Blackjack House Edge and Rules: What Changes Your Odds (And What Doesn’t)
Understand rule variations like 3:2 vs 6:5, H17 vs S17, DAS, and why they matter more than “luck.”
- The biggest rule warning sign is 6:5 blackjack—prefer 3:2 whenever possible.
- Dealer hitting soft 17 (H17) is worse for players than standing on soft 17 (S17).
- Rules like double after split (DAS) and resplitting pairs improve your options and reduce house edge.
- Penetration and number of decks matter for card counting, but payout rules matter for everyone.
This guide is written to be...
If you want to stop “kind of knowing” and start playing automatically under pressure, the fastest path is structured reps. Start with the free lesson and then check full access when you’re ready.
House edge in plain English
The house edge is the casino’s long-term advantage expressed as a percentage. If a game has a 1% house edge, then over a large number of bets you would expect to lose about $1 for every $100 wagered (on average). Short-term results can vary wildly, but over time the edge shows up.
Blackjack is unique because correct play can reduce the house edge dramatically. Bad play can increase it dramatically. That’s why learning basic strategy is the single highest-ROI thing a beginner can do.
Rules modify the edge by changing payouts or restricting your best options.
The big one: 3:2 vs 6:5
If you only remember one rule difference, remember this: 6:5 blackjack is significantly worse than 3:2. Blackjack is your best-paying outcome; when the casino reduces that payout, your overall results drop.
Many casual players don’t notice because the game feels the same. But long term it’s not the same. If you’re serious about learning, prioritize 3:2 tables.
If you’re table-shopping, this is the first thing to check on the placard.
H17 vs S17 and why it matters
Soft 17 is a dealer hand like A-6 (can be 7 or 17). In S17 games, the dealer stands on soft 17. In H17 games, the dealer hits soft 17, giving them a chance to improve to 18–21.
That extra chance improves the dealer’s outcomes slightly and increases the house edge. It also shifts a few basic strategy plays.
If you have a choice, S17 is the better game for the player.
Player-friendly options: DAS, resplits, and surrender
DAS (double after split) makes splitting more profitable because you can press your advantage when a split hand becomes strong. Resplitting rules matter for pairs like 2s, 3s, and especially Aces (depending on casino rules).
Surrender can lower your losses in a few situations. It’s a subtle but meaningful improvement.
These rules aren’t exciting, but they are the hidden ‘price’ of the table.
Next step: use rules to choose better tables
To turn rules knowledge into action, read how to choose the best tables. Then drill your plays with practice so you can take advantage of good rules immediately.
Ready to train like a real blackjack player?
BlackjackTeacher turns these concepts into drills: basic strategy reps, counting practice, and a structured path that builds skill fast.
If you enjoyed this guide, you’ll love the course flow: learn, drill, test, and level up — without guessing what to practice next.