The insurance bet is a side bet offered when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. It is intended to protect players against the possibility that the dealer has a blackjack (an Ace and a ten-value card).
How the Insurance Bet Works:
- The insurance bet is up to half of the original bet.
- If the dealer’s hole card is a ten-value card (10, Jack, Queen, or King), the dealer has blackjack.
Outcome if the Dealer Has Blackjack:
- The insurance bet pays 2:1.
- Example:
- Insurance Bet: $10 → Player receives $20 in winnings plus their original $10 insurance bet back, totaling $30.
- The player’s original bet is lost unless they also have a blackjack, which would result in a push (tie) on the original bet.
Outcome if the Dealer Does Not Have Blackjack:
- The insurance bet is lost.
- The round continues as normal with the player’s original bet still active.
Example Scenario:
- Original Bet: $20
- Insurance Bet: $10 (half of the original bet)
- Dealer’s Upcard: Ace (Insurance is offered)
- Dealer’s Hole Card: 10 (Dealer has blackjack)
Result:
- Player loses the $20 original bet.
- Player wins the insurance bet and receives $30 back.
- Net Result: +$10 profit from the insurance payout.
