Blackjack is the famous casino table game where players look to beat the dealer and hope to hit 21 (also known as Blackjack), or at least get as close to it as they possibly can!
What you might not know is that there are two forms of Blackjack (6/5 and 3/2) which differ in payout when hitting that precious Blackjack (21). So we’ve put together a guide on the differences of 6/5 and 3/2 Blackjack to explain what they are and how they compare.
Blackjack: What’s the Difference?
6/5 Blackjack and 3/2 Blackjack refers to the payout you’ll get for a Blackjack, when you combine an Ace and a 10-point card i.e. a King, Queen, Jack, or 10. It’s the best hand in the game, and the one you’re hoping for with every two cards you get dealt.
What is 6/5 Blackjack?
In 6/5 Blackjack, if you hit a Blackjack, you’re paid 6 to 5. For example, if you bet $5, you’ll win $6 for a Blackjack totalling a return of $11. While that doesn’t sound too bad, it might not be as good as it seems. The issue here is that 6/5 Blackjack usually comes with a higher house edge, meaning the casino has a better chance of winning over time. The reason is simple: with 6/5, you’re getting paid less for the same hand compared to the more traditional 3/2 payout.
What is 3/2 Blackjack?
In 3/2 Blackjack, the payout for a Blackjack is 3 to 2. This is the more standard and traditional payout you’ll find in most Blackjack games. For example, for every $5 you bet, you’ll get $7.50 back for hitting a Blackjack i.e. a return of $12.50. It’s a much better deal for you, and the house edge is lower too. That means, in the long run, you’ve got a better chance of walking away with more of your cash compared to playing 6/5 Blackjack.
The House Edge: Why 6/5 is Worse
Here’s the key thing, the house edge is much higher in a 6/5 Blackjack game than in a 3/2 Blackjack game and here is why… With a 6/5 payout, the house edge can be anywhere from 1.39% to 2.0%, depending on the rules of the game you’re playing. So, in effect for every $100 you bet, you’re expected to lose about $1.39 and $2 in the long run. While that doesn’t sound like much, over time, it can add up.
In a 3/2 Blackjack game, the house edge is usually around 0.5% to 0.6%. You can see that’s much lower, and it means you have a much better chance of keeping your money over the long haul. So, for every $100 you bet, you’ll likely lose about 50 cents to 60 cents. So, that’s a big difference, as with 3/2, the edge is smaller, giving you a better shot at winning.
Which One Should You Play?
Let’s take a quick look at how much the payout difference really means, let’s say you bet $10:
- In 6/5 Blackjack, if you get a Blackjack, you’ll win $12 (your original $10 plus $2).
- In 3/2 Blackjack, if you get a Blackjack, you’ll win $15 (your original $10 plus $5).
- If you’re hitting Blackjacks regularly, the difference between the two adds up quickly. Over time, you’ll make far more money with the 3/2 payout than with 6/5.
Why do Some Online Casinos Offer 6/5?
It’s a very fair question, as no doubt many of you will be wondering why 6/5 Blackjack even exists if it’s not such a good deal. Well, some 6/5 Blackjack games have a few features added which appeals to different players and it gives them an extra interest in the game which isn’t always there in 3/2 Blackjack.
You’ll often find 6/5 Blackjack allows players to place lower minimum bets so if you’re new to the game and don’t want to risk too much money whilst you learn and get comfortable at a blackjack table then it can be more attractive. Players in some versions can also double on any two cards which might suit their style of play, and there is also a late surrender and other special features which adds value to the play instead of just targeting a payout from being dealt a blackjack. Other rules on 6/5 Blackjack can also include unlimited re-splits and the dealer standing on soft 17s.
The Bottom Line
3/2 Blackjack is the way to go if you’re looking for better odds and more value for your money if you’re all out looking to land a few Blackjacks whilst you’re playing, but 6/5 Blackjack is appealing to players who enjoy lower minimum bets, and other novelty bets and features. In the long run the payout is smaller, and the house edge is higher, which makes it less attractive for players gambling with bigger stakes.
So, next time you’re at the casino or checking out online Blackjack tables, keep an eye on the payout for Blackjack and go for the 3/2 payout if you’re looking for a better return. However, if you’re keen on giving some of the side bets and other novelty features then why not try a few hands of 6/5 Blackjack.
Joe Fortune’s Pro Tip
Whenever you play blackjack at an online casino make sure you check what the payouts are. Look at what features might be included in the game and see what the minimum or maximum bets are. If anything isn’t clear, then you should get in touch with the croupier or support team to get clarity before you get dealt a hand.
Whether you’re hitting the tables in the Gold Coast, Vegas or at Joe Fortune’s Australian-based online casino, now you’ll know exactly which payout you want to see when you decide which Blackjack game to play.