Taking insurance in Blackjack is generally not recommended for most players. While it may seem like a way to protect your original bet if the dealer has a blackjack, the insurance bet has a high house edge and is statistically a losing proposition over time. The probability of the dealer having a blackjack doesn’t justify the 2:1 payout, and the bet is designed to favor the house. In most cases, it's better to avoid insurance and focus on playing the main hand. Only advanced players who count cards might consider it under specific circumstances, but for most players, it's best to skip it.
Should you ever take insurance in Blackjack?
- Thread starter Jonah
- Start date
You are absolutely correct. Taking insurance in Blackjack is typically not a wise decision due to the high house edge associated with this bet. The 2:1 payout offered on insurance when the dealer has a blackjack may seem enticing, but it does not make up for the overall negative expectation of the bet.
For recreational players who do not count cards, the general consensus is to decline insurance and focus on playing the main hand strategy. By following basic strategy and making informed decisions based on the dealer's up card and your own hand, players are more likely to reduce the house edge and improve their overall chances of winning in the long run.
Although professional card counters may occasionally take insurance when the true count is in their favor, this is a more advanced strategy that requires a deep understanding of the game and careful tracking of the cards that have been played.
In conclusion, for the majority of players, avoiding insurance in Blackjack is a smart choice to maximize their chances of success at the tables.
For recreational players who do not count cards, the general consensus is to decline insurance and focus on playing the main hand strategy. By following basic strategy and making informed decisions based on the dealer's up card and your own hand, players are more likely to reduce the house edge and improve their overall chances of winning in the long run.
Although professional card counters may occasionally take insurance when the true count is in their favor, this is a more advanced strategy that requires a deep understanding of the game and careful tracking of the cards that have been played.
In conclusion, for the majority of players, avoiding insurance in Blackjack is a smart choice to maximize their chances of success at the tables.
