It may seem as if the dealer always wins in blackjack, despite the house edge being relatively low.
In this blog Wizard Slots blog post, we'll discuss why it seems like the dealer always wins in blackjack. We'll look at the dealer's advantage and discuss whether it's possible to beat the house at blackjack.
Why Does The Dealer Have An Advantage?
Blackjack is a popular casino card game where the aim is to get a hand closer to 21 than the dealer without going bust - past 21.
Dealers have a slight advantage. This advantage is known as the house edge; it's the percentage the casino expects to take in as profit over time. Here, we're talking about how the dealer has a face-down card that the players have to make assumptions about.
The house edge also comes from the fact that the house only pays out if the dealer goes bust and the player doesn't. If the player goes bust, the dealer wins, even if they go bust in the same round against another player.
Additionally, the dealer always acts last and wins if all the other players on the table go bust; they don't even need to play a hand. Even if players are still in the game, the dealer knows what they have to beat, but the players play their turn knowing only one of the dealer's cards.
How Often Does The Dealer Win?
Below is a list of the blackjack dealer bust percentages. Knowing the dealer's bust percentages may be helpful as a guide to help make decisions in blackjack.
The following list is the up-card value and chances of the dealer going bust (card value / bust percentage):
- 2 / 35%
- 3 / 37%
- 4 / 40%
- 5 / 42%
- 6 / 42%
- 7 / 26%
- 8 / 24%
- 9 / 23%
- 10 / 23%
- Ace / 17%
Do Dealers Cheat In Blackjack?
It is difficult for a blackjack dealer to cheat, but it is possible. When playing blackjack, the cards are shuffled and drawn from a shoe to ensure the game is fair for everyone. Therefore, the dealer would have to shuffle the cards in private to cheat.
This is almost impossible, as whether playing live or online, you see the dealer shuffle the cards and deal them in front of each player.
If you find a reputable and legal online casino site, you won't have to worry about cheating blackjack dealers. You can play and enjoy blackjack in a reputable online casino knowing you are not being cheated, as the casino would lose its license if their dealers were found to be cheating.
Can You Beat The House At Blackjack?
Although you cannot eliminate the house edge entirely when playing blackjack, knowing basic blackjack strategy has the potential to lower the house edge.
Having a good understanding of how to play blackjack is essential. Knowing basic blackjack strategy can help you to make better decisions and know when to hit, stand or double down on different hands.
Playing badly due to not understanding simple blackjack rules can lead to players making bad calls, and as such, the house has a bigger advantage. Experienced players tend to make better decisions rather than hitting and hoping.
Blackjack is still a game of chance, but knowing basic blackjack strategy helps you to make the best decision given your hand.
Having a clear mind is also helpful when playing blackjack. Entering a blackjack game with a clear, rested, and calm mind can help you to make better decisions with each blackjack hand. It may also help you to know when to walk away. Never chase losses, and don't bet money you aren't comfortable losing.
Ultimately, there is no way to beat the house at blackjack. The house edge will always be there, it may be slightly lower if you implement basic strategy, but it is still there. Blackjack is a game of chance, and the casino always wins in the long run. That being said, online casino games are a form of entertainment, and many players love to play blackjack for its simple premise and quick gameplay.
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*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this slot game are subject to change at any time.