Blackjack is one of the very few casino games where you can adjust the house edge to be more in your favor and help you to beat the house.
Unlike roulette or slot machines, blackjack isn’t a game of independent events. The outcome of each hand is influenced by previous ones because dealt cards are removed from the deck.
This gives players a chance to exploit this ‘memory’ through techniques like basic strategy and card counting, potentially turning the game’s house edge into a player’s advantage.
We’ll look at how the house edge works and is influenced, how blackjack is very different to other casino table games, the strategies that can help you have an edge, and the reality behind the idea of beating the house.
Understanding the House Edge in Blackjack
Casinos maintain an edge in every game they offer, but blackjack’s house edge is unique because it can be reduced to as low as 0.5% when played optimally.
Blackjack is one of few casino games where players can significantly lower the house edge with their strategy and decision-making. Unlike games of pure chance like roulette or slots, where the house edge is fixed regardless of player actions, blackjack offers a dynamic where player skill can influence the outcome.
The house edge means the statistical advantage the casino has over the player. In blackjack, this edge can vary based on the rules of the game ,and the player’s understanding and implementation of strategy.
Knowing what the house edge in blackjack is crucial because it not only determines the casino’s expected profit over time, but it also reveals how much the player can expect to lose or win in the long run. While the house edge might seem small (around 0.5% in some cases), it accumulates over hundreds or thousands of hands, making it essential for players to be aware of how the house maintains its advantage and what can be done to minimize it.
How Does the House Edge Work in Blackjack?
The house always wins. But when it comes to real money blackjack, the way the house edge works is unique. Every game you play in a casino has a house edge. The edge is the average amount of money that casinos win over time. How large that edge is depends on the rules the casino puts in place.
In blackjack, the house edge is calculated from a simple rule: the player plays their hand before the dealer completes theirs. This gives the house an early advantage because if you bust (go over 21) you automatically lose, even if the dealer ends up busting too. This foundational rule ensures the casino keeps an edge over time.
This edge, however, is not static and can be influenced by various factors, including how well the player understands and implements certain strategies. Unlike some games like roulette, where the house edge is fixed, blackjack offers room for players to reduce this edge through optimal play. Normally, the house edge in blackjack hovers around 0.5% when basic strategy is applied, making it one of the most favorable games for players in the casino.
What Factors Influence the House Edge?
There are a number of factors that specifically determine the house edge. First and foremost is strategy. If you don’t know what you’re doing and don’t have a clear strategy, the house edge is going to grow.
Blackjack games can vary quite a bit on their rules. As a result, the house edge can range anywhere from 0.2% to 2.7%. By knowing the main rules that impact the house advantage, you stand a better chance of finding player-friendly tables.
Several key rules can either increase or decrease the house edge in blackjack, making it important to choose games with player-friendly rules. For example, the payout for a natural blackjack can have a significant impact: if the casino pays 3:2 for a blackjack, this lowers the house edge by 1.39% compared to a 6:5 payout. Another important factor is whether the dealer hits or stands on a soft 17. If the dealer stands on soft 17, the house edge drops by about 0.2%. These rules may seem small, but they cumulatively affect the player’s long-term chances of success.
Deck size also plays a big role in influencing the house edge. A single-deck game reduces the house edge by 0.49% when compared to an eight-deck game. Allowing players to double down after splitting (DAS) reduces the house edge by 0.17%. Minor rule variations, like whether the casino allows re-splitting aces or late surrender, can shave off more of a small percentage from the house’s advantage.
Blackjack differs from other casino games in a fundamental way – each hand is not an independent event. The outcomes of previous hands influence the probabilities in future hands, making blackjack a game of “dependent events.” This unique feature is what allows players to employ strategies like card counting and is a major factor in why blackjack remains one of the most beatable games in the casino.
Why is Blackjack Unique: Dependent Events and Memory
Blackjack isn’t really a game of independent events. When you play roulette, the odds are the same every time you place a bet. But when you play blackjack, previous outcomes (the dealt cards) influence the probabilities of future outcomes because the cards are removed from the deck.
