How Are Blackjack Payouts Calculated?

Blackjack is a game of chance that is often played in casinos. The basic rules of the game are simple: the player tries to beat the dealer’s hand by getting a hand total that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand, without going over 21.

If the player goes over 21, they “bust” and automatically lose the hand. Blackjack is usually played with six decks of cards, but some casinos use eight decks.

The player and dealer are each dealt two cards. The player’s cards are dealt face up, while the dealer’s first card is dealt face down (the “hole card”).

If the player has a blackjack (a hand totaling 21), they are paid 3 to 2 odds on their bet. If the dealer has a blackjack, the player automatically loses the hand.

If neither the player nor dealer has a blackjack, the player can choose to “hit” (take another card), “stand” (keep their current hand), “double down” (double their bet and take one more card), or “split” (if they have two of the same card, they can split their hand into two separate hands). Once the player has chosen their action, the dealer will then take their own action.

If the dealer’s hand totals 16 or less, they must hit; if 17 or more, they must stand.

If the player’s hand and the dealer’s hand tie (known as a “push”), no one wins or loses and the player keeps their original bet. Otherwise, if the player beats the dealer’s hand, they are paid even money (1 to 1) on their bet; if the dealer beats the player’s hand, the player loses their original bet.

There are some additional rules that may come into play in certain situations:
* If both the player and dealer have a blackjack, it is a push.
* If the dealer has an ace showing and offers insurance before taking any more cards, players may wish to take insurance against being dealt a blackjack. This side bet pays 2 to 1 if the dealer does in fact have a blackjack.
* If either the player or dealer gets three 7s of any suit (“suited 7s”), this automatically wins or loses depending on who gets them first.

This side bet pays 3 to 1.
* Some casinos also offer “surrender”, where players can choose to give up half their bet and forfeit their hand after seeing both of their initial cards.

Blackjack payouts are calculated based on what kind of hand you have and how much you bet. For example, if you have a blackjack (an ace and any 10-valued card) and you bet $5, you will be paid $7.50 (3 to 2 odds).

If you have a winning hand (beating the dealer’s total without going over 21) and you bet $5, you will be paid $5 (1 to 1 odds). And if you have a losing hand (busting or having a lower total than the dealer), you will lose your $5 bet.