Blackjack insurance is a side bet offered when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. It allows players to bet up to half their original wager, predicting that the dealer has a blackjack.
If the dealer’s hidden card is a ten-value card (10, Jack, Queen, or King), the player wins the insurance bet, which pays 2:1. However, if the dealer doesn’t have blackjack, the player loses the insurance bet, and the game continues as usual. While it may seem like a way to protect against losing, the odds of winning an insurance bet are lower than they appear.
In most cases, taking insurance is not a profitable long-term strategy. Since only about 30% of the deck consists of ten-value cards, the chances of the dealer having blackjack are low. Over time, players tend to lose more money on insurance bets than they win. Unless you’re an advanced player using card counting, it’s usually best to avoid taking insurance and focus on solid blackjack strategy instead.
How Does Blackjack Insurance Work?
Blackjack insurance is a side bet available when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. Players can wager up to half their original bet, predicting the dealer has a blackjack. If the dealer’s hidden card is a ten-value card, the insurance bet pays 2:1. If not, the player loses the insurance bet, and the game continues. It’s a separate bet that doesn’t affect the outcome of the main hand.
When Can You Take an Insurance Bet?
Players can take an insurance bet only when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. The option is offered before the dealer checks their hidden card. The bet must be placed before any other action, like hitting or standing. It’s meant to “protect” against the dealer getting a blackjack. However, it’s not always a smart choice due to unfavorable odds.
Is Taking Insurance a Good Strategy?
For most players, taking insurance is not a good strategy. The odds of the dealer having a blackjack are less than 50%, making it a risky bet. Over time, players lose more money on insurance bets than they win. It’s mainly beneficial for skilled card counters who track ten-value cards. For casual players, focusing on solid blackjack strategy is a better approach.
When to take insurance in blackjack
Taking insurance in blackjack is usually not a good strategy. The odds of the dealer having blackjack are less than the payout, making it a risky bet. Most experienced players avoid it unless they are card counting.However, if you’re counting cards and know there are many high cards left, insurance can be a smart move. This increases the chances of the dealer having blackjack. Otherwise, it’s best to skip it.
When the Dealer Shows an Ace
When the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, players are given the option to take insurance. This side bet is placed before the dealer checks for blackjack. If the dealer has a ten-value card, the insurance bet pays 2:1. If not, the player loses the insurance bet, and the game continues. Many players take insurance out of fear of losing to a dealer’s blackjack.
When You Have a Low Hand
Having a low hand doesn’t affect the insurance bet decision. Insurance is based only on the dealer’s upcard, not the player’s hand strength. Even if you have a weak hand, insurance may still be a bad bet due to poor odds. Players should focus on playing their main hand instead of taking unnecessary risks. Making strategic decisions based on the full game is often a better approach.
Risks of Taking Insurance in Blackjack
Taking insurance is risky because the dealer has blackjack less than 50% of the time. The house edge on insurance bets is high, leading to long-term losses for most players. Since it’s a separate bet, even if you win your main hand, you could still lose money overall. Many experts consider insurance a trap that benefits the casino more than the player. Unless you’re counting cards, avoiding insurance is usually the best strategy.
What Are the Odds of an Insurance Bet?
The odds of winning an insurance bet depend on the dealer’s hidden card. Since only 30% of the deck consists of ten-value cards, the chances of the dealer having blackjack are about 3 out of 10.
While the insurance bet pays 2:1, the odds don’t justify the risk for most players. Over time, taking insurance leads to more losses than wins. That’s why many experienced players avoid it.
Conclusion
Blackjack insurance is a side bet that allows players to wager on whether the dealer has a blackjack when showing an Ace. While it may seem like a protective move, the odds are not in the player’s favor.
Since only about 30% of the deck consists of ten-value cards, the chances of winning an insurance bet are relatively low. The bet pays 2:1, but because it loses more often than it wins, it is generally not a profitable strategy. Many players take insurance out of fear, but in reality, it benefits the casino more than the player.
For casual players, insurance is best avoided unless they are using card counting to track high-value cards. Instead of relying on insurance, focusing on solid blackjack strategies—such as proper bankroll management and optimal decision-making—will lead to better long-term results. Understanding how insurance works helps players make smarter choices and avoid unnecessary risks at the blackjack table.