Blackjack is a popular card game in UK casinos that combines elements of strategy with the unpredictability of chance, meaning winning can never be guaranteed.
In this guide, we explore how the position you sit in at a blackjack table can influence your experience of the game. We will focus on the anchor seat, a position often highlighted by many players, and discuss how it may affect observation, decision-making, and the overall flow of a round.
This guide also aims to give you a clearer understanding of these dynamics, helping you feel more familiar with blackjack games.
What Is The Anchor Seat In Blackjack?
In a standard UK blackjack table, the dealer distributes cards clockwise, starting from the left of the dealer. The anchor seat is the final position on the dealer’s right. This means that the player in this seat acts last among all 
Being last allows you to observe the actions of the other players before making your decision, such as whether to hit (take another card), stand (keep your current hand), double down (double the bet for one additional card), or split a pair.
It is important to note that in most UK blackjack games, the dealer’s hole card—the second card that is dealt face down—is only revealed at the end of the round. Therefore, the anchor seat gives insight into other players’ visible cards and choices, but does not reveal hidden information.
Is The Last Seat Best In Blackjack?
Whether the anchor seat suits your playing style depends on your own preferences. Acting last may allow you to see how other players respond to the dealer’s visible card, which some players might use to help guide their own choices. However, it does not change the house edge or the odds of winning a hand.
Other seats, such as first base (the first seat to act) or middle positions, let you make decisions without waiting too long for others, which some players may prefer. The choice of seat is largely subjective, as no position guarantees better results.
Pros & Cons Of The Anchor Seat
At a blackjack table, the order of play always follows the same sequence, and the anchor seat is the last position to act. This means you make your decisions after all other players have completed their hands. The potential advantages and disadvantages of this seat depend on your own approach to the game and personal preferences.
Pros
- You can see how other players act before it’s your turn.
- You have a full view of how the round progresses, including the order of play.
- You have extra time to consider the dealer’s visible card and the sequence of actions on the table.
Cons
- Acting last can slow down the pace of the game, which some players may find less convenient. However, others may see the extra time as helpful, depending on how they like to play.
- The usefulness of this seat is subjective; some players may value observing the table, while others may prefer making decisions more quickly.
Overall, the anchor seat does not change the odds of winning. Its potential benefits or drawbacks depend entirely on how you prefer to experience a round of blackjack.
Does It Matter Where You Sit In Blackjack?
Seat choice can influence your experience at the table, but does not change the statistical probabilities. In UK casinos, the house edge on blackjack typically ranges between 0.5% and 1% for standard rules when using optimal basic strategy. Your position at the table can affect the order in which you make decisions, and some players may prefer certain seats for comfort, pace, or observation.
Ultimately, the most suitable seat is subjective. Some players may appreciate seeing the table play out before acting, while others might prefer making decisions more quickly.
The anchor seat is a specific position at a blackjack table that allows you to act last among players. It may offer possible observational benefits, but it does not guarantee success or change the house advantage. Each seat has its own pace and dynamic, and players may choose according to their own preference.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.