Blackjack is a popular casino game that’s been around for centuries but is
still one of the most popular casino games today. There are many reasons
for its popularity, one of which is that it’s considered to have the best
odds of winning. Compared with other casino table games
like Poker, Roulette, or Baccarat, Blackjack offers very good odds of
winning if you know how to play it right.
Unlike many casino games, Blackjack involves an element of skill, so the
outcome is not only down to chance. Using the right Blackjack strategies
and understanding the rules of the game can lower the house edge
significantly and increase your odds of winning. Combining chance and
skill, Blackjack is a unique game in many ways and it remains one of the
most frequently-played games at any casino, both online and offline. The
great thing about Blackjack is that even though many elements are down to
chance, such as, for example, the cards you’re dealt, the outcome of the
game also depends on the strategy you’re using and how you play the cards
you’re dealt.
In Blackjack, you and the other players around the table are always playing
to beat the dealer, not each other. The goal of any Blackjack game is to
beat the dealer by having a higher hand value than them. The crucial rule
is that the objective is to have a higher score than the dealer without
exceeding 21. This number is very important in the game of Blackjack, as
reaching a score of exactly 21 will get you the highest payout possible in
the game but exceeding this number will result in losing.
In this Blackjack odds of winning guide, we’ll go into detail about the
rules of Blackjack, how to understand the odds of winning at Blackjack, and
how to apply the best Blackjack strategies to increase your odds of winning
and lower the house edge. Read on to learn all about Blackjack and get the
best tips for your next game.
BLACKJACK ODDS – LEARN HOW THE PROBABILITY OF WINNING WORKS
Understanding the odds in the game of Blackjack and how probability works
will help you to predict the outcome of your decisions or moves to a
certain extent. If you take the time to acquire the knowledge and skills to
improve your game you can increase your odds of winning, but it should
still be noted that there is no way of guaranteeing the outcome of a hand
every time, as chance still plays a big part in this game.
To understand the probability of winning at Blackjack, you’ll need to
understand what odds and probabilities are and how they work. The
probability of any outcome is calculated by dividing the number of winning
outcomes by the number of every possible outcome. Probability can be
expressed as a percentage or as a decimal number and can be used to get an
idea of the likelihood of winning or losing with specific hands. For
example, in a standard deck of 52 cards (without the jokers), the
probability of a card that only appears once in the deck, such as the Queen
of Hearts, is 1/52. Dividing one by 52, we get a decimal of 0.0192, which
is equivalent to 1.92%.
If we take another example with the Kings (any suit or colour), the
probability is determined by counting the number of Kings in the deck
first. With four Kings in a 52-card deck, the probability is calculated by
dividing four by 52, which gives us a percentage of 7.369%. Since there are
four cards of this type in the deck, the probability is significantly
higher than that of drawing a card which appears only once in the deck.
Odds are closely related to probability but the two should not be mistaken
for the same thing. The odds of an outcome explain the ratio of winning to
losing. For example, the odds of drawing a Queen are 4:48, because there
are four Queens in the deck and 48 other cards. On the contrary, the odds against drawing a Queen are 48:4, because there are 48 cards which
are not Queens and only four which are.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at the probabilities in a standard game of
Blackjack, assuming that it’s played with six decks. The probabilities
listed in the tables below are also based on the standard Blackjack rule
where the dealer stands of a soft 17 and assuming that you’re playing using
basic strategy.
|
Player Hand Probabilities |
Dealer Hand Probabilities |
||
|
Event |
Probability |
Event |
Probability |
|
Dealer has only blackjack |
1 in 22 |
Player has only blackjack |
1 in 22 |
|
Two cards |
1 in 2.3 |
Two cards |
1 in 3.0 |
|
Three cards |
1 in 3.8 |
Three cards |
1 in 2.4 |
|
Four cards |
1 in 10 |
Four cards |
1 in 6.1 |
|
Five cards |
1 in 50 |
Five cards |
1 in 31 |
|
Six cards |
1 in 400 |
Six cards |
1 in 270 |
|
Seven cards |
1 in 4,600 |
Seven cards |
1 in 3,700 |
|
Eight cards |
1 in 79,000 |
Eight cards |
1 in 79,000 |
|
Nine cards |
1 in 2,200,000 |
Nine cards |
1 in 2,200,000 |
|
10 cards |
1 in 100,000,000 |
10 cards |
1 in 100,000,000 |
HOW TO KEEP BLACKJACK ODDS AND PROBABILITIES FAVOURABLE FOR PLAYERS
Now that you have a better idea of what Blackjack odds of winning and
probabilities are and how they work, let’s look at how you can keep these
favourable to you. In this section, we’ll also look at the house edge and
the return to player, two terms that you’ll come across very often when
playing
Blackjack online. Understanding the different elements that affect the odds of winning in
Blackjack will ultimately help you to keep the odds in your favour as much
as possible.
