When playing blackjack, you might hear about insurance, but what exactly is it? Blackjack insurance is a side bet offered when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. It acts like a kind of safety net, aiming to reduce losses if the dealer ends up with a blackjack.
It’s important to know that insurance is a separate bet, not a guarantee of winning. If the dealer does have blackjack, the insurance pays out at 2:1, which can help recover your original wager. But if the dealer doesn’t have blackjack, the insurance bet is lost, and you keep playing your hand as usual.
For many players, insurance offers peace of mind, even though statistically it’s not always the best move. Understanding how it works can help you decide when, or if, it’s worth taking.
How does blackjack insurance work?
Insurance is offered as a side bet when the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace. Here’s how it works step by step:
- The dealer pauses the game and asks players if they want to take insurance.
- Players can place an insurance bet up to half the amount of their original wager.
- The dealer checks their hole card (the facedown card).
- If the hole card is a 10-value card, giving the dealer a blackjack, the insurance bet pays out at 2:1.
- If the dealer does not have blackjack, the insurance bet is lost.
- The game then continues as normal.
Example of insurance in blackjack
Let’s say you bet £20 and the dealer shows an Ace. You decide to take insurance and wager an extra £10. If the dealer has a 10 underneath, you lose your original £20 bet but win £20 from the insurance (a 2:1 payout on your £10), so you break even overall. However, if the dealer doesn’t have blackjack, you lose the £10 insurance bet and keep playing your hand.
When should you opt for insurance in blackjack?
Most seasoned players agree that taking insurance is rarely a smart move unless you’re counting cards. Statistically, the odds are against you, and over time, insurance tends to cost more than it saves. However, some players might consider it if they’re playing a high-stakes hand and want a bit of protection from a potential dealer blackjack.
Just remember, insurance doesn’t improve your hand, it’s only a hedge against the dealer having 21.
What are the odds of insurance bets in blackjack?
To understand the odds, consider this: there are 16 ten-value cards (10, J, Q, K) in a standard 52-card deck. So, when the dealer shows an Ace, the odds that their hole card is a 10-value card is about 30.8%.
This means the insurance bet wins only about one-third of the time. Despite the 2:1 payout, these odds make it an unfavorable bet for most players.
Risks of taking insurance in blackjack
The main risk of insurance is that it’s mathematically a bad bet. Over time, players who frequently take insurance tend to lose more money. It’s essentially a side bet with a high house edge, especially in games where card counting is not practical. Relying on insurance can also distract from the core strategy of blackjack, leading to poor decision-making in the main game.
| Expert tip
If you’re interested in side bets, Perfect Pairs is another popular option. It lets you bet on your first two cards forming a pair, with varying payouts depending on the type of pair you get. Like insurance, it’s a separate wager but focuses on your own hand rather than the dealer’s. |
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Head over to Highbet Casino to try out your new strategy in real blackjack games. Start playing blackjack online today and see how well you can apply your skills for a chance to win big! |
FAQs on blackjack insurance
Is insurance in blackjack worth it?
Generally, no. Unless you’re counting cards and know the deck is rich in tens, insurance is considered a poor-value bet. The payout doesn’t justify the odds of winning it.
What is the insurance ratio in blackjack?
The insurance bet typically pays out at 2:1. This means if you wager £10 on insurance and win, you receive £20 in return.
Can you take insurance every time in blackjack?
You can only take insurance when the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace. It’s not available on every hand, and players are not obligated to take it when offered.
Can you use insurance in all blackjack variants?
Not always. While most standard versions of blackjack offer insurance, some variants, especially online or specialty games, may not include this option. Always check the rules of the game before playing.
