Are you a blackjack enthusiast? If so, you may have heard of a term called insurance.

In blackjack, insurance is a side bet that players can place when the dealer’s up card is an Ace.

If the dealer has a blackjack, insurance pays out at 2:1 odds.

But how does insurance work in blackjack? And is it worth it? In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of insurance in blackjack and answer all your questions.

Understanding Insurance in Blackjack

When the dealer’s up card is an Ace, players have the option to place an insurance bet, which is half of their original wager.

If the dealer has a blackjack, the insurance bet pays out at 2:1 odds, meaning the player would break even.

If the dealer doesn’t have a blackjack, the insurance bet loses and the game continues as normal.

Insurance is essentially a side bet that the dealer has a blackjack, and it’s only available when the dealer’s up card is an Ace.

The bet is independent of the player’s original wager and doesn’t affect the outcome of the player’s hand.

Pros and Cons of Taking Insurance in Blackjack

Many blackjack players wonder whether taking insurance is a good idea or not. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider:

Pros

• Hedging your bet: By taking insurance, you can protect yourself against the dealer having a blackjack. If the dealer does have a blackjack, you’ll break even and keep your original wager.
• Reducing losses: If you’re in a losing streak, taking insurance can help reduce your losses. Even if you lose your original wager, you’ll break even with the insurance payout.

Cons

• Lower payout odds: Even if the dealer has a blackjack, the 2:1 payout odds for insurance are lower than the 3:2 payout for a regular blackjack. Over time, taking insurance can decrease your overall payout percentage.
• Risky strategy: Taking insurance is essentially a side bet, and side bets are generally considered risky strategies in blackjack. While they can pay off in certain situations, they can also deplete your bankroll quickly if you’re not careful.

How Insurance Works in Blackjack: Examples

To better understand how insurance works in blackjack, let’s take a look at some examples:

Example 1: Dealer has a blackjack

• You bet $10 and the dealer’s up card is an Ace.
• You decide to take insurance and place a $5 bet.
• The dealer reveals a blackjack, and you receive a payout of $10 for your insurance bet, breaking even for the hand.

Example 2: Dealer doesn’t have a blackjack

• You bet $10 and the dealer’s up card is an Ace.
• You decide to take insurance and place a $5 bet.
• The dealer reveals a 7 as their hole card, and the game continues as normal.
• You lose your insurance bet and play the hand out as normal, potentially winning or losing your original wager.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is insurance a good bet in blackjack?

It depends on the situation. If you have a strong hand and the dealer has an Ace up card, it might be worth taking insurance to protect your bet.

However, if you have a weak hand or the dealer’s up card is not an Ace, it’s generally not worth taking insurance.

Can you take insurance after hitting in blackjack?

No, once you hit in blackjack, you can no longer take insurance.