The house edge is simply a measure of the advantage that the casino has.
The higher the house edge, the bigger the advantage for the casino, meaning
a bigger disadvantage for the player. Luckily, Blackjack has one of the
lowest house edges compared to other casino games, another reason why the
game is so popular. The house edge can also be expressed as a percentage
which is known as the return to player (RTP) rate. The RTP represents your advantage in the game rather the casino’s, meaning the higher
the number, the bigger your advantage.
Blackjack has a house edge of around 0.5% or an RTP rate of 99.5%. Although
the odds of winning Blackjack are already good, the house edge can be
reduced even further if you know
how to play Blackjack
with basic strategy. Many beginners go into the game without taking the
time to learn basic strategy which lowers their odds of winning
significantly. Keep in mind that when you make a mistake, the odds of
winning at Blackjack become lower. Make sure to follow our
live casino blackjack tips
guide to increase your odds of winning in live Blackjack as well.
When looking at the odds of Blackjack and how you can keep them in your
favour, it’s important to take into consideration the type of Blackjack
game you’re playing. If you’re playing a Blackjack variant that doesn’t
follow the standard rules of the game, it can influence the house edge
significantly. Below is a list of the top factors that can affect the house
edge of Blackjack and that should be taken into account if you want to
determine the odds of the game.
-
Blackjack payouts
– Always play games which pay the standard 3:2 for a Blackjack. Some
Blackjack games pay 6:5 for a two-card 21 (Blackjack), meaning the
house edge would be higher. -
Dealer rules
– In most Blackjack games, the rule is that the dealer must stand if
they have a soft 17. If this rule doesn’t apply, then the dealer can
hit and get another card, increasing the house edge by doing so. -
Take into account the number of decks used
– As a general rule, keep in mind that the higher the number of decks
used, the harder it is to keep track of cards and calculate the
probabilities. -
Doubling down and splitting rules
– Different Blackjack variations have different rules on what cards you
can split or double down on. Some Blackjack games restrict how many
times you can split or double as well, which is not favourable to you.
For this reason, pick a Blackjack game with the least amount of
restrictions on doubling and splitting, when possible.
Surrender option
– Many Blackjack games allow you to surrender your hand if you’re dealt
disadvantageous cards. When you have the option to surrender, you minimise
potential losses by surrendering your hand. However, not every Blackjack
game has a surrender option, so it’s best to stick to games that have this
option if you want to increase the odds of winning Blackjack.
5 BASIC TIPS TO FOLLOW TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING AT BLACKJACK
With favourable odds and a low house edge, Blackjack is a game that can be
mastered well following a few basic tips that will help you increase the
odds of winning at Blackjack. However, keep in mind that a winning outcome
can never be guaranteed.
1. Check the rules of the game before playing
Before you choose a Blackjack game, check the rules of that game well
because not every Blackjack game has the same rules. Many players make the
mistake of playing any random Blackjack game but not every game offers the
same odds. Make sure that the rules are favourable to you, such as the
dealer standing on soft 17, doubling down after splitting, and a Blackjack
payout of 3:2.
2. Use basic strategy
Using basic strategy is one of the best ways you can increase your odds of
winning in Blackjack. Make sure to memorise the rules of basic strategy
well and keep a strategy chart handy to make the right moves instead of
playing randomly.
3. Avoid the betting progression system
Many players make the mistake of adjusting their bet according to the
outcome of the previous hand. This is a big mistake because the result of
the previous hand has no influence on the next hand whatsoever, so it’s
best to keep betting the same amount regardless of previous outcomes.
