 4s) is more favourable to the dealer.

For instance, when a shoe has a higher concentration of 10 value cards and aces, there will be a higher statistical probability of natural blackjacks being dealt. Natural blackjacks pay at a 3:2 clip or 150% of your bet size, and the dealer will more likely bust out more often. On the other hand, when a higher concentration of low-value cards remains, fewer blackjacks will be dealt, and the dealer is less likely to bust out. Players, therefore, can harness the dark arts of card counting to monitor the card concentration in each shoe and make bigger bets when more higher cards remain and smaller bets when more lower cards are left. The concept is simple, but executing the strategy consistently to make profits is more complicated—if not made impossible by some casinos. 

One school of thought views card counting as a legitimate strategy for highly skilled players to increase their chances of beating the house. However, most casinos view it as an unfair advantage or downright cheating. Therefore, many casinos have implemented measures to discourage or prevent card counting.

## Basic blackjack strategy: How to improve your odds of winning

Blackjack strategy can be boiled down to a strictly better, mathematically-proven way that reduces the house edge to 0.50%. Most new blackjack players learn to play the game by following the Basic Strategy chart. This guide shows the superior way to play your first two cards based on the dealer’s face-up card. As discussed earlier, the casino gains the house edge by virtue of the fact that the player must act first. Therefore, since basic strategy only applies to the first two cards dealt, players need to gain a better understanding of the best actions to take after taking a hit.

Here’s a quick rundown on basic blackjack strategy.

### How to Play “Hard” Blackjack Hands

“Hard” hands refer to a starting blackjack hand of two cards that lack an Ace.

- If your hand value is 8 or less, always take a hit.
- If your hand value is 9, double down if the dealer’s face-up card is 3 to 6. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your hand value is 10, double down if the dealer’s face-up card is 2 to 9. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your hand value is 11, double down if the dealer’s face-up card is 2 to 10. If the dealer is holding an Ace, take a hit.
- If your hand value is 12, take a hit if the dealer’s face-up card is 2 or 3. If the dealer’s hand value is 4 to 6, stand. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your hand value is 13 to 16, stand if the dealer’s face-up card is 2 to 6. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your hand value is 17 to 21, always stand.

### How to Play “Soft” Blackjack Hands

“Soft” hands refer to a starting blackjack hand of two cards containing an Ace.

- If your hand contains an Ace and 2 or Ace and 3, double down if the dealer’s face-up card is 5 or 6. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your hand contains an Ace and 4 or Ace and 5, double down if the dealer’s face-up card is 4 to 6. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your hand contains an Ace and 6, double down if the dealer’s face-up card is 3 to 6. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If you have an Ace and 7, stand if the dealer has 2, 7, or 8. Double down if the dealer has 3 to 6. Otherwise, take a hit.
- Always stand if your hand contains an Ace and 8 or Ace and 9.

### How to Play Blackjack Pairs

- Always split if your starting hand has a pair of Aces or Eights.
- If your starting hand has a pair of twos or threes, split if the dealer’s face-up card is 2-7. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your starting hand has a pair of fours, split if the dealer’s face-up card is 5 or 6. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your starting hand has a pair of fives, double down if the dealer’s face-up card is 2 to 9. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your starting hand has a pair of sixes, split if the dealer’s face-up card is 2 to 6. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your starting hand has a pair of sevens, split if the dealer’s face-up card is 2 to 7. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your starting hand has a pair of nines, split if the dealer’s face-up card is 2 to 6, and 8 or 9. Stand if the dealer is showing a 7, 10, or Ace.
- If you have a pair of tens, always stand.

## Blackjack odds and probability of side bets explained

One of blackjack’s main draws is its relatively lower house edge compared to other table games like baccarat. Skilled blackjack players will typically face a house edge of 0.50%. Even when accounting for a bad run of play, the blackjack house edge only rises to 2%. That’s a remarkably high RTP rate compared to other popular table or casino games. 

Blackjack is essentially an even-money game, which can rise to 2:1 odds if you are dealt a natural blackjack. That’s where side bets come in. Blackjack side bets offer players to play longer odds and win big on blackjack. One caveat: the house edge skyrockets when playing blackjack side bets—with some bets raising the house edge from 0.50% to 10%. Side bets add the thrill of winning big, but you can also lose more money by overdoing it. Let’s look at some of the most common blackjack side bets.

### Common blackjack side bets

Whether you're playing at an online or physical casino, blackjack side bets are often shown on the felt or a menu. Here, you will see the side bets with their odds, payouts, and terms since they can vary depending on the site or casino you’re playing at.

The primary blackjack side bets are:

- Insurance
- Perfect Pairs
- 21+3

Let’s look at each common blackjack side bet in more detail.

