What Are the House Rules for Blackjack?

When it comes to playing blackjack, it’s important to know the rules of the game. But beyond that, there are also house rules that players need to be aware of.

These rules can vary from casino to casino, so it’s always a good idea to check with the dealer or floor supervisor before sitting down at a table. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common house rules for blackjack.

Table Limits

One of the first things you’ll notice when you approach a blackjack table is the minimum and maximum bet limits. These limits can vary greatly from one casino to another, so it’s important to check them before sitting down. If you’re a beginner or just looking to play for fun, it’s best to start with a lower limit table.

Number of Decks

Another important house rule is how many decks are used in the game. Most casinos use either six or eight decks, but some may use as few as two or as many as ten.

The more decks that are used, the higher the house edge will be. So if you have a choice between playing at a six-deck table or an eight-deck table, go with the six-deck option.

Dealer Actions

The actions that dealers can take during a game of blackjack are also subject to house rules. For example, some casinos require their dealers to hit on soft 17 (an Ace and a 6), while others require them to stand. Some casinos also allow their dealers to peek at their hole card (the face-down card) if they have an Ace showing.

Splitting Pairs

When you’re dealt two cards of the same rank (such as two 8s), you have the option of splitting them into two separate hands. However, this is subject to certain house rules.

For example, some casinos only allow you to split once, while others may allow you to split up to three times. Additionally, some casinos may not allow you to split certain pairs (such as 10s or face cards).

Doubling Down

Doubling down is another option that’s subject to house rules. This is when you double your original bet and receive one additional card. Some casinos may only allow you to double down on certain hands (such as a total of 9, 10, or 11), while others may allow you to double down on any two cards.

Insurance

If the dealer has an Ace showing, players have the option of taking insurance. This means placing a side bet that the dealer has blackjack (a total of 21).

If the dealer does have blackjack, the player wins the insurance bet but loses their original bet. However, this is generally not a good bet to make because the odds are heavily in favor of the casino.

Payouts

Finally, it’s important to know how much you’ll be paid out for a winning hand. Most casinos pay out at 3:2 odds for a blackjack (a total of 21 with two cards), but some may pay out at 6:5 or even lower odds. Additionally, some casinos may also have different payouts for other winning hands (such as a five-card Charlie).

Conclusion

Knowing the house rules for blackjack can make all the difference in your overall experience at the casino. By understanding these rules and how they vary from casino to casino, you can make informed decisions about where and how to play. So before sitting down at a blackjack table, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the house rules – it could be well worth your time and money in the end.

• Table Limits
• Number of Decks
• Dealer Actions
• Splitting Pairs
• Doubling Down
• Insurance
• Payouts