How to Beat the House Edge in Blackjack

The House edge in blackjack is generally between 0.5% and 1.5%. However, there are some strategies that can help you lower the House’s edge to zero. These include splitting and doubling. These strategies are best employed when you are confident that you will beat the dealer. However, it is best to avoid them if you are overconfident.

Less than 3:2 payout on blackjack

When playing blackjack, the standard payout is 3:2. However, these days most casinos change the payout to 6:5. This changes the house edge and player odds. If you bet $2 and the dealer has a blackjack, the house will win 3:2. If you bet $5, the payout will be 6:2. The house edge is 1.4%, so playing less than 3:2 increases your chances of losing.

Splitting

Blackjack splitting is a strategy that involves the use of two cards at once to form a better hand. This move is most often made by players holding two or three cards. However, players may also split when they have six, seven, or nine cards. However, blackjack devotees are advised to avoid splitting when they have two 8s or tens.

Double down

Depending on the specifics of the game, there are many situations when you may want to double down on your blackjack hand. Doing so will increase your chances of winning over time. However, you should be cautious when deciding to double down.

Insurance

Blackjack insurance is a side bet that a player can make to help cover their losses if the dealer has a blackjack. While it may sound like a good strategy, it has its disadvantages, and can cause the player to lose both the main bet and the side bet.

Side bets

Blackjack players have many options when it comes to side bets. A side bet can be placed on a specific card or combination of cards. For example, you can bet on the first two cards in a hand being a pair, or on a pair of tens and elevens. In either case, you’ll receive a payout based on the value of each hand. This side bet may also be made in conjunction with the original blackjack wager.