Blackjack is special because each hand is not an isolated event. In games like roulette, every spin is unconnected to the previous spin, so the odds remain the same on each spin no matter what happened before. But in blackjack, the removal of cards after each hand changes the probabilities of future outcomes, making the game one of “dependent events.” This part of blackjack is crucial for players who want to gain an edge as it allows strategies like card counting to become effective.
Understanding how the memory effect works in blackjack is the reason why blackjack gives you an edge against the casino, compared to other table games. The originalality of each hand not only shifts probabilities but also gives way for skilled players to make good decisions. Understanding how this card “memory” works is key to helping you beat the casino.
How Does Memory Affect Blackjack?
In the majority of blackjack games, the casino doesn’t shuffle the deck after every hand. Any cards that have been dealt are removed from the deck, which changes the probability of getting certain outcomes. This is a big part of why blackjack is a beatable game.
In blackjack, the concept of “memory” refers to how the cards dealt in previous hands affect the composition of the remaining deck. For example, if multiple aces or 10-value cards have already been dealt, your chances of getting a natural blackjack (21 with two cards) decrease. On the flip side, if more low-value cards have been dealt, the deck becomes “rich” in high-value cards like 10s and aces, increasing your chances of landing strong hands.
This memory effect enables skilled players to make better betting decisions. By tracking the proportion of high cards versus low cards, players can adjust their strategies in real time, betting more when the deck is favorable and minimizing losses when the deck is less favorable. This is the core idea behind card counting, a technique used to take advantage of blackjack’s memory and gain an edge over the house.
How is Blackjack Different from Other Casino Games?
Blackjack differs from other casino games, as you, the player, can directly affect the outcome of the game. Blackjack offers a chance to reduce the house edge through skill and strategy, unlike many other casino games where the house edge is fixed.
In games like roulette or slots, each spin or pull is an independent event—what happened before has no impact on what happens next.
For example, in roulette, no matter how many times a number is hit, the probability of hitting that number remains the same on every spin. But in blackjack, cards that have been played are removed from the deck, altering the odds of future outcomes. This makes blackjack a game of dependent events, where the probabilities shift as the deck evolves.
This feature of blackjack, combined with the ability to make strategic decisions, sets it apart from other games. In roulette, once you place your bet, you have no control over the outcome. But in blackjack, you actively decide whether to hit, stand, double down, or split, which directly affects your chances of winning. The house edge in blackjack is also more flexible than in most games. While many casino games have a fixed house edge, in blackjack, skilled players can reduce the house edge to as low as 0.5% by using optimal strategies, such as basic strategy or card counting.
Card counting is another distinguishing feature of blackjack. While other casino games offer little in terms of tracking previous outcomes, blackjack players can keep track of cards dealt to estimate the ratio of high to low cards left in the deck. This allows them to adjust their bets accordingly, giving them an edge over the house that simply isn’t available in games like roulette or slots. In these other games, the odds remain constant, no matter what’s happened in prior rounds.
Strategies for Beating the House: Blackjack Strategy and Card Counting
Blackjack players can affect the size of the house edge. Your strategy, tactics, and knowledge of the game all play a role. The decisions you make during the game can raise or lower the house edge.
The way to beat the house is knowing how these strategies can work together, and combine the odds in your favor. When a blackjack player truly knows how to use these methods, the house edge can be reduced to almost zero percent. If done properly, the house can be beaten – it’s why blackjack is considered one of the best games to beat the casino with!
How Can Basic Blackjack Strategy Reduce the House Edge?
The house advantage in blackjack is notoriously low to begin with if you know how to play correctly. And playing correctly is as easy as memorizing a basic strategy table. The house edge for a blackjack game when played with basic strategy is usually only 0.5% or so.
By sticking to basic strategy, players can make the mathematically correct decision for every hand based on their cards and the dealer’s upcard.
Basic strategy involves making the mathematically correct decision for every hand, based on their cards and the cards shown by the dealer. Sticking with this strategy reduces the house edge as you should be making the best possible decision based on a pre-determined strategy.
Basic strategy involves knowing when to hit, stand, double down, split based on the current cards showing and what cards have been dealt already. Consistently paying attention to what is in front of you, sticking to the strategy, and counting cards that have already been dealt can reduce the house edge and make blackjack more beatable.
