Blackjack Insurance and How it Works

Blackjack is a classic table/card game that dates back to centuries ago. In this game, skill, and strategy go a long way toward helping you win. After learning the basics, players can hone their skills and utilize various 'side bets' to try and gain an advantage over the casino. Side bets are placed outside the primary wagers. They differ from one variant to another as well as from site to site.

One of the most controversial and popular side stakes in this particular table game is blackjack Insurance.

What's Blackjack Insurance?

Just as the name indicates, this means literally insuring your bets. It happens in specific cases, and while it can be very beneficial, it could also be very disastrous if not appropriately handled. Basically, this involves insuring yourself against the risk of not getting paid despite having a natural hand. Such cases occur when the dealer also has a natural hand, in what's referred to as a push. In such an occurrence, the house edge goes up; therefore, you don't get paid.

The Rules

Usually, blackjack is a pretty straight forward game - get to as close as 21 without a 'bust' or beat a dealer's score to win. When playing blackjack, your first move would depend on your dealer's up-card. Since the player makes the first move in a game, they could opt to insure their bets.

Insurance comes about when a dealer's up-card is an ace (a card counted as 11 points). It allows you to hedge your bet against the operator. In case they beat your total, you'll be indemnified if you had taken up an offer that comprises half of your original stake. Note that this particular bet is made separate from the main wager.

You may also win the original stake if the dealer does not land a perfect 21 - but only if your score is relatively higher than that of the house. As a result, you will get the original (primary) stake but end up losing the insurance. For instance, if you win the primary game with a stake of $10 and had insured yourself for ($5), you'll get $20 as winnings but lose the $5 insurance stake.

Possible Outcomes

In the event that both the gamer and dealer are in a tie, have equal points, the initial bet is refunded. On the other hand, if neither the player nor the croupier has a perfect score, the stake goes to the winning hand. In both cases, the indemnity stake is lost.

What are Your Odds for Blackjack Insurance?

The probabilities of winning insurance bets are not quite the same. Generally, it's determined by factors such as the number of decks being used and 10-point cards left on the deck.

Unless you're a card-counter, you cannot tell when the state of affairs is favorable to make a profitable blackjack insurance bet. As such, players are almost always at a disadvantage, especially when it comes to online games, where the decks are shuffled after every hand.

Gamers, however, can balance the odds by using advanced strategies. Whether you insure your wagers or not, it's best to weigh your options and have a good plan that will win you more money in the long run.