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The Worst Rules in Blackjack Games
Other than the standard rules in blackjack there are other rules that casinos can opt to apply or not. Some rules are helpful to players and others are just there simply to milk the cow. Let's go over the worst rules that are applied in blackjack tables so the next time you see a table posting them you'd know better and avoid playing there.
The list of worst rules below don't exactly follow that the first one on the list is the worst of the worst and the last one is a whole lot better than all of them. We just placed the blackjack worst rules in no particular order whatsoever.
Worst Rule #1: Blackjack pays only even money.
Normally a casino will pay you three for two whenever you get a blackjack for your starter or initial hand. That's in keeping with the traditional theme of this game, which is why the game is called "blackjack". Don't ever think that it's not that much of a difference but the deal with this rule is that it adds to the casino's house edge. Having this rule in place means adding 2.3% to the casino's advantage.
Worst Rule #2: Doubling down is only allowed on a total of 10 or 11 or only just 11.
This one rule can often be found in casinos that have single deck games. This essentially means that players may not have that usual freedom of doubling down in a blackjack game. This rule is a restriction to basic strategy, especially in a single deck blackjack game. Being allowed only to double down on an initial total of ten or 11 means that you can't double on soft totals where basic strategy requires you to double down for the best winning advantage. Other than that, you can expect the house edge to go up from an additional 0.25% to 0.7%.
Worst Rule #3: Blackjack will pay you six to five.
This is a rule applied to single deck games. You might think it gives you better chances but it is just a come on. If you do the math you get paid $3 less for every $10 you bet and it raises an additional 1.2% to the house edge.
Worst Rule #4: An eight-deck blackjack game.
A blackjack table that uses eight decks raises the house advantage by 0.61%. But if the table allows late surrender, doubling after a split, and the dealer stands on soft 17 the game is playable. Without them, find another blackjack table to play on.
Worst Rule #4: The dealer will hit on a soft 17.
This rule adds 0.20% to the house advantage. You should rather find blackjack tables that have the dealer stand on soft 17.
These are the worst rules in blackjack. If you find them, just look for another table to play blackjack.