What is the best time to use insurance in Blackjack?

[Jonah]

In blackjack, the best time to use insurance is when the dealer has an Ace showing, and the count (if you’re using card counting) or the game situation suggests a higher chance of a 10-value card being in the remaining deck(s). In general, insurance is a side bet that the dealer has a blackjack, and it pays 2:1 if the dealer does have it.

However, mathematically, insurance is typically not a good bet in the long run. The house edge on insurance is high, meaning you lose money more often than you win. The only time it becomes a worthwhile bet is when you’re using a strategy like card counting and can estimate that a disproportionately high number of 10-value cards remain in the deck. This makes it more likely the dealer has a blackjack, in which case the insurance bet might be profitable. Without card counting, it’s best to avoid the insurance bet.

 

[CR7]

In a game of blackjack, the best time to consider using insurance is when the dealer's face-up card is an Ace. Insurance is a side bet that you can place if you think the dealer's hole card is a 10-value card (10, J, Q, K), thus forming a blackjack. The insurance bet typically pays 2:1 if the dealer indeed has a blackjack.

From a strategic perspective, the decision to take insurance hinges on the remaining composition of the deck, especially the ratio of 10-value cards to others. In card counting scenarios, where players keep track of the cards that have been dealt to estimate the cards remaining, an excess of 10-value cards increases the likelihood of the dealer having a blackjack. As such, card counters may find insurance profitable in situations favoring a high proportion of 10s.

However, it's crucial to recognize that insurance tends to carry a high house edge, making it unfavorable in the long run for most players. Without the advantage gained from card counting or a similar strategy, the math doesn't support the regular use of insurance. In standard scenarios, avoiding the insurance bet is advisable as it can erode your bankroll over time due to the high house edge associated with it. It's essential to approach the decision to use insurance thoughtfully, taking into account both the dealer's up card and the wider context of the game.