If you want to improve your blackjack skills, you should learn about Insurance in Blackjack. When used correctly, this strategic move can mean the difference between winning and losing.
This blog post will examine what Blackjack Insurance is, when to get it, and how it works. So keep reading if you want to learn everything there is to know about this crucial blackjack term!
What is Insurance in Blackjack?
Blackjack insurance is a side bet that is offered to the player if the dealer’s up-card is an ace as insurance against the dealer’s hand being a ‘blackjack’.
Blackjack insurance odds are 2/1, and the maximum bet permitted is usually half of the player’s main bet.
This potentially allows the player to break even on the hand if the dealer has blackjack, even if they lose their main bet.
Insurance is offered prior to the dealer checking their hole card (which is not initially visible to the players) and is paid out if the hole card has a value of 10, resulting in a two-card 21.
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When to Take Insurance in Blackjack
If the dealer’s up-card is an ace, insurance may appear to be an appealing option for the player, as there is a one-in-three chance their other card has a value of 10.
However, unless you are a very skilled card counter, probability suggests that insurance is a losing bet in the long run.
To win your insurance bet, the dealer must have a 10-value card as his hole card. Expert card counters can keep track of how many cards are left in the deck and determine when there are enough to make the insurance percentage call.
Why Insurance Should be Avoided in Blackjack
The following example demonstrates why, even in the best-case scenario, betting blackjack insurance is a losing strategy in the long run.
- You are playing a one-deck game against the dealer alone, and neither of the cards in your initial player has a value of ten.
- As a result, 16 of the remaining 49 cards have a value of ten, giving your £10 insurance bet the best chance of winning.
- Regardless, your position remains one that is unlikely to be sustainable in the long run.
- The £10 insurance bet wins 16 times and loses 33 times on average. Each win pays a profit of £20, for a total of £320.
- However, 33 losses at £10 each leave you with a total loss of £10.
This is the best-case scenario because neither you nor the other players started with 10-value cards. If this were the case, the dealer’s chances of having a 10-value hole card (and thus winning your insurance bet) would be even lower.
The Right Time to Use Insurance
In general, you should take insurance only if you have a strong hand and the dealer’s up card is an ace. Assume you have a hand value of 19 and the dealer is showing an ace.
In this case, taking insurance is a good idea because there is a good chance that the dealer has a blackjack.
The Wrong Time to Use Insurance
In general, you should take insurance only if you have a strong hand and the dealer’s up card is an ace.
Assume you have a hand value of 19 and the dealer is showing an ace. In this case, taking insurance is a good idea because there is a good chance that the dealer has a blackjack.
FAQs
Is Insurance Available in All Versions of Blackjack?
As previously stated, insurance is a unique variety of side bets. This implies that for some game variants, it could be regarded as a bonus feature of some sort.
This implies that it might only be usable in specific variations of the traditional casino game.
For instance, if you browse the operator’s huge selection, you might find it in a 32Red blackjack game, but that does not mean you will always be able to find it there.
What Types of Blackjack Feature the Insurance Side Bet?
American blackjack is one of the most well-liked variations of blackjack that includes the insurance side bet. This variation is a staple among casino goers around the world and is frequently found online in online casinos.
Another version of the game that frequently offers this side bet to players is European blackjack.
As opposed to the traditional six or eight decks of cards, this version of blackjack only uses two decks, which makes it slightly different from American blackjack.
Does Classic Blackjack Provide This Type of Side Bet?
The insurance side bet is not as frequently found in classic blackjack games. This is due to the fact that this particular game’s version only uses one deck of cards, which lowers the likelihood that the dealer will have a blackjack.
However, you can still find classic blackjack variants that let you place a side bet on insurance.
If you want to take advantage of this bonus feature, keep an eye out for versions that typically use six or eight decks of cards rather than just one.
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Take Home
We trust that this blog post has helped you understand insurance and how it functions in blackjack.
Keep in mind that, when used properly, insurance can be a useful tool, but it is not always the best course of action. The next time you play blackjack, use the advice we’ve just covered to help you make the right choice!
Always remember to only take insurance if you have a strong hand and the dealer has an ace for their up card. It is probably not worthwhile to purchase insurance if your hand is weak or the dealer’s up card is not an ace.
Additionally, check out other unique articles on our blog for more detailed information and do well to share with your friends and family. Follow us on our Twitter and Facebook to stay updated with premium information.