What is Card Counting and How Does it Work?
Card counting is an effective blackjack strategy that helps players to beat the house. Card counting is where players track the ratio of high cards (like 10s and aces) to low cards (2-6) that are left in the deck. The more high cards left in the deck, the better the odds of hitting blackjack. Card counting works because blackjack isn’t a game of independent events—cards that are played are no longer in the deck, which changes the probabilities of future hands.
Card counters assign a value to each card: usually, +1 for low cards (2-6), 0 for neutral cards (7-9), and -1 for high cards (10s and aces). By keeping a running count, players can estimate whether the deck is “rich” in high cards or not. When the count is positive, it means the undealt cards in the deck contains more high cards than usual, which gives the player an advantage. In this case, it’s wise to increase bet sizes. On the other hand, if the count is negative, it suggests that more high cards have already been played by players and the dealer, and the player should reduce the size of their bets.
- Learning to count cards is easier than you think.
- Players can track the ratio of high cards (10s and aces) to low cards (2-6) and adjust their bets based on whether the remaining deck is favorable.
- Basically, you’re going to assign a value (usually +1 or -1) to the low cards and the high cards.
- Your running count then estimates the ratio of high cards to low cards in the deck.
- When the count is positive, the deck is relatively rich in aces and 10s, and you should raise the size of your bets.
- When the count is negative, lower your bets as the chances of you hitting blackjack (or close) are lower.
Card counting isn’t easy – it’s an extra task to complete on top of playing blackjack with basic strategy. Card counting can give you a significant edge over the casino, so they may implement more shuffling techniques to prevent it. Card counting requires hours of practice and concentration, but the payoff can be worth it.
What Can You Expect to Earn from Card Counting?
The best estimates seen for the kind of edge you can get by counting cards in blackjack is about 1% over the house. Let’s assume you’re able to get in 75 hands per hour and average $10 per bet. That’s $750/hour in action, and if you win 1% of that in the long run, you’re looking at earning $7.50 per hour for your efforts.
If you’re a low stakes card counter, you could probably make more money by getting a job at a fast food restaurant. But there’s a solution: increase your average bet size. If you’re averaging $100 per hand, your hourly “wage” increases to $75 per hour.
It’s also critical to have a substantial bankroll when counting cards. Variance can lead to significant losses in the short term, even for skilled counters. To protect yourself from going broke, experts suggest having a large enough bankroll to withstand inevitable losing streaks. For instance, betting $100 per hand requires a bankroll of at least $40,000 to $50,000 to minimize the risk of going broke.
Card counting can tip the scales in your favor, but you need to ensure the game is right for you to do it. There’s different variations of blackjack and different rules, and they all play a part when trying to beat the casino.
Tools and Rules for Optimizing Your Blackjack Game
Blackjack games can vary quite a bit on their rules. As a result, the house edge can range anywhere from 0.2% to 2.7%. By knowing the main rules that impact the house advantage, you stand a better chance of finding player-friendly tables.
Optimizing your blackjack game means knowing which rules are in play. You need to play in games that favor you and your learned strategy, and to ensure the rules are fair and clear.
How Can You Identify Player-Friendly Rules?
Payout for getting blackjack: Check if the table pays out at 6:5 or 3:2 for a natural blackjack. Games with a 3:2 payout are better, as they lower the house edge by 1.39%. Always aim for the 3:2 paying tables.
Number of decks: The fewer the decks in play, the lower the house edge. Single deck games reduce the house edge by a whopping 0.49%. Some casinos will negate this with less favorable rules though, like paying 6:5 as mentioned above.
Dealer to hit or stand on soft 17: If the dealer stands on soft 17, the house edge decreases by around 0.2%. This is because a soft 17 gives the dealer a weaker hand, therefore improving the chances of winning for the player.
Double down rules: Tables that allow you to double down on any two cards are better, as they lower the house edge by 0.25% approximately.
Double Down After Split: Casinos that let you double down AFTER you’ve split are better, as it again lowers the house edge by another 0.17%.
