Blackjack is widely known as the casino game with the best odds, but this is only true if you pick the right table. A standard game might have a House Edge of 0.5%, while a “tourist trap” table next to it could have an edge of almost 2.0% just by changing one or two rules.
Our Blackjack House Edge Calculator allows you to input the specific rules of the table you are looking at (whether online or in a land-based casino) to determine the mathematical advantage the casino holds. This is the first step to becoming an Advantage Player.
Blackjack House Edge
How to Use the Blackjack Edge Calculator
To get an accurate RTP (Return to Player), you need to look at the placard on the table or the “Help” section of the online game. Here is what the inputs mean:
- Number of Decks: Fewer decks are generally better for the player. Single Deck is the holy grail, while 8 Decks is standard.
- Blackjack Payout: This is the most critical rule.
- 3 to 2: The standard. You get $15 for a $10 bet.
- 6 to 5: The trap. You get $12 for a $10 bet. Avoid these games at all costs.
- Dealer Soft 17:
- S17 (Stand on Soft 17): Better for the player.
- H17 (Hit Soft 17): Increases the house edge by about 0.22%.
- DAS (Double After Split): Being allowed to double down after splitting a pair is a significant advantage for the player.
- Surrender: “Late Surrender” allows you to fold a bad hand (like 16 vs. Dealer 10) and lose only half your bet. This reduces the house edge significantly.
Related Tools: Once you know the house edge, use our Kelly Criterion Calculator to determine your optimal bet size. To understand how probability works in a sequence of hands, check the Odds Converter & Probability Tool.
Real-World Examples: Good vs. Bad Tables
The difference between a “Pro” table and a “Tourist” table can be the difference between a winning session and going bust.
Example 1: The “High Limit” Game (Great Odds)
You find a table in the high-limit room with these rules:
- Rules: 6 Decks, S17 (Dealer Stands on Soft 17), 3:2 Payout, Surrender Allowed, Re-Split Aces Allowed.
- Calculation: The House Edge is approximately 0.26%.
- Verdict: This is an excellent game. With perfect basic strategy and card counting, this game is beatable.
Example 2: The “Party Pit” Trap (Terrible Odds)
You sit down at a low-stakes table near the entrance:
- Rules: 8 Decks, H17 (Dealer Hits Soft 17), 6:5 Payout, No Surrender.
- Calculation: The House Edge skyrockets to nearly 2.00%.
- Verdict: This is worse than some slot machines. You are paying a massive premium for the “entertainment” and will lose money 4x faster than at the table in Example 1.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is “Basic Strategy”?
Basic Strategy is a mathematically perfect chart that tells you exactly when to Hit, Stand, Double, or Split based on your cards and the dealer’s up-card. The House Edge calculator assumes you are playing Perfect Basic Strategy. If you play by “gut feeling,” the edge will be much higher (often 2-4% higher).
Why is 6:5 payout so bad?
It drastically reduces your reward for the best hand in the game. In a 3:2 game, a $100 Blackjack pays $150. In a 6:5 game, it pays only $120. That $30 difference happens every time you get a Blackjack (approx once every 21 hands), which adds up to a massive loss over an hour of play.
Does the number of decks matter?
Yes. Mathematically, fewer decks favor the player because it increases the likelihood of getting a Blackjack. However, casinos often balance Single Deck games with stricter rules (like 6:5 payouts) to negate this advantage. Always check the payout rule first.
What is RTP (Return to Player)?
RTP is the opposite of House Edge. If the House Edge is 0.5%, the RTP is 99.5%. It represents the theoretical amount of money the casino returns to players over the long run. Blackjack generally offers the highest RTP in the casino if played correctly.