Blackjack Insurance Guide From Cardmates
Blackjack insurance has no alternatives in the gambling world. It allows punters to get a payout even while in a losing situation. Such bet protection options are available in many game variations, even those differing from the standard one. And since defending bets is controversial in the gambling community, our team aims to clarify its nuances here.
What is Blackjack Insurance?
A paid side bet suggested by the game to rescue players from the dealer collecting 21 clarifies what is insurance in blackjack. Despite its name and nature, it’s not a 100% guarantee of saving yourself from losses. The only obvious moment the player can place it is when the dealer’s hand consists of the Ace card.
This wager is a sort of shield that provides defence against the natural blackjack on the croupier’s part of the table. However, the Ace as the first card isn’t a warranty of the second card being the 10.
Blackjack insurance won’t give the user a payout if there is no blackjack in the croupier’s combination.
We want to stress that insurance is just a way to try to minimise losses, not a definitive warranty.
How Does Insurance Work in Blackjack?
This bet type requires a special condition to be offered for punters. And the only situation is the visible Ace card in the dealer’s hand. Below, we share a step-by-step description of how it works:
- A game round starts. Select the wager size and press the “Deal” button to get the first piece.
- The first dealer’s card is the Ace. Black jack insurance time – you’ll see the pop-up offering to secure yourself with an extra half of your initial stake.
- One gets or loses the funds. If the croupier’s second card is 10, they have a natural blackjack. In this case, your insurance bet pays out 2:1. In all other situations, the main and side bets are wasted.
Insurance can be both a profitable and a risky option. To know when to use the protection against loss properly, read our casino guide till the end.
When To Buy Insurance?
While some state that this side bet option will make you face losses over time, the standard blackjack rules say nothing about its positive and negative sides. Here are examples of situations when insurance can work out:
- The dealer's first card is the Ace.
- The risk of busting is high.
- Your score is 16 or less (low hand).
Even while being in these situations, players should make decisions wisely. Using card counting to secure yourself is always a good solution.
Understanding Insurance Bet Payouts
According to the rules, this side bet pays 2:1. Its size is standard and costs 50% of the main bet. When the insurance bet wins, the main stake is lost. However, the insurance in blackjack, if it works out, results in a break-even play.
Pros and Cons of Insurance in Blackjack
- Minimises losses. Seasoned gamblers who are sharp in card counting can quickly calculate the odds and secure their bankroll with this bet.
- 2:1 payout. Even when the dealer holds a natural blackjack, punters get a stable payout.
- Positive atmosphere. Many feel calmer and more confident when they know that the insurance in blackjack is enabled.
- Leads to losses over time. According to the odds and statistics, only 30% is the probability of the croupier getting 10 as the second card.
- A trap for newbies. This is not the 100% protection one may think about. And this leads to misunderstanding among rookies.
- Extra costs. This feature is not free at all, so one will have to open their wallet if they wish to set up such a defence.
What Are The Risks Involved in Bet Protection?
After reviewing the previously stated information, it becomes obvious that insurance bet in blackjack is the only way to maintain balance on the same level. It won’t let the player win more, but may protect from losing funds. Despite this, many believe that this side bet is risky. Here are the aspects to be aware of:
- Extra costs are required, but protection spreads only to one hand.
- It can boost the house edge up to 6%-7%.
- It suits savvies who know how to count cards to verify its profitability.
- Insurance doesn’t control what the croupier has, it’s just a gamble option.
- The chance of losing this bet is about 70%.
When you’re experienced in card counting and existing blackjack strategies, insurance in blackjack can be a good option for you to boost your gaming experience. This feature is optional, so you decide whether to take it or not yourself.
Is Blackjack Insurance Worth It? Verdict
While being profitable on the one hand, this side bet can make you lose finances when applied in the wrong way. You should keep in mind what blackjack insurance is, what the odds are and how it works. There’s only a 30% probability that the croupier has 21. Players must remember it and not overdo it by placing bets on insurance too frequently. Combine the knowledge of insurance with a strong understanding of blackjack odds and strategies to make the game enjoyable and profitable.
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FAQ
💎 When can a player use blackjack insurance?
A player is able to opt for an insurance bet at the very beginning of the game. The visible dealer’s card should be the Ace for the player to apply this side bet option.
💎 What does insurance mean in blackjack?
Using this bet, players secure themselves from the dealer forming a natural blackjack. This is a combination of the Ace and the 10 card.
💎 How much can players bet on insurance?
This side bet stake size depends on the initial wager. According to the game rules, the size is 50% of the main bet.
💎 Does insurance protect the main bet?
The only way to save the main bet is to collect natural blackjack together with the dealer. When the croupier has a Blackjack and your hand is different, the main bet is lost.
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