Re-splitting aces: This is rare, but being able to re-split aces can give you a further reduction of 0.08% off the house edge. Coupled with the strong hands of aces, it’s another advantage to beating the house.
| Rule | Effect on House Edge | Explanation |
| 3:2 Payout for Blackjack | Lowers house edge by 1.39% | More favorable than 6:5, always aim for 3:2 tables |
| Single Deck Game | Lowers house edge by 0.49% | Fewer decks are better, but beware of compensating rules |
| Dealer Stands on Soft 17 | Lowers house edge by 0.2% | Improves player’s chances when the dealer has a soft hand |
| Double Down on Any Two Cards | Lowers house edge by 0.25% | Increases flexibility and player’s chances for higher returns |
| Double Down After Split (DAS) | Lowers house edge by 0.17% | Gives players more opportunities to maximize their winnings |
| Re-Splitting Aces Allowed | Lowers house edge by 0.08% | A rare but favorable rule that further reduces house advantage |
What Should You Do if the Blackjack Rules Aren’t Clear?
In land-based casinos, the house rules are rarely posted. You can ask the dealer or “Pit Boss”. They’ll happily explain the payout (such as 3:2), if the dealer stands on soft 17, and what the re-splitting rules are.
For an online casino, the rules are normally stated in their help/FAQ section. They’ll also be provided on live chat or by email upon request.
Managing Your Game: Walking Away While Ahead
An important aspect of blackjack is knowing when is a good time to walk away.
If the house edge is, say, 1%, that means you’re losing about 1% of whatever you’re betting over time. But what happens when you win on the first hand? Let’s say you hit blackjack on your very first hand. If you left, you would walk away with $50.
While it can be tempting to stay at the table for a bit longer after a big win, more playing time means more time for the house edge to catch up with you.
Walking away while you’re ahead allows you to lock in your winnings and avoid giving back your profits. Many players fall into the trap of thinking that a winning streak will last forever and that they’re invincible, but the house will always have a small edge and human beings are known to deviate from a plan!
Why is it Important to Quit While You’re Ahead?
The house edge only really means something over thousands and thousands of hands. But if you only play a few hands, you’re not in the realm of statistics anymore. Instead, you’re in the realm of randomness and luck. The trick is to walk away from the table before you start to lose.
In the short term, you might hit a lucky streak and accumulate significant winnings. However, the longer you stay at the table, the more hands you play, and the more the house edge works against you.
By walking away after a win, you take away the casino’s opportunity to take your money back. The house edge only exists while you’re playing, not while you’re leaving with your winnings intact!
Knowing when to walk away with your winnings is great, but knowing when to quit after a losing streak is just as important in the long term. Chasing losses is detrimental – and doing so will only give the casino more hands to take your money with their small edge. It’s also likely that you’ll deviate from basic strategy, strict bankroll management, and place larger bets or make rash decisions when you’ve lost a few hands in a row.
When Should You Cut Your Losses?
If you find yourself down, cutting your losses may be the best way to go. It’s possible you can win your money back, but on average, the house edge will continue to win and you will lose even more money.
No matter how skilled you are or how well you play, blackjack has an element of randomness, and losing streaks are inevitable.
One of the worst traits in a casino player is to chase losses. It’s exactly how the casino goes from losing $5 her or there from your blackjack winnings, to them taking it all back in big $20 and $50 chunks. Chasing losses always makes a player place bigger bets, take bigger risks, and throw the gameplan and basic strategy out of the window.
Walking away is hard, but often the hardest and the smartest decisions are the same. You can’t beat the house if you’re throwing big bets around and not playing with basic strategy in mind.
When Should You Cut Your Losses?
- Stop if you’ve lost a certain percentage of your bankroll.
- Don’t chase losses by betting bigger.
- Always set a maximum loss limit before starting a session.
- Walk away if you’re frustrated or tempted to deviate from basic strategy.
How can I beat the casino at blackjack?
To beat the casino at blackjack you need to quit while you’re ahead and quit before you lose too must. Remember to learn basic strategy, learn the rules of the table, and try and keep count of what cards have been dealt from a deck.
