A quick guide on how the blackjack insurance bet works

There are many table games you can enjoy at an online casino. Among the variety of options, blackjack online has been a staple for many. Thanks to its simple rules and gameplay, it is an easy pickup for new players. 

You can win quick and easy payouts with this casino game. Additionally, blackjack has the lowest house edge compared to other titles such as poker and baccarat. This means that you have the best odds when playing this game. 

To increase the stake and reward you can win from a blackjack game, you can opt to bet on side bets. One of the most popular ones is the blackjack insurance bet. As the name implies, this acts as insurance against the dealer’s possible blackjack hand.

If you want to learn more about it, you can read here and know when you should place this side bet.

What is blackjack insurance?

The blackjack insurance bet is a way to hedge your wager against the dealer’s cards. This insurance bet allows you to stake half of the original bet you placed. It pays two to one.

As implied by the definition of its name, it ensures that you go home with a payout regardless of the outcome of the game. It basically acts as a safety net for your money. 

When playing this side bet, it is important to know the perfect moment to wager on it. As a player, you should always be conscious of the dealer and his upcard. You can only place this bet if the dealer’s up card is an ace. 

How does insurance work in blackjack? 

This blackjack side bet gives the player the chance to make an insurance bet and prevent a potential loss if they think the dealer is about to hit a blackjack hand. As with most side bets, there is a method to be followed that will validate this bet. Here is a guide on how this insurance bet blackjack works:

1. Before learning the blackjack insurance rules, it is important to have a great understanding of the game. 
2. Thankfully, blackjack is a simple and easy game to understand. Your goal as the player is to get as close to 21 with your cards without going 'bust'. However, there are times when all you need to do to win is outscore the dealer’s hand value.
3. If you think the dealer is about to hit a natural blackjack (21 card value), you can place an insurance side bet that will hedge your bet. 
4. The ideal time to wager on the insurance bet is if the dealer shows an ace. Unless it would give a player or the dealer a score higher than 21, in which case it has a value of 1, an Ace will always have a value of 11.
5. As soon as this occurs, the table will flash on your computer screen, giving you the chance to place a wager.
6. If the dealer reveals 21, the insurance bet is paid out at two to one.

When to take insurance in blackjack

Betting on insurance blackjack is a strategy many players opt for whenever they believe the dealer might take the win. Although blackjack is a game of chance, you can act one step ahead and ensure the safety of your wager. 

While knowing when to hit, stand, and split is essential when playing blackjack, it can be helpful to know when to bet on side bets such as the insurance bet. Learning the different hands in the top card betting games beforehand will be beneficial to your gameplay, as this will signal you what to do.

There is a one-in-three chance the dealer will have a card that has a value of ten when their other up-card is an ace. This is the best time to take the insurance bet. 

If you are adept at card counting and timing, you will have the advantage. You can keep track of the amount that is still in the deck and ascertain when there is enough to make the percentage call.

Besides that, it is important to remember that you cannot double down, another side bet in blackjack, if you are betting on the insurance bet. You can also always opt to surrender, which will allow you to give up half of your original bet. Consider this if your hand does not have good-looking odds against the dealers.

Advantages of blackjack insurance

The advantage of winning this side bet is the blackjack insurance payout. Although you didn’t win your original wager, you can use the winnings you received from the outcome of this bet to try again. As mentioned, if you are confident that the dealer is about to hit a natural blackjack, then it is worth taking the risk on this side bet as it acts as a safety net for your money.

Disadvantages of blackjack insurance

The odds of winning the blackjack insurance side bet depend on the one-to-three chance of the dealer getting a card value of 10 on their second card. This means that there is an inherent risk when betting on it. There will be a loss of half your original stake. 

Otherwise, since this bet pays two to one, winning the insurance bet will reward you with your original stake back without losing any money in the process. 

Knowing the odds of insurance in blackjack

The odds of winning the insurance bet in blackjack will depend on each game you play. It will account for different factors. This includes the number of 10 value cards that have been dealt with and the decks used in the game. 

The dealer’s average odds in blackjack is nine to four. Although it may look like the odds are against the player, using strategies such as card counting will help increase the probability of winning rounds. Analyze the cards in play and see if the conditions are right to place the insurance bet. 

It is advised to play a few free rounds of blackjack to obtain a sense of the odds and get comfortable placing insurance bets, even if this can be challenging while playing online blackjack.

With this, it's crucial to take into account the number of decks being used whether you want to play blackjack with a live dealer or for real money. The chances of losing your insurance bet payout increase as the number of decks increases.

Should you bet on the insurance bet?

Now that you know when to place an insurance bet, we recommend only betting on it if you are confident. Take into consideration the state and condition of the blackjack round before betting on this side bet. Try card counting and other strategies that will help you identify the best time to wager on the insurance bet.

FAQs

How to bet on blackjack insurance?

You will be allowed to bet on the insurance in blackjack if the dealer’s up card is an ace. There is a one-to-three chance that their second card will have a card value of 10. If it hits this value, you win your wager back. 

Should you take insurance in blackjack?

Although it is not recommended to wager on the insurance bet, if you are certain the dealer will get a perfect blackjack, then you can place a safety net on your wager.

How do you decide when to purchase insurance in blackjack?

With card counting, you will be able to make better decisions on whether to wager on this side bet or not. If you believe the dealer will hit a natural or perfect blackjack, you can opt for purchase insurance.

What other side bets are available in blackjack?

There are tons of other side bets in blackjack. One of the most popular ones is double down. The concept of double down on blackjack is simple. To increase your chances of winning, you double your bet in the middle of a hand. 

When playing a casino game, it is always a risky move, but if you are confident in your hand of cards, this could be to your advantage. Only double down when it makes sense because if the dealer deals you a low card, you won't be able to hit again and will run the risk of losing twice your bet. 

What are strategies I can employ when playing blackjack?

Blackjack is known for its low house edge. To further increase your odds of winning, you can employ strategies that will help you win big payouts! If you are not in a situation where an insurance bet is necessary, here are some strategies to consider: 

• Martingale system - When adopting the Martingale betting strategy, keep in mind that even if you go on a prolonged losing streak, you will eventually win. With this, you must increase your wagers after each defeat. If you lose, you should ideally treble your wagers. Because you placed a large stake to win, you will have recovered all of your losses by the time you win.
• Winning streak betting strategy  - This betting approach is for those who love to take risks. This uses the positive-progressive betting strategy, where you double down and raise your bets after each blackjack round you win.

Although it's extremely hazardous, the prizes are incredibly large when you do win your rounds, and those who took all the chances will benefit from it. This tactic is ideal for those with larger bankrolls.

• Steady betting strategy - The steady betting strategy, in contrast to both the martingale and winning streak betting methods, is ideal for bettors who are more cautious with their wagers. This is a slower-burning strategy for playing blackjack where you always bet the same amount, win or lose. Players will value this strategy's stability since it may allow them to effectively manage their bankroll.

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