4. Don’t make the mistake of increasing your bet after a loss
This tip goes hand in hand with the previous tip and its related to the
common mistake of thinking that after several losses, the next hand is due
to win. Unfortunately, this is not the case, because your chances of
winning on the next hand don’t depend on the result of the previous hands.
5. Avoid 6:5 Blackjack games
The standard payout for a Blackjack is 3:2, as mentioned earlier. Some
Blackjack games offer a payout of 6:5 instead, which means the house edge
increases. We recommend avoiding 6:5 Blackjack games if you want to
increase your odds of winning at Blackjack.
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5 BLACKJACK TIPS & STRATEGIES FOR MORE ADVANCED PLAYERS
Once you feel like you have mastered the basic
Blackjack strategy
and the tips discussed in this Blackjack guide, you can consider trying out
some advanced strategies to increase your odds of winning Blackjack. Here
are our top five tips for advanced Blackjack players.
1. Don’t take risks with the insurance bet
The insurance bet is always a disputed topic in Blackjack, although most
Blackjack guides will tell you to avoid the insurance bet at all costs. The
only scenario where you can take insurance is if you’re good at card
counting and you’re sure there are few 10 value cards left in the deck.
2. Learn when you should go against basic Blackjack strategy
According to basic Blackjack strategy, a pair of 10s shouldn’t be split.
The exception is if the dealer’s card is a five or a six and you’re sure
there are many 10s left in the deck. In this case, an advanced move would
be to split the 10s because the dealer has a higher chance of busting.
3. The Rule of 45
The rule of 45 is an advanced tip that applies to hands with a value of 16
but consist of a card with a value of four or five. In this case if the
dealer has a 10, you should stand.
4. Bet behind other players when you can
This option is usually possible if you’re playing at a land-based casino
and if the opportunity arises. For example, if a player at the table is
clearly skilled and playing their hand well, it might be worth to bet
behind them.
5. Take advantage of low card values
If you’re dealt a hand with two low-value cards and the dealer’s card also
has a low value, this is a clear sign that there are more high cards left
in the deck. This means that the odds of getting a high card are higher.
Ready to try out these advanced Blackjack tips for yourself? Check out our
live Blackjack games at Platincasino UK and try out these strategies in a
live casino online UK environment.
CONCLUSION
After reading this guide about how to increase your Blackjack odds of
winning, it’s time to put the tips you’ve learnt here into practice. Keep
in mind that Blackjack is a combination of both skill and chance, but if
you play using the best strategy, you can always improve the odds. Try out
online Blackjack at Platincasino UK or head to
the live casino to experience
blackjack with a live dealer.
BLACKJACK ODDS OF WINNING – FAQ
What does a payout of 3-2 mean?
A payout of 3:2 is generally the payout for a natural Blackjack. The majority of Blackjack games pay 3:2, which translates to 1.5x your bet. For example, if you wager £4 and get a Blackjack, the payout will be £6. Similarly, if you wagered £10, you get £15. These are the best Blackjack odds, especially when compared with Blackjack tables that pay 6:5. These are less common but should definitely be avoided if you want to increase the Blackjack odds of winning.
When should I take insurance?
It’s almost never advisable to take the insurance bet because more often than not, it’s a losing bet. The only exception is if you happen to be good at card counting and you’re confident that there are a lot of cards with a value of 10 remaining in the deck. Otherwise, it’s best to avoid the insurance bet altogether.
Is online Blackjack the same as live Blackjack?
No, online Blackjack and live dealer Blackjack are not the same. Online Blackjack is played using a random number generator which deals the cards. There is no dealer or other players present, meaning you’re essentially playing against the computer. Live Blackjack, as the name suggests, is played in real-time with a live dealer. The game is streamed live from the game studio and is always played with a live dealer. Other players are also virtually present at the table and the whole experience is much more realistic and authentic.
Should I always stand if there’s a risk of going bust?
Yes, if there’s a big risk of going bust by taking another card, it’s advisable to stand to avoid potential losses. However, it depends on the dealer’s card as well. For example, if the dealer has a card with a value of 10, you should only stand if you have a total of 17 or higher. If the dealer’s card is a four, five, or six, you should only stand on 12 or higher, because the risk of going bust will be high if you hit.
