Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world. It is also one of the few games where players can use strategy to improve their odds of winning.
One of the most interesting strategies in blackjack is insurance. But is insurance ever a good bet in blackjack
Exclusive BlackJack Casino Offers:
Before we answer that question, let’s first define what insurance is in blackjack. When the dealer shows an Ace as their up-card, players have the option to take insurance.
Insurance is a side bet that pays 2:1 if the dealer has a blackjack. In other words, if you bet $10 on insurance and the dealer has a blackjack, you will win $20.
Now that we know what insurance is, let’s examine whether it’s a good bet or not.
When to Take Insurance
The basic strategy for blackjack recommends taking insurance when the true count (the count adjusted for number of decks remaining) is greater than or equal to 3. This means that there are more tens and face cards remaining in the deck than any other card.
If you are not counting cards, then taking insurance can be considered when you have a strong hand (such as a natural blackjack or 20) and the dealer has an Ace showing. In this scenario, taking insurance can protect your original bet from losing to a dealer blackjack.
The Odds of Winning with Insurance
The odds of winning with insurance are not great. In fact, the odds are heavily against you.
The probability of the dealer having a blackjack when they have an Ace showing is only 30%. This means that 70% of the time, you will lose your insurance bet.
Even worse, if you take insurance every time the dealer has an Ace showing, you will lose more money in the long run. This is because the payout for insurance (2:1) does not match the odds of winning (30%). In other words, the payout is not enough to justify the risk.
The Bottom Line
So, is insurance ever a good bet in blackjack The answer is yes, but only under certain circumstances.
If you are counting cards and the true count is greater than or equal to 3, then taking insurance can be a profitable bet. Otherwise, taking insurance is not recommended and can lead to more losses in the long run.
As with any casino game, it’s important to remember that there are no guarantees. Blackjack is a game of chance and luck plays a significant role in whether you win or lose. However, by using basic strategy and making smart bets, you can improve your odds of winning and have a more enjoyable experience at the blackjack table.
