Playing Blackjack: How the House Rules Affect Your Odds

Statistically blackjack offers players some of the best odds you can find in a casino. The casino always has an edge, but that edge tends to change based on the house rules and your game play. Generally speaking, if you are following basic strategy and the house rules are in your favor, then you will win approximately 49% of the hands you are dealt.

The House Rules Can Negatively Affect Your Odds

One of the changes that affects the overall odds is the number of decks being used in the game. For example, the house advantage is only 0.17% if one deck is being used, but it is rare if not impossible to find a casino using only one deck. The house advantage increases to 0.66% if eight decks are being used. Changes in any of the rules related to surrendering, splitting, doubling down, or the blackjack payout also affect your odds. The blackjack payout in particular has a major effect. Usually the payout ratio for getting blackjack or 21 on the deal is 3:2. At casinos that only payout 6:5, the house edge increases 1.4%. That's a significant change in the odds. Now if you are really unlucky and happen to play at a casino that only pays out 1:1, then the house gains a 2.3% advantage.

Minimizing the House Advantage

It's important to remember that the odds I've listed above only pertain to players that are following basic strategy and playing a perfect game. Most players however do not play perfect games. They often make simple mistakes that drastically increase the house's edge. Here are 5 simple ways to make sure you get the best odds possible.

Plan strategically and study the basic card probabilities - Learn basic strategy and then practice often. Play the game with your head, not your heart.

Don't take insurance - Taking insurance is a way to insure against the dealer having blackjack. It's never a good idea to take insurance because the odds are not in your favor.

Stay sober - If you are playing Blackjack in a real casino, resist the urge to drink all those free Jack & Cokes. It is to the casino's advantage to get you drunk. As you become more intoxicated, it becomes much harder for you to follow basic strategy and avoid making mistakes. Drunk players also have the tendency to make bolder bets.

Resist the urge to Double Down - Only double down if the numbers are in your favor. If your blackjack strategy chart doesn't recommend doubling down, then don't do it. Chasing a bigger payout based on feeling rather than strategy rarely pays off.

Don't rely on superstitious beliefs - Some people believe in lucky tables and lucky dealers when these factors have nothing to do with winning or losing this game. Stick to a proven strategy and you'll increase your odds of winning.

Reading and learning from Blackjack books is an effective method to increase your strategic play. And if you like playing Blackjack online, you can also download online training software that will sharpen your skills even more. Although it's impossible to win at blackjack every time you play, you can do everything in your power to reduce the house's edge.

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