How Does Insurance Work in Blackjack – Trusted Guide in 2024

Welcome young grasshopper! Sensei Joe here with a fresh instalment of everything that you’d need to know about insurance in blackjack. What do you think about when you see the word insurance? Safety? High premiums? Yeah, I’m not talking about that kind of insurance, but rather blackjack insurance. This is a common side bet that has a fair bit of controversy surrounding it. 

In this segment, your Gamble Sensei will be dissecting it and you’ll know once and for all if you should use it or not. So, kick back and relax, get yourself a steaming cup of tea, but don’t forget to pay attention to what comes next. 

What is Blackjack Insurance?

So, what does insurance mean in online blackjack? This is a side bet that generally consists of 50% of your current bet with a payout of 2:1. This is a bet that’s only meant to be made if the dealer has an Ace as an upcard. Here, you’ll be betting on whether the dealer has blackjack or not. Naturally, if the dealer has blackjack, you’ll lose your current bet, so you’re essentially insuring your hand against the dealer’s blackjack.  

Now you have a good idea of understanding what is insurance in blackjack. However, having a good understanding of what it is, is only half of what you’re supposed to know. There’s been a constant debate whether insurance in blackjack is a good idea and if it forms part of a decent strategy.  

Personally, I wouldn’t touch that side bet with a 10-foot pole. It doesn’t make any sense and you’re more likely to end up losing than anything else. 

The Mathematics and Strategy Behind Blackjack Insurance

The maths is simple in this case. There are 13 different kinds of cards. Four of which are ten-value cards, giving the croupier blackjack. Therefore, the odds that are against you winning the wager are 9/4. Because the house will only pay you 2:1, the house advantage is nearly 6%

As previously stated, the house advantage is determined by the number of 10s that have been drawn from the deck. As far as card counters are concerned, insurance is by far the most considerable divergence from basic tactics. So, asking if insurance blackjack worth it isn’t even a question. 

Strategy toTake Insurance in Blackjack

For argument’s sake, let’s take a look at when insurance in blackjack is a good idea. When the croupier’s upcard is indeed an Ace while you possess a good hand valued at 15 or higher. This is when it’s a good time to put an insurance wager. Even if you end up losing your insurance wager, you may still be capable of winning the hand. 

Players have lost more than 50% of their insurance wagers on average. Because the wager pays out 2:1, it can become a losing strategy, so it kind of creates insurance in blackjack strategy. Insurance wagers can be costly over the long haul, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with counting cards or basic strategies. 

There’s no good argument to make that should persuade you to implement blackjack insurance. The side bet is okay for serious players that would like to take the risk. However, as a casual gamer, your best bet is to avoid it. 

Why You Should Avoid It

Even if the circumstances are somewhat in your favour, insurance in blackjack is never a good idea. According to various statistics, if you’re going up against the dealer by yourself, and you don’t have a 10 card in your hand. It means that 16 of the outstanding 49 cards are valued at 10. 

Based on a $10 insurance side bet, you’re currently at the highest point of winning. However, this insurance blackjack minimum bet will only win 16 times and lose 33 times. These are terrible odds, and you’re better off taking your chances, even if you could make $20 in profit with a successful bet. 

Think about it this way. In what world would any land-based or online casino, give you a lucrative lifeline? It doesn’t make any sense and at this point, it’s common sense to assume that if it’s too good to be true, it usually is. 

Conclusion

Like knowing when to stand, knowing to avoid insurance in blackjack, is a fundamental rule. Blackjack insurance has never been a great idea for an easy-going blackjack player. Regardless of the positive motives of your mildly rowdy new friends that are at the blackjack table. 

The increase in casinos paying 6:5 has caused some uncertainty about trying to take even money. So, because maths does not work the same way as it would on a 3:2 table, casinos don’t offer this direct route. However, you can still take blackjack insurance on your blackjack. 

Maybe the only positive aspect of 6:5 blackjack is that it has reignited the discussion over eliminating insurance entirely. In my opinion, I would strongly suggest that you avoid it altogether. 

FAQs

How does insurance work in blackjack and should I use it? 

Blackjack insurance is basically a side bet that involves 50% of your bet, with a payout rate of 2:1. This is a common way to add some spice to the game, however, there’s a common debate about whether it should be included in the game. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide. 

How do I know when to take insurance in blackjack and is it a good idea? 

While insurance seems like a good idea on the surface, it can do more harm than good. It’s usually card counters that find long-term success with insurance bets. So, unless you’re a good card counter, I would strongly suggest that you avoid this type of bet, unless you’re a capable player. 

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