#### Insurance

Insurance is the most common blackjack side bet, allowing you to protect yourself against the dealer hitting a natural blackjack if he has an ace facing up. The insurance side bet involves half of your original bet, which will pay out at 2:1 odds if the dealer has a natural blackjack. Insurance, in essence, helps diminish the house edge in an unfavourable situation for the player.

#### Perfect Pairs

Perfect pair side bets are paid out only when you’re dealt two of a kind under the following circumstances:

- **Mixed pair side bet**. A pair of the same value but different colours and suits will pay 5:1.
- **Coloured pair side bet**. A pair of the same value and the same colour will pay 12:1.
- **Perfect pair side bet**. A perfect pair—or pair of the same card will pay 25:1.

Returns may vary depending on the casino you choose to play in, and the house edge will vary depending on the payout, house rules, and/or number of decks used. This can range from 2% to over 10% or higher.

#### 21+3

21+3 refers to a side bet involving the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s face-up card. This side bet pays out depending on the following combinations:

- **Flush**. This side bet is paid at 5:1 when all three cards are suited.
- **Straight**. This side bet pays 10:1 when all three cards are consecutive.
- **Three of a kind**. This side bet pays 30:1 when all three cards are of the same kind (not the same suit).
- **Straight flush**. This side bet pays 40:1 when all three consecutive cards share the same suit.
- **Suited triple**. This side bet pays 100:1 when all three cards are the same card.

It must be noted that these three side bets represent the most common ones played across all casinos. However, new side bets are being invented all the time, depending on the casino or provider, in an attempt to draw new audiences and retain existing players. More complex, higher-paying side bets can be found as niche bets in selected casinos, with some offering up to 5000:1 payouts—but the chances of winning such side bets are much smaller.

Blackjack side bets ultimately require no skill and rely on pure luck. Thus, side bets are best used sparingly and only to add an additional element of thrill from time to time—if at all—to enhance your blackjack gaming experience. You should never make them the main focus of your blackjack strategy.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

### Does blackjack have the best winning odds?

Blackjack’s low house edge of up to 0.50% distinguishes it among the table games with the best winning odds, putting the dealer on the same footing as the player as far as luck and skill are concerned.

### Is blackjack a skill-based game or a luck-based game?

Blackjack focuses on skill because winning relies on having a good understanding of hand values, strategies, and quick thinking against the dealer. While there is always an element of luck in all table games, blackjack gives the player agency to turn it into a game of skill.

### What are the odds of a player winning at blackjack?

The odds of a player winning a blackjack hand sits at 42.22%, while the chances of a dealer winning are 49.1%. The remaining 8.48% represents the odds for a tie.

### Are 21 and blackjack the same game?

Yes, 21 and blackjack refer to the same game. 21 is the maximum winning hand value in blackjack, and a hand value of 21 is called “blackjack.”

### Is blackjack a 50/50 game of chance?

No. When playing a game of blackjack, there are three outcomes to consider: a player win, a dealer win, or a tie/push. Therefore, it’s not a 50/50 game of chance.


Blackjack ranks among the top casino games at online and physical casinos. It draws its popularity from its seemingly simple game mechanics.

Blackjack Odds and Probabilities: A Beginner’s Overview

featured_img_blackjack_c9f8e98f29_862296ef93.svg

## Blackjack Strategy Charts

If you're playing blackjack in [online casinos](https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/) or at brick-and-mortar ones, the casino has an 8% edge over you when you don't use a blackjack chart. That's a serious disadvantage. You can, however, reduce it to as little as 0.2% by following optimal play strategies. 

**To put optimal play into perspective:** your expected loss is €800 if you wager €10,000 and don't apply it, versus as little as €20 if you do.

You'll find multiple blackjack charts for different games on this page:

- 4 to 8 Decks: Dealer Stands on Soft 17
- 4 to 8 Decks: Dealer Hits on Soft 17
- Live Evolution Gaming Blackjack Chart
- Evolution Gaming Free Bet Blackjack Charts

### Blackjack Chart for When the Dealer Stands on Soft 17 (4 to 8 Decks)

What's the best mathematical approach to the game when your dealer stands on soft 17? Here's the perfect play to achieve it.

<div class="blog-responsive-image">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706797128/blog/Blackjack%20Charts%20for%20Basic%20Strategy%20and%20Perfect%20Play/img-01-dealer-stands.jpg" alt="4 to 8 Decks: Dealer Stands on Soft 17" />
</div>

In order to best make use of our charts, you should learn the terminology and player options by heart.

