Avoid 6-5 blackjack

It has always been taken for granted that blackjack pays 3 to 2. In other words if you bet $10 per hand and get a natural (blackjack) you would be paid $15. However, in recent years casinos have tried to gain a bigger edge over players by paying 6 to 5 on blackjack. This means the same player would only receive $12 for blackjack in a 6-5 game.

In a game where blackjack pays 6-5 instead of 3-2, the casino gains an additional 1.39% house edge. Of course, this begs the question, why would anyone play at a 6-5 table when 3-2 games are still widely available? The answer is that casinos trick novice players by marketing “Blackjack pays 6 to 5!” Some people will simply not realise that this is a worse payout.

Another tactic used by the casinos to encourage 6-5 play is to offer single deck games with 6-5 on blackjack. Since single deck games are relatively rare in casinos players may be enticed to give the game a go. Almost everyone knows that fewer decks are better for the player.

Don’t fall for it! Whatever slight advantage you gain from playing with fewer decks will be wiped out by the 1.39% disadvantage from the 6-5 blackjacks.

Don’t play 6-5. Seriously. If less people play the game maybe casinos will get the message.