When a casino’s blackjack game offers a 6 to 5 payout for a blackjack hand, it increases the house edge and takes more money out of players’ pockets. The change is slow but steady and has been introduced in a number of casinos across the country. In the past, a player’s best bet was to find a single deck table that offered the standard 3 to 2 blackjack payout rule. Currently, however, the majority of single deck blackjack games pay 6 to 5. As a result, savvy card counters have found ways to beat this new rule variation.
A basic understanding of what 6 to 5 blackjack is all about can help you understand why the new rule has gained popularity in casinos around the country. The concept is fairly straightforward, and the effect on a player’s expected return is significant. In a regular 3-to-2 blackjack game, a $10 bet on a blackjack wins $15. In a 6 to 5 game, that same bet will only pay $12 for a blackjack. Although this may seem like a small difference, it adds up over the course of a session.
In addition to the lowered payout on blackjack, 6 to 5 tables have an increased house edge due to the rules in place. Compared to a game that follows the traditional 3 to 2 rule, a 6 to 5 game has a house edge of 0.5% higher. While this doesn’t sound like much, it translates to an extra 0.1% in the casino’s favor.
Another effect of the rule is that it makes it harder for a player to count cards in a game with the 6 to 5 payout. This is not a big problem for expert card counters, but it is still worth noting. If you are a beginner, it is essential to avoid these types of games, and stick with a more conventional single deck game.
The 6 to 5 payout rule has been a popular addition at some casinos, and the trend appears to be growing online as well. Players who are looking to play blackjack online should be sure to check the rules of each game before putting money on it. In some cases, the game will be specified as being either 3 to 2 or 6 to 5, while in others, it won’t even be mentioned.
Regardless of whether you are playing blackjack at home or in a brick and mortar casino, you should always choose the game with the lowest house edge. This will help you maximize your chances of winning and minimize your losses over time. The odds of winning a blackjack hand in different games differ slightly, but all games have statistical qualities that will dictate your success rate and potential losses over the long run. Using the correct strategy will ensure that you are making the most of your time at the casino and can make the most of your bankroll. In the end, this will increase your profits and improve your gaming experience.