Why Casinos Created Different Blackjack Variations
Understanding how rule changes dramatically affect your odds
The Original Blackjack Game
Traditional blackjack offered relatively fair odds to players who used basic strategy. The original game featured 3:2 blackjack payouts and dealer rules that gave players a fighting chance.
• 3:2 blackjack payouts
• Dealer hits soft 17
• House edge: ~0.5%
• Player can reduce house edge to under 1%
The 6:5 Blackjack Payout
In the 1990s, casinos began introducing 6:5 blackjack payouts instead of the traditional 3:2. This seemingly small change has a massive impact on player odds.
• 3:2 payout: $15 on $10 bet
• 6:5 payout: $12 on $10 bet
• Difference: $3 less per blackjack
• House edge increase: +1.4%
This change alone increases the house edge by 1.4 percentage points - more than doubling the casino's advantage!
Dealer Rule Variations
Casinos also manipulate dealer rules to increase their advantage:
Dealer Hits Soft 17
When the dealer must hit soft 17 (A-6), it gives players a slight advantage because the dealer busts more often. Casinos prefer rules where the dealer stands on soft 17.
• Dealer hits soft 17: +0.2% to player advantage
• Dealer stands soft 17: +0.2% to house advantage
• Total swing: 0.4% difference
Comparison Table
| Variation | Blackjack Payout | Dealer Soft 17 | House Edge | Player Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generous | 3:2 | Stands | 0.3% | Best option |
| Standard | 3:2 | Hits | 0.5% | Good option |
| Poor | 6:5 | Hits | 1.5% | Avoid if possible |
| Terrible | 6:5 | Stands | 1.3% | Avoid if possible |
Why Casinos Make These Changes
Each rule variation serves a specific business purpose:
1. Increased Profit Margins
6:5 blackjack payouts alone can increase casino profits by 140% compared to 3:2 payouts. This is why many casinos have switched to 6:5 tables.
2. Targeting Different Player Types
Different rule sets target different markets:
- 3:2 tables: Attract serious players who understand odds
- 6:5 tables: Target casual players who don't know the difference
- High-limit rooms: Often have better rules to attract big players
3. Psychological Manipulation
Many players don't realize that 6:5 vs 3:2 makes a huge difference. They see "blackjack" and assume all games are the same.
The Impact on Your Bankroll
Let's say you play 1,000 hands with a $10 bet:
• Generous rules: $30 (0.3% × $10,000)
• Standard rules: $50 (0.5% × $10,000)
• Poor rules: $150 (1.5% × $10,000)
• Terrible rules: $130 (1.3% × $10,000)
The difference between generous and poor rules is $120!
How to Spot Good vs Bad Tables
Always check the rules before sitting down:
Good Signs (Seek These Out)
- 3:2 blackjack payouts
- Dealer stands on soft 17
- Double down after split allowed
- Surrender available
Bad Signs (Avoid These)
- 6:5 blackjack payouts
- Dealer hits soft 17
- No double down after split
- No surrender option
Where to Find Better Rules
Better blackjack rules are typically found in:
- High-limit rooms: Often have 3:2 payouts and better rules
- Downtown casinos: Sometimes offer better odds to compete
- Online casinos: May offer better rules than brick-and-mortar
- Off-strip properties: Often have better rules to attract players
The Bottom Line
Casinos didn't create these variations to give players more options - they created them to take more money. The difference between 0.3% and 1.5% house edge is enormous over time.
Always check the rules before playing blackjack. Small rule changes can have massive impacts on your long-term results. If you must play, seek out 3:2 tables with favorable dealer rules.
Remember: even the best blackjack rules still give the house an advantage. The goal is to minimize that advantage, not eliminate it.
The only way to eliminate house edge completely is not to play. If you choose to play, minimize your losses by choosing the best available rules.