How does the house edge work in Blackjack?

The house edge is a statistical advantage that all casinos have in their featured games. The house edge essentially serves to ensure that casinos are profitable businesses and that, even if some bettors manage to win a lot of money, in the long run the casino always presents a profit.

In this way, all games have a different house edge, thus making some less profitable than others. Still, the house edge can be decreased in some games, with the application of certain strategies.

However, as much as a given strategy is functional, the house edge never visits negative terrain. That is, it is impossible for the house edge to benefit the player.

As we have already mentioned, Blackjack is one of the casino games with the lowest house edge. In case the player chooses to play without any kind of strategy, the house edge is about 2%. However, if you use the basic Blackjack strategy, the house edge can decrease to values around 0.5%.

For comparison, keep in mind that slots have, on average, a house edge of around 5% to 10%.

Thus, it is very important that players take advantage of the low house edge of Blackjack, to achieve better gaming sessions.

To reduce the house edge in Blackjack you only need to know and use your basic strategy. If you are not familiar with this strategy, do not worry: it is very easy to learn and you will get immediate results.

Thus, the basic Blackjack strategy consists of a table that indicates the best move in all situations that may occur during the game. The actions to be taken were calculated according to mathematical probabilities. Therefore, the strategy represents the move that is likely to bring you the best result in the long run.

At first, the strategy may seem a little confusing and difficult to memorize, but believe me that with practice you will easily be able to identify the best option to take.

Of course, basic Blackjack strategy doesn't always guarantee you a win, but it does maximize your odds.

Blackjack is a game with many variations. As it is easy to understand, the slightest change in the game can increase or decrease the house edge. Here are some variants of Blackjack and how they behave in relation to the house edge, according to their rules.

Dealer asks or stands on a Soft 17

A Soft 17 happens when the point total is 17 and one of the cards in the hand is an ace. When this happens, the hand is worth 7 or 17 points.

If the casino rules are that the dealer must call when his hand is a Soft 17, then the house edge increases by about 0.2%. In this way, try to look for a casino where the dealer no longer plays cards on Soft 17.

Split rules

Generally speaking, the greater the player's freedom to split, the lower the house edge. For example, if it is possible to split into 2 aces, then the house edge is reduced to 0.13%.

Table payment

Most Blackjack tables pay a ratio of 3:2. However, some tables pay 6: 5, increasing the house edge by 1.4%. While others pay 1:1, increasing the house edge by 2.3%. Therefore, always keep payments in mind!

Number of decks

The number of decks is proportional to the house advantage. That is, the more decks, the higher the house edge. Always look for games with as few decks as possible.

In fact, decreasing the house edge can be a chore, as casinos want, above all, to make a profit. Still, there are a few little tricks you can use to decrease the house edge.

One of the techniques is to leave the table while in profit. We know it's hard to leave the game when you're on a winning streak, but this way ensures you don't go back into negative territory.

In short, of course, choosing a suitable table is essential for the outcome of the game. Above, we have listed the most important rules that you should pay attention to.

The house edge is a natural thing in casinos. Blackjack is, however, one of the games with the lowest house edge. Follow our tips and enjoy this amazing game! Good bets!