Blackjack winning odds
Blackjack is one of the few casino games that allows you to lock in a pretty good profit with the help of a winning strategy. It’s true that by using the optimal strategy, you can increase your blackjack odds and bring down the house edge to the minimum.
In any online casino game, odds are a percentage that indicates the probability of winning or losing. To succeed at blackjack, it’s important to know not only your blackjack odds of winning but also your odds of losing. This way, you can improve your gambling performance big time. If, during a game of blackjack, you see that your odds of exceeding 21 are pretty high, it’s natural that you’ll pass on taking another card. As a result of this wise decision, you’ll improve your odds of winning.
As you probably already know, the game of blackjack can have three outcomes: player wins, player loses, and a tie (push). Let’s take a look at the odds of each of these outcomes taking place:
- Player wins: ca. 42%
- Players loses: ca. 49%
- Push: ca. 9%
The important thing to understand here is that these are rough numbers that can fluctuate depending on a variety of factors, such as:
- blackjack variation that you’re playing;
- rules of the game (number of decks, rules for the dealer, rules for the player, etc.);
- blackjack strategy;
- and some others.
Dealer’s odds of losing
Keep in mind that although blackjack is considered a highly beneficial game for players, the dealer has higher winning chances than the player. Why? Because they get to make their move after the player. The dealer’s winning odds are determined by the rules and vary from game to game. If, for example, the dealer’s face up card is an Ace, their probability of going bust totals to 17%. If the dealer reveals a 2, their probability of losing soars to 35%.
Blackjack house edge
House edge is a statistical advantage that the online casino has over the player. The good news is that blackjack has one of the lowest house edges among gambling games. The house edge varies between blackjack variations. If you’re looking for a blackjack game with the most player-friendly casino advantage, you can’t do better than European blackjack online. This blackjack version boasts a 0.38% house edge. It’s followed by Vegas Downtown Blackjack with a 0.39% house edge. If you’re playing American Blackjack, be ready to face a slightly higher house edge of 0.5%.
Keep in mind that these house edge percentages are indicated for players who are using the basic strategy. If you like to improvise during the game and don't stick to a winning strategy, the house edge can go as high as 2% or even more.
RTP in blackjack
RTP (Return to Player) is another fundamental term that has to do with blackjack odds. RTP is a percentage that indicates the payoff that the player gets in a specific game. In other words, it shows what part of the wagered money you're going to get back in the form of winnings.
RTP and house edge are two interdependent values. The lower the house edge, the higher is the RTP. Just like house edge, RTP varies from one blackjack game to another. Let’s take Classic Blackjack as an example. This game has a 0.13% house edge and 99.87% RTP. For you as a player, this means that on each 100 dollars that you spend playing this blackjack variation, you’re going to get 99.87 dollars back. Keep in mind that RTP percentage only works in the long run. This means you’ll have to play for a long time before your profits reach 99.87% of your wagered money. Most of the time, your blackjack profits will be hovering around this number.
Let’s take a look at the RTP values for some of the most popular blackjack variations:
- Classic Blackjack: 99.87%
- Atlantic City Blackjack: 99.64%
- Blackjack Surrender: 99.61%
- European Blackjack: 99.58%
How to increase your blackjack winnings odds
Winning at blackjack is the ultimate dream of any blackjack fan. Follow these simple rules to improve your financial performance.
- Rule No. 1 is to use the basic blackjack strategy for better blackjack odds. If you’re consistent with following the basic strategy throughout the game, you can take down the house edge to around 0.5%. Memorize the basic blackjack strategy chart or keep it handy while you’re playing.
- It won’t hurt to learn the card counting method. While this technique is mainly used by more experienced players, even newbies can master it without particular effort. When using the card counting technique, you’re basically keeping track of the cards in order to know the ratio between high-value and low-value cards. If you enhance the basic strategy with card counting, you’ll end up with pretty good winning chances.
- Your winning odds are determined by the blackjack variation that you’re playing. Pick the blackjack variations with a low house edge. Blackjack games that use fewer decks have a lower casino advantage as opposed to those with a bigger number of decks.
- Also, pay attention to the rules. Let’s take the soft 17 rule, for example. Be sure to play the blackjack variation where the dealer must stand on soft 17. This rule is beneficial for the player. Also, go for the games where the player is allowed to double and split.
- Another factor that demands your attention is blackjack payouts. Before playing the game, make sure the winning hand is paid 3 to 2. If the blackjack payout is different (in some games it’s 6 to 5), you’re looking at a higher house edge!
Conclusion
Blackjack is a card game which is really worthy of your attention. Not only does it train your brain and analytical skills, but it also has player-friendly winning odds. Gamblers can leverage a bunch of strategies, techniques, and tricks to reduce the house edge and boost their odds of winning at blackjack. All these methods are time-tested, reliable, and - more importantly - legal to use. Blackjack is a top-tier card game that makes winning a doable task. It’s not surprising that many players start to play blackjack professionally. Whether you’re an amateur or a pro, boosting your blackjack profits is totally in your power!