Do You Take Even Money in Blackjack?

If you’re a blackjack player, you’ve probably heard the term “even money” tossed around at the table. But what does it mean, and should you take it when it’s offered to you

Let’s break it down. In blackjack, if the dealer has an ace showing and you have a natural blackjack (a 10-value card and an ace), the dealer will offer you even money. This means that instead of waiting to see if the dealer has a blackjack as well, you can take your winnings right then and there at a 1:1 payout ratio.

So, should you take even money

The answer is…it depends.

On one hand, taking even money guarantees that you’ll win something on that hand. If the dealer does end up having a blackjack, and you didn’t take even money, then you would lose your entire bet. So in some sense, taking even money can be seen as a way to “protect” your bet.

However, on the other hand, taking even money is not always the best strategy in terms of maximizing your winnings in the long run.

Here’s why:

• If the dealer doesn’t have a blackjack (which is actually more likely than them having one), then by taking even money, you’re essentially giving up your chance to win more than just 1:1 on that hand.
• Statistically speaking, over time, refusing even money when offered will net you more winnings than accepting it every time.

Of course, this all comes down to personal preference and risk tolerance. Some players may opt for even money every time just for peace of mind, while others may never take it in order to maximize their winnings over time.

One thing to keep in mind is that taking even money can be especially tempting if you’re on a losing streak and are desperate for a win. In these cases, it’s important to step back and think logically about your decision-making.

Overall, the decision of whether or not to take even money in blackjack is up to you. Just remember that while it may be a good short-term strategy, it may not necessarily be the best long-term one.