**When to Surrender:**

- Surrender hard 16 when the dealer shows a 9, 10, or an A.
- Surrender hard 15 when the dealer shows a 10.
- Do not surrender a pair of eights, regardless of what the dealer shows.

**When to Split:**

- You should always split all pairs of A's & 8's.
- Split 2's when the dealer shows a 4-7.
- Split 3's when the dealer shows a 4-7.
- Split 4's when the dealer shows a 5-6 (Only when doubling after splitting is allowed on the table).
- Split 6's when the dealer shows a 3-6 (and 2's, Only when doubling after splitting is allowed on the table).
- Split 7's when the dealer shows a 2-7.
- Split 9's when the dealer shows a 2-6.
- Split 9's also if the dealer shows an 8-9.
- Never split a pair of 5's, or a pair of 10's, regardless of what the dealer shows.

**When to Double:**

- Hard 9 when the dealer has 3-6.
- Hard 10 (not when the dealer shows A or 10).
- Hard 11 (not when the dealer shows A).
- Soft 13-14 when the dealer has 5-6.
- Soft 15-16 when the dealer has 4-6.
- Soft 17-18 when the dealer has 3-6.

**When to Hit:**

- Always hit when your hand is a hard 11 or less.
- You should always hit when you have a soft 17 or less.
- Hit on hard 12 if the dealer does not have 4-6.
- Hit on hard 13 if the dealer does not have 2-6.
- Hit on hard 14 if the dealer does not have 2-6.
- Hit on hard 15 if the dealer does not have 2-6.
- Hit on hard 16 if the dealer does not have 2-6.
- Hit on soft 18 unless the dealer shows A, 9, or 10.

**When to Stand:**

- Always stand on hard 12 when the dealer shows 4-6.
- Always stand on hard 13 when the dealer shows 2-6.
- Always stand on hard 14 when the dealer shows 2-6.
- Always stand on hard 15 when the dealer shows 2-6.
- Always stand on hard 17 and up.
- Stand on soft 18 (hit when the dealer has 10, 9 or A).
- Always stand on soft 19 and up.

### Blackjack Chart for When the Dealer Hits on Soft 17 (4 to 8 Decks)

What's the best mathematical approach to the game when your dealer hits on soft 17? Here's another chart showing how to achieve perfect play.

<div class="blog-responsive-image">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706797127/blog/Blackjack%20Charts%20for%20Basic%20Strategy%20and%20Perfect%20Play/img-02-dealer-hits.jpg" alt="4 to 8 Decks: Dealer Hits on Soft 17" />
</div>

**Rules of thumb:**

- Do not use your insurance option.
- Stay away from even-money choice.
- Always view your hand as a hard 10 or 20 if there are no rows for splitting your 5's and 10's.

**When in doubt**, use the "dealer hits on soft 17" strategy instead of the "dealer stands on soft 17" strategy as this will mean fewer losses over time.

### Live Evolution Gaming Blackjack Chart

<div class="blog-responsive-image">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706797126/blog/Blackjack%20Charts%20for%20Basic%20Strategy%20and%20Perfect%20Play/img-03-dealer-stands-evolution.jpg" alt="Live Evolution Gaming Blackjack Chart" />
</div>

Players playing on the Evolution Gaming's Live Blackjack tables have requested a separate chart as the dealer will check for Blackjack if the face-up card is an ace.

This slightly changes how you approach optimal play on the Evolution Blackjack tables, so we've created a separate Evolution Blackjack chart adjusting to how you play your 10s. The game is still played with 4 to 8 decks, with the dealer standing on a soft 17.

### Evolution Gaming Free Bet Blackjack Charts

Evolution Gaming was the first provider to introduce Free Bet Blackjack online, a variant that was originally invented by Geoff Hall, and introduced to Las Vegas at the Golden Nugget casino during summer 2012.

You can find [dedicated charts for Free Bet Blackjack in this article](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/free-bet-blackjack-strategy/) by CasinoGrounds.


## FAQs

### How to Read And Interpret Blackjack Strategy Charts

Blackjack strategy charts are often complex for beginners. You should begin with learning the terms and then the basic strategy for hard hands, soft hands, and pairs. Blackjack strategy charts are divided into four sections based on the ace and hands. These are hard hands, soft hands, pairs, and surrender.

The hard hands section is for hands that do not have an ace and is the most important section of the blackjack strategy. This section shows you when it’s okay to hit (take another card from the dealer), stand (don’t take another card from the dealer), split (split a hand into two and play each independently), or double down (double the bet and add one more card).

The soft hands section is for hands that have an ace that is counted as 11, making it more valuable than soft hands. The section shows whether to hit, stand, split, or double down based on the total hands and the dealer’s upcard.

