5 CARD BLACKJACK RULES

WHAT IS A 5 CARD BLACKJACK GAME?

While the lay blackjack player will assume that all blackjack is the same, this isn’t necessarily the case. Those who are experienced and played blackjack regularly will be aware of its many variants, and that includes blackjack 5 card Charlie.

As is customary in classic blackjack, the aim is to hit 21 without going bust, but with 5 card Charlie, the aim is to make five cards without having to tap out during a round.

However, it isn’t as popular as you might think among players as the table profits more often than not.

As such, those players competing in a blackjack variation such as this might make five cards once in every 50 turns, so the rules won’t tip things in their favour.

WHAT IS THE 5 CARD RULE IN BLACKJACK?

The 5 card rule dictates that players need to collect five cards, and like other versions of blackjack, they can choose to hit or stand.

There are a few subtleties to blackjack 5 card. For example, a player will be granted an automatic win even if they have a lower hit with a hand such as 15.

Players won’t automatically win in other blackjack variations with a lower hit, and this blackjack rule in 5 card makes it worthwhile for those who like to play blackjack on a more casual basis.

Also, those who enjoy 5 card blackjack games can expect to see a 1.46% return on games along with a lower house edge which is to the detriment of the casino they are playing at.

If anything, the blackjack 5 card rules spice things up and adds some excitement to games when you are playing at a blackjack table.

Compared to many blackjack games, the five card rule serves to level up the playing field a bit more, especially if the dealer busts. This in turn will see you make more money and keep your account ticking over with winnings.

HOW TO PLAY 5 CARD CHARLIE BLACKJACK GAME?

As mentioned, with five card Charlie, you will claim an automatic win at a casino if you reach a certain number in a round with your five cards, provided you don’t go over 21.

Another exception to the standard blackjack rule, especially for those who enjoying playing blackjack online, is that if a live dealer hits 21, then they will automatically win if this were to happen. Moreover, the odds for a win in blackjack with Charlie ranges from EVENS to 2/1.

Aside from the five card rule, you will find other rules for blackjack variations, such as the 6-card and 7-card Charlie rule.

Let’s use an example to simplify things further. After the dealer makes the shuffle during the card decks, you may be handed an Ace of Spades and a 2 in a game. The ace can carry a low value of 1 or it could be worth 11.

If you go for the lower value from the first two cards handed, then it would make sense to take more cards and aim for a higher hit. At this point, if you took four cards in total, then there would be a slim chance that the cards add to more than 21.

However, if you are prepared to throw a bit of caution to the wind, then the odds of claiming a win in blackjack here will tip heavily in your favour.

Of course, you have to keep count when you collect cards, but if you adopt some solid strategies, this will stand you in good stead in the long term and give your casino account a boost too!

WHY DO CASINOS ADD IN 5 CARD CHARLIE BLACKJACK A FEW UNFAIR RULES?

While you want to play at a table with the best blackjack rules, you will find that many a casino will throw in a rule or two that is deemed to be unfair to try and tilt the house edge to their advantage, and as such, reduce the chances of a player winning.

In many ways, this is a wise rule, because if a player could guarantee success from blackjack five card games, then it would make things too easy, and casinos would lose a lot of money in the process.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF 5 CARD BLACKJACK GAMES?

There is an advantage or two to be gained from the game, so let’s assess them below.

ADVANTAGES

• Simple to play – The game has few strings attached, well apart from some of the dealer’s rules. You will get your head around the rules quickly when you begin to play a game.
• Bonuses to collect – Some players can collect a bonus or two when playing such games. The bonus may be for a limited time period, so check out the house rules or terms and conditions before proceeding.

DISADVANTAGES

You may also notice that the five card game has some drawbacks which we have addressed.

• House edge affected – While you might know when to hit or stand after four cards during regular games, the house edge for the five card version can be affected by other rules, so keep that in mind.
• Not universally popular – You won’t find this game available at all casinos, and the best table for blackjack will have the original version for seasoned players.

BEST STRATEGIES FOR 5 CARD CHARLIE BLACKJACK GAMES

Let’s explore a couple of strategies that players can use to their advantage for the five card game.

Exercise patience

When you play, you should always exercise caution, but more importantly you should try to be patient.

After all, if you tilt at the table, this will lead to rash choices, and you will lose more playing blackjack 5 card than you win.

Keep count of cards

After you have been handed the first two cards, you should know the cards worth, and twist or stand when necessary. Although, as we have seen, if you land 15 you will automatically win in blackjack Charlie.

WHY PLAYING CHARLIE BLACKJACK DO WE HAVE LOW CHANCES OF WINNING?

You will see this version will have its own card rule which prevents players from winning regularly. Also, as you have to produce five cards, there is more chance that you could go bust.

CONCLUSION

Blackjack Charlie isn’t complicated to understand, but there are a few subtleties that distinguish it from other blackjack titles. That said, if you can make the most of your current hand, you could enjoy some success. Have a go today and see what the fuss is about.