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Blackjack Probabilities
In Blackjack, you can substantially improve your odds of winning by developing a thorough understanding of the game. Dissimilar to other gambling games, Blackjack is a game of skill, and can be played well, as opposed to just being lucky.
Below, you will find some information about Blackjack odds and probabilities. Try to remember as much as you can from this page. It will help you understand the chances of beating the dealer in a variety of situations. Also, mental mastery of these numbers will enable you to make the best decision since being familiar with the percentages is extremely beneficial when playing.
This table is a general outline of the chances of busting when you hit. It gives you a better idea of the odds you face when hitting on a high teen (17+).
| Hand Value | % of busting |
| 21 | 100% |
| 20 | 92% |
| 19 | 85% |
| 18 | 77% |
| 17 | 69% |
| 16 | 62% |
| 15 | 58% |
| 14 | 56% |
| 13 | 39% |
| 12 | 31% |
| 11 or less | 0% |
Where does the house get its edge in Blackjack?
Due to the favorable rules in Blackjack, especially the fact that the dealer must hit on certain occasions and is therefore more prone to busting, many people wonder how the casinos can consistently turn a profit at Blackjack. The house's advantage - also known as the house edge - comes from the fact that the dealer's hand is played after all the players have taken their turn. Those players that bust (go over 21) lose immediately. After this happens, the dealer plays his hand and if he busts, the players that didn't bust are paid. The casino makes its profit from the fact that players who bust lose immediately, even if the dealer goes on to bust as well. Regardless of how favorable the Blackjack rules might be in a particular casino, this one aspect always gives the house an edge. Keep in mind this edge is significantly lower than in most games, and for this reason Blackjack continues to be one of the most popular games.
Remember, it is very important to understand basic Blackjack strategy if you want to increase your chances of being a successful Blackjack player. Have a look at our Blackjack Strategy page for a useful and easy-to-follow rundown.