The pairs section shows whether or not to split a hand based on the pair the player has and the dealer’s upcard. The two decisions are yes (split hands and play each independently) or no (no split, play singly).

Finally, the surrender section shows whether or not to surrender your hand and forfeit half of your bet or go on playing based on the hand total and the dealer’s upcard. Again, there are two decisions: yes (surrender hands, forfeit half of the bet) and no (no surrender, keep playing).
Remember that you must know each strategy and move by heart to stand any chance of 
winning. But you won’t become familiar with each term and move in one day. The key is to keep learning and practising to improve your knowledge.

### How Blackjack Basic Strategy Works 

The blackjack basic strategy is a set of guidelines derived from computer-analysed results of millions of blackjack games, which guide players toward picking the right move based on the dealer’s upcards and the player’s hand total. The goal is to beat the dealer by hitting 21 or getting as close to it as possible; the basic strategy guides players to get a better chance of doing that.

The basic strategy charts show possible combinations for the player’s hand total and the dealer’s upcard and the possible move for each intersection of a hand total and upcard. Remember that the goal is to find the best move to get the least loss and maximum win in the long run.

### How to use a blackjack strategy?

The strategy has rows and columns; find the row that corresponds to your hand total and the column that corresponds to the dealer’s upcards. The first step is to understand the chart by learning the different sections and identifying your hand type and the dealer’s upcard. Next, you can locate your hand total on the chart and also locate the dealer’s upcard. Find the point where they intersect. Use the indicated best move: hit, stand, split, or double down. You’ll need to practise to improve your speed and accuracy.

### What’s important when using strategy charts for multiple decks?

The number of decks is the first important thing when using strategy charts for multiple decks. This is because it impacts the effectiveness of basic strategy, which becomes less favourable as the number of decks increases and the accuracy of card counting decreases. Other things to consider include the surrender and dealer rules, penetration, resplitting, double-down rules (instructions), and specificity (multiple deck-specific strategy card).

### How do strategy charts impact winning odds in online blackjack?

Playing blackjack online is significantly different from playing physically. Yes, there are slight impacts, such as reducing the house edge by as much as 1%. But it also improves winning odds by maximising the winning opportunities through double down or split pairs and minimises busting by guiding players to the right move most times.

### How can strategy charts improve betting and money management?

Although betting is still a game of chance and numbers, strategy charts help players make informed bets, reduce the risk of getting a bust, and plan their bets to optimise splits and double downs for more returns. Strategy charts also help players reduce impulsive bets, plan long-term bets, and generally manage their playing funds effectively. Finally, strategy charts cover a wide variety of games, and this can help players adjust to different games as they come.

### How often should I refer to a blackjack strategy chart during a game, and when is it most beneficial?

Beginners will need to check the blackjack basic strategy charts often, but as you become more competent and your skill increases, you might check the chart less. Never hesitate to check strategy charts when necessary. The important points to check are when your hand total is close to 21, when the dealer has a strong upcard, and when you are considering split pairs or double down moves.

### What is the purpose of using a blackjack strategy chart in the game?

The ultimate purpose for using the blackjack strategy is to win. There are three simple reasons to use a blackjack strategy chart: to reduce the house edge, minimise busting, and maximise your winning potential. The goal is to learn more about the game, find your edge, and play for long-term winnings.

### Can strategy charts be used in conjunction with card-counting techniques?

Players can and often do combine card counting techniques with strategy charts. This enables them to track and estimate the cards in the deck and make decisions based on such information. Learning to count cards and using strategy charts will significantly improve players’ performance.

### What are some common mistakes to avoid when using strategy charts in blackjack?

The first mistake is assuming you’ll win all the time with strategy charts; this breeds too much dependence on the chart and can impact your progress. The charts are guides to help players succeed but are never the holy grail of blackjack gambling. Ignoring the dealer’s upcard, emotional betting, holding out no surrender option, and ignorance of casino rules are other mistakes you must avoid.

### Can using a strategy chart affect the risk level associated with blackjack gambling?

Strategy charts do not, in the strict sense, reduce the risks associated with blackjack betting. What they do is help players make more informed decisions when playing, reduce the house edge, and generally improve their approach to the game. Using strategy or blackjack charts improves players’ understanding of blackjack at all levels.

Casinos typically allow players to check their charts when gambling on blackjack; you can download a PDF version of the charts to reference them when playing online casinos. With consistent practice and patience, you’ll learn how the game works and become familiar with most online blackjack and even slot machine games.


If you're playing blackjack in online casinos or at brick-and-mortar ones, the casino has an 8% edge over you when you don't use a blackjack chart. That's a serious disadvantage. You can, however, reduce it!

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