Picture this: You’re sitting at a blackjack table, and you receive a strong hand. The dealer shows an upcard that brings the option of taking even money into play. What do you do?
Blackjack has its basic strategies, a set of guidelines that some players use to help make decisions. It can also be wise to remember that blackjack involves an element of chance and outcomes can never be guaranteed.
Understanding the concept of even money can potentially aid you in making thoughtful choices during your game.
What Is Even Money In Blackjack Games?
In the game of blackjack, the term "even money" is an option that comes into play when you have a hand known as a "blackjack" — that's an ace and a 10-point card — and the dealer's face-up card is an ace.
Even money allows you to be paid out at 1:1 straight away, instead of waiting for the dealer's hand to be completed.
Accepting even money means you’re guaranteed to receive a payout equal to your bet, regardless of the dealer’s final hand.
If you don't take even money, you gamble on the chance that the dealer doesn’t have blackjack. If the dealer does have blackjack, your hand would most likely result in a draw—or “push”—and you receive nothing extra.
Remember, blackjack is a game of chance, so decisions like taking even money come down to weighing your options.
Every hand can result differently, so understanding how these choices can affect your overall experience may be useful.
Is Even Money The Same As Insurance In Blackjack?
In blackjack, even money and insurance are related, but not the same.
Even money is an option offered when you have a perfect hand in blackjack and the dealer’s face-up card is an ace. It's a way to secure an immediate payout equal to your bet, foregoing the potential for a slightly higher return.
On the other hand, insurance is a separate side bet you can place if the dealer shows an ace. It’s an offer to protect yourself against the dealer having blackjack.
When you take insurance, you're betting half your original stake, hoping the dealer’s hidden card is a 10-point card. If the dealer indeed has blackjack, an insurance bet pays out at 2:1.
While both even money and insurance deal with the possibility of the dealer having a blackjack, they differ in what they offer and when they’re available.
In addition, some variations of blackjack may not offer these options. So, it may be a good idea to check the casino and game rules before playing.
Should You Accept Even Money In Blackjack?
Deciding whether to take even money in blackjack is a personal choice that may involve weighing up different factors.
Basic strategy in blackjack is a set of guidelines created through statistical analysis to help players make more informed decisions. It doesn't offer guarantees, as outcomes are unpredictable, but it can offer a framework.
When it comes to even money, basic strategy generally recommends not taking it. This advice is based on mathematical calculations that suggest, over time, you might earn more by not accepting even money. In the long run, refusing even money could theoretically lead to higher potential returns, since the chances of the dealer not having blackjack are slightly in your favour.
Statistics suggest that the dealer will not have a blackjack roughly 70% of the time. However, consider that each hand is an independent event, and the results vary every time you play.
Your choice to accept even money might depend on how you weigh potential risks and rewards in the context of your overall game strategy.
It's also crucial to remember the element of chance in blackjack, which means there's no way to predict or guarantee outcomes. This decision, like others in the game, is about balancing enjoyment and strategic thinking.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.