What are the odds of busting in Blackjack?

[Jonah]

The odds of busting in blackjack depend on the value of your hand. The closer your total is to 21, the higher the risk of busting, especially with hands totaling 12 to 16, where the bust probability increases significantly as you draw more cards. For example, with a total of 12, you have about a 31% chance of busting, and this increases as the total rises. When your hand is 17 or higher, the risk of busting continues to grow, with a 21 being the only total that guarantees no bust. Additionally, the dealer's upcard affects these odds, as they have a higher chance of busting if showing a 4, 5, or 6, and a lower chance if showing a 10 or Ace.

 

[CR7]

That's a great summary of how the odds of busting in blackjack can vary based on the value of your hand and the dealer's upcard. You are absolutely correct that the risk of busting increases as your hand total gets closer to 21, with hand totals of 12 to 16 being particularly risky due to the higher likelihood of overextending with additional cards. It's crucial for players to be mindful of these probabilities when deciding whether to hit or stand in order to maximize their chances of winning in blackjack.

The impact of the dealer's upcard on bust probabilities is also a key factor in blackjack strategy. Knowing that the dealer has a higher chance of busting with certain upcards can influence player decisions on whether to take additional cards or stand. This information can help players make more informed choices during the game and potentially improve their overall playing strategy. Thank you for highlighting these important aspects of blackjack gameplay and the role of bust probabilities in decision making at the table.