Do you ever find yourself wondering what the dealer's average hand is in blackjack and how it can affect your chances of winning?
In this post, we're going to dive into the nitty-gritty of the dealer's average hand in blackjack, what percentage of hands the dealer typically wins, if dealers can cheat, and how they can win in blackjack.
So, grab a deck of cards if you want, and let's get started on your blackjack journey!
What Is The Dealer's Average Hand In Blackjack?
If you have started playing blackjack regularly, the dealer's average hand may feel like a mysterious creature that you can never seem to catch. But it's actually not at all mysterious.
The dealer's average hand in blackjack is typically around 17. This is because the dealer is typically required to hit on hands that are less than 17 and stand on hands that are 17 or higher. But, a few factors have the potential to affect the dealer's hand. For example, depending on the game's rules, hitting or standing on a 17 may decrease or increase the chances of a bust.
Some online casinos may allow the dealer to hit on a soft 17, while others may require the dealer to stand on a soft 17.
This rule may impact the dealer's average hand. Another important factor that can affect the dealer's average hand is the number of decks used in the casino game.
Generally, the more decks used, the higher the dealer's average hand will be. That is because the more decks used, the more cards in play, which can increase the chances of the dealer getting a potentially higher hand.
So, it might help to be aware of the game's rules before you start playing.
What Percentage of Hands Does The Dealer Win In Blackjack?
The percentage of hands that the dealer wins in blackjack varies depending on the game's rules and the player's skill level. However, on average, the dealer wins around 42% of hands, respectively.
This percentage can be influenced by the game's rules, such as whether the dealer hits on a soft 17, or stands on soft 17. But remember that the dealer has a slight advantage over you in blackjack, and the house always has an edge.
This is primarily because you must act first; if you bust, you automatically lose the hand. The dealer, on the other hand, only loses if their hand is lower than yours, or if they bust.
Be that as it may, with a good strategy and basic blackjack rules, you still have a chance to beat the house and potentially lower its basic 8% advantage down to 0.5%, depending on the game.
To better understand the percentage of hands a dealer can possibly win on blackjack, let's look at their probability to bust (going over 21 and losing) using the cards Ace, 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2 as an example. Let's also assume that the dealer is standing on 17s.
|
Dealer’s Cards |
Probability of busting |
Your cards |
Probability of busting |
|
Ace |
17% |
12 |
31% |
|
2 |
35% |
13 |
39% |
|
3 |
37% |
14 |
56% |
|
4 |
40% |
15 |
58% |
|
5 |
42% |
16 |
62% |
|
6 |
42% |
17 |
69% |
As you can see, the chances of the dealer’s odds are slightly higher than yours would be, but with a good playing strategy, you could potentially lower them.
Do Blackjack Dealers Cheat?
One of the most common misconceptions about blackjack is that dealers cheat. That couldn't be further from the truth. Live dealers are highly trained professionals who are subject to strict rules and regulations.
They are also closely monitored by the casino to ensure that they follow the rules and provide a fair game. Furthermore, it’s also important to remember that blackjack is a game of chance, and the results are random.
The outcome of each blackjack hand is determined by the cards that are dealt, and there is no way for the dealer to cheat or influence the game's result. Additionally, it is essential to note that the dealer is just as likely to lose as the players are, and that their role is to follow the game's rules and ensure that it is played fairly.
How Do Dealers Always Win In Blackjack?
Another common misconception about blackjack is that the dealers always win. That is not entirely true either. At least not in the way most players may believe. The dealer does have a slight advantage over the players, but it is not as significant as some might think.
That is because the dealer plays by a set of strict rules, which can limit their ability to make strategic decisions.
For example, the dealer may be required to hit on hands that are less than 17 and stand on hands that are 17 or higher. That means if the dealer hits on hands that are below 17, their chances of busting can increase.
However, the dealer may also stand on hands that are 17 or higher, which has the potential to decrease their chances of going bust.
Additionally, the dealer does not have the option to split or double down, as players do. These options allow players to try and increase their chances of winning, but the dealer does not have this advantage.
Also, note that the percentage of hands that the dealer may win in blackjack varies depending on the game's rules and the player's skill level.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the dealer's average hand in blackjack can be crucial for any player looking to increase their blackjack knowledge. By understanding these factors, you can make informed decisions and potentially improve your chances of winning in blackjack.
And always remember that dealers can't cheat. They are just following the rules and regulations of the game and have a slight advantage over the players because of the house edge.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time.
