3:2 vs 6:5 Blackjack - Which is better?
Blackjack has to be one of the most popular casino games ever- with its blend of chance and option to apply strategy. However, before getting started, it's worth being aware that not all blackjack games have been created equal for many reasons, but one of the main differences you need to look out for when choosing your game is the payout structure for a blackjack (a hand that totals 21 with your first 2 cards).
Some games are 3:2 blackjack, while others are 6:5 blackjack. Here, we'll look at exactly what this means and why 3:2 blackjack is generally considered the most popular option.
What is 3 to 2 Blackjack?
When you see "3:2 blackjack", it simply refers to the payout ratio for a natural blackjack.
In a 3:2 game, if a player gets dealt a blackjack (an Ace and a card worth 10), they'll get a payout of 3 to 2 on their bet. So, for every £1 you bet, you'd win £1.50 if you're dealt a blackjack.
For example:
You Bet: £10
Your Blackjack Payout Is: £15 (3/2 x £10)
So, in this scenario, if you made a £10 bet and got a blackjack, you'll win £15, plus you'll also get your original £10 bet returned - so you'd receive a total of £25.
This payout ratio has been the traditional standard for blackjack for many years and is considered more favourable.
What is 6 to 5 Blackjack?
In the version of 6:5 blackjack, if you get a blackjack, you'll be paid out at a ratio of 6 to 5. This means that for every £1 you bet, you'll only receive £1.20 if you get a blackjack.
For example:
You Bet: £10
Your Blackjack Payout Is: £12 (6/5 x £10)
So, in this instant, if you bet £10 and are dealt a blackjack, you'll win £12, plus your original £10 bet will be returned to you, meaning you'll get a total of £22. While this may not seem like a massive difference at first, it is a notable factor that would likely inform the version you choose to play.
Comparing 3:2 and 6:5 Blackjack
So, why is 6 to 5 blackjack the worst option? Well, when we compare 3:2 and 6:5 blackjack and the figures involved, you'll note that the difference in payouts actually has an impact on the house edge and - even more importantly, your potential winnings in the longer term.
Below, you can find how the payouts vary depending on the version you are playing.
| Stake | Return in 3:2 Blackjack | Return in 6:5 Blackjack |
|---|---|---|
| £1.00 | £1.50 | £1.20 |
| £2.00 | £3.00 | £2.40 |
| £3.00 | £4.50 | £3.60 |
| £4.00 | £6.00 | £4.80 |
| £5.00 | £7.50 | £6.00 |
| £6.00 | £9.00 | £7.20 |
| £7.00 | £10.50 | £8.40 |
| £8.00 | £12.00 | £9.60 |
| £9.00 | £13.50 | £10.80 |
| £10.00 | £15.00 | £12.00 |
House Edge
Every game has a house edge, which is basically how much of an advantage the casino (house) has over the player in the long run. In 3:2 blackjack, the house edge normally sits at around 0.5% if you use the basic blackjack strategy. However, in 6:5 blackjack, the house edge can go up to as much as 1.85%. This essentially means that you're likely to lose more on average if you play 6:5 blackjack compared to 3:2 blackjack.
Player Preferences
Given the figures, it is no surprise that players generally prefer 3:2 blackjack. The better payouts and lower house edge make it the preferred option when it comes to blackjack games. Here at 21.co.uk, we have some great 3:2 blackjack games for you to try within this casino classic.