Blackjack Articles

Understanding How To Use Insurance In Blackjack

Learn how to use 'INSURANCE' in blackjack

It is important to learn how to use INSURANCE.  When the cards are dealt, the dealer’s hand will reveal only one card, with the other card turned on its face.  You will never see this card until all the players have decided to STAND.

Now, what if the dealer gets an Ace as the revealed card?

There would be a greater chance of him getting a Blackjack, right?  And this would mean an automatic loss for you, unless you also have a Blackjack or a 21 combination, in which case, it’s going to be a PUSH and no exchange of money will take place.

What’s the best way to avoid such a potential tragedy?

Well, once an Ace is revealed in the dealer’s hand, you’ll be given the option to get INSURANCE.  INSURANCE, basically, is an additional wager on the dealer.  Yes, you will bet on the dealer’s hand!  Your bet is based on the eventuality that the dealer’s unrevealed card has a value of 10.  You are allowed to wager up to ½ the amount of your original bet.

What does this mean?

Well, in the event that the dealer does beat you with a Blackjack, he will win, and so will you, since you have placed a bet for his victory.  Hence, if you wager an amount equivalent to your original bet, and the dealer eventually attains a Blackjack, everything will be squared off, and the result: you won’t lose a single cent.

Let’s illustrate.

Suppose you wager $100. 

Then, the dealer’s hand reveals an Ace, with the other card still concealed from everyone’s view.

Opting for INSURANCE will make you wager an additional $50 on the dealer’s hand. 

Hence, if the dealer does attain a Blackjack and you don’t, you’ll lose the $100 you originally wagered, but you’ll also win $100 via the INSURANCE you have placed, since INSURANCE pays at a ratio of 2:1.

Indeed, INSURANCE can be a lifesaver, and this makes the game of Blackjack a more controllable game.  Always remember that you have this option in case the odds initially seem unfavorable for you.  Hence, it goes without saying that you should always leave some chips that you can use for INSURANCE. 

It may seem to be the wisest thing to do.

But you have to remember that INSURANCE does not guarantee safe passage all the time.  There is still the possibility that you’ll lose both your original wager as well as the bet you have placed as INSURANCE.  If the dealer does not get a Blackjack, for example, and he still manages to beat your combo, then you’ll merely add to the amount you have otherwise lost.

Exercise INSURANCE with caution.

Further Reading:
www.hitorstand.net
http://conjelco.com/faq/bj.html

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BlackJack Maesto has helped many people to finally win constantly with a proven tactics/strategy. For more Information, visit http://www.BlackJackMaestro.com.