If you are looking to up your blackjack game, learning about insurance is a must. This strategic move can mean the difference between winning and losing, especially when used correctly.
In this blog post, we will discuss what insurance is, when to take it, and how it works. So read on if you want to learn everything you need to know about this important blackjack term!
What is insurance in blackjack?
Insurance is a type of side bet that you can make in blackjack. It is offered when the dealer’s up card is an ace. If you decide to take insurance, you are betting that the dealer has blackjack. This bet pays out at two-to-one odds if the dealer does indeed have a blackjack.
This means that if you bet $20 on insurance and the dealer does have a blackjack, you will win $40. However, if the dealer does not have a blackjack, you will lose your $20 insurance bet.
While insurance may seem like a no-brainer at first glance, it is actually not always a wise move. In fact, there are only certain situations when taking insurance makes sense. We will go over these scenarios in more detail below.
The ideal time to use insurance
Generally speaking, you should only take insurance if you have a strong hand yourself and the dealer’s up card is an ace. For example, let’s say you have a hand value of 19 and the dealer is showing an ace. In this case, taking insurance would be a good idea since there is a decent chance that the dealer does indeed have a blackjack.
When not to use insurance
On the other hand, if you have a weak hand or the dealer’s up card is not an ace, then insurance is not worth it. For example, let’s say you have a hand value of 12 and the dealer is showing an ace. In this case, it is not wise to take insurance since the chances of the dealer having a blackjack are relatively low.
Is insurance available in all versions of blackjack?
As mentioned, insurance is a special type of side bet. This means it can be considered a bonus feature of some kind for some variations of the game.
Therefore, this means it may only be available to use within certain types of the classic casino game. For instance, it is possible to find it in a 32Red blackjack game when browsing the vast collection that the operator boasts, however this does not mean it is always possible to find it elsewhere.
What types of blackjack feature the insurance side bet?
One of the most popular types of blackjack which offers the insurance side bet is American blackjack. This variation is commonly found in online casinos and is a firm favorite with casino-goers across the globe.
Additionally, European blackjack is another variation of the game which often offers this side bet to players. This particular version is slightly different from American blackjack as it only uses two decks of cards instead of the traditional six or eight.
Does classic blackjack provide this type of side bet?
It is not as common to find the insurance side bet available in classic blackjack games. This is because this particular version of the game uses only one deck of cards, which means that there is a reduced chance of the dealer having a blackjack.
However, it is still possible to find some variations of classic blackjack which offer insurance as a side bet. These versions usually use six or eight decks of cards instead of just one, so it is worth keeping an eye out for these if you are keen to make use of this bonus feature.
In conclusion
We hope this blog post has given you a better understanding of what insurance is and how it works in blackjack. Remember, insurance can be a helpful tool if used correctly but it is not always the best move to make. Use the tips we have discussed above to help you make the right decision next time you are playing blackjack!
Remember: when in doubt, only take insurance when you have a strong hand and the dealer’s up card is an ace. If you have a weak hand or the dealer’s up card is not an ace, then it is probably not worth taking out insurance.
Disclaimer:
- As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman and Sikkim, prohibit gambling
- Land-based casinos are legalized, with certain guidelines, in Goa and Daman, as per the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976
- Land-based casinos, Online gambling and E-gaming (games of chance) are legalized in Sikkim under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009
- Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries as per and subject to the conditions laid down by state laws. Kindly refer to the same here
- Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in a licensed premise in select states. Kindly refer to the 1996 Judgement by the Supreme Court Of India here and for more information
- This article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or any of its staff.