Blackjack 6 to 5: The Ultimate Guide to Payouts, Rules & Strategy
Blackjack is one of the most beloved casino games on the planet, cherished for its blend of simplicity and skill. Unlike games of pure chance, your decisions can directly influence the outcome. However, not all blackjack tables are created equal. One of the most significant rule variations you’ll encounter in 2025 is the payout for a “natural blackjack,” and this is where the infamous 6 to 5 game comes into play. This guide will break down exactly what 6 to 5 blackjack is, how it stacks up against the traditional 3 to 2 standard, and why understanding the difference is critical to your success at the tables.
Quick Facts: 6 to 5 Blackjack at a Glance
Before we dive deep, here’s a quick comparison to see how 6 to 5 blackjack stacks up against the standard game. The differences are stark and have a major impact on your potential winnings.
| Feature | 6 to 5 Blackjack | Standard 3 to 2 Blackjack |
|---|---|---|
| Payout on Natural | 1.2-to-1 ($12 on a $10 bet) | 1.5-to-1 ($15 on a $10 bet) |
| Typical House Edge | ~1.5% – 2.0%+ | ~0.5% (with basic strategy) |
| House Edge Increase | Adds ~1.39% to house edge | The industry standard |
| Commonly Found | Low-limit tables, tourist areas | Higher-limit tables, reputable casinos |
What Does 6 to 5 Mean in Blackjack?
The term 6 to 5 refers specifically to the payout you receive for getting a natural blackjack—an Ace and a 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, or King) on your first two cards. In simple terms, for every $5 you wager, you are paid $6 if you hit a natural blackjack.
This is a significant downgrade from the traditional 3 to 2 payout, which has been the gold standard for decades. In a 3 to 2 game, you are paid $3 for every $2 you wager on a natural. While it might not sound like a huge difference at first, the math reveals a major loss of value for the player over time.
How to Calculate 6 to 5 Payouts
The formula for a 6 to 5 payout is straightforward: Payout = (Bet Amount / 5) * 6. This is equivalent to a 1.2-to-1 payout.
Let’s look at some clear examples compared to a standard 3 to 2 game:
- A $10 bet on a 6:5 table pays $12. On a 3:2 table, it would pay $15.
- A $25 bet on a 6:5 table pays $30. On a 3:2 table, it would pay $37.50.
- A $50 bet on a 6:5 table pays $60. On a 3:2 table, it would pay $75.
As you can see, the player is consistently short-changed on the game’s premium hand.
Blackjack 6 to 5 vs 3 to 2: A Head-to-Head Comparison
The single most important decision a blackjack player can make is choosing the right table. This detailed comparison shows why 3 to 2 is always the superior choice.
| Aspect | 6 to 5 Blackjack | 3 to 2 Blackjack | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payout on $100 Bet | $120 | $150 | 3 to 2 |
| Player Disadvantage | Significantly higher. Less value on the game’s premium hand. | Lower. Maximizes winnings on a natural blackjack. | 3 to 2 |
| Long-Term Profitability | Drastically reduced. The house wins more of your money over time. | Higher. The player retains more value, reducing the house edge. | 3 to 2 |
| Target Audience | Often targets casual or uninformed players. | The standard for serious or knowledgeable players. | 3 to 2 |
Why is 6 to 5 Blackjack Bad? The Top 3 Reasons to Avoid It
Knowledgeable players will walk right past a 6 to 5 table. Here are the main reasons why this game is considered a poor choice for anyone looking to get the best odds.
- It Skyrockets the House Edge: This single rule change is devastating to your odds. The switch from 3:2 to 6:5 increases the house edge by approximately 1.39%. To put that in perspective, a good blackjack game with basic strategy has a house edge of around 0.5%. This rule change nearly quadruples the casino’s advantage over the player.
- It Devalues the Best Hand: A natural blackjack is the most exciting and profitable hand in the game. The 6:5 payout reduces your reward for hitting this hand by a massive 20% compared to a traditional 3:2 game. You are being paid less for achieving the best possible outcome.
- It’s a “Tourist Trap”: Casinos often place these 6:5 tables in high-traffic, low-limit areas. They sometimes pair this rule with a single deck, giving the illusion of better odds. However, the terrible payout structure completely negates any small advantage gained from fewer decks, making the game significantly worse for the player.
How to Play 6 to 5 Blackjack
It’s important to note that the core gameplay of 6 to 5 blackjack is identical to a standard game. The rules for hitting, standing, doubling down, and splitting hands do not change. The only difference is the payout for a natural.
- Find a Table & Buy Chips: Approach the table and exchange your cash for casino chips.
- Place Your Bet: Put your chips in the designated betting circle in front of you.
- Cards are Dealt: The dealer gives two cards face-up to each player and one card face-up and one face-down to themselves.
- Check for Blackjack: The dealer will check for a natural blackjack. This is the key moment: if you have a blackjack, your payout will be 6 to 5.
- Play Your Hand: Following blackjack basic strategy, decide whether to hit, stand, double down, or split.
- Dealer’s Turn: Once all players have acted, the dealer reveals their face-down card and plays their hand according to house rules.
- Payouts: Winning hands are paid. Normal wins pay 1:1, while a winning natural blackjack pays 6:5.
Common Rules Paired with 6 to 5 Games
Casinos are clever. They know that savvy players hate the 6:5 rule, so they often package it with other, more appealing rules to disguise how bad the game truly is. Be on the lookout for these combinations.
- Single or Double Deck: Lowering the number of decks normally helps the player slightly. However, the benefit is completely wiped out (and then some) by the 6:5 payout. Don’t be fooled.
- Dealer Hits on Soft 17 (H17): This is another rule that is bad for the player. If you find a game that is both 6:5 and H17, the house edge becomes extremely high.
- Double After Split (DAS): This is a good, player-friendly rule that allows you to double down after splitting a pair.
- Re-Splitting Aces (RSA): This is another great rule that lets you split a pair of Aces more than once.
Key Takeaway: No combination of player-friendly rules can ever fully compensate for the massive mathematical damage done by the 6 to 5 payout. The 3 to 2 payout is always the most important rule to look for.
6 to 5 Blackjack Strategy: Does Basic Strategy Change?
For the most part, the fundamental basic strategy for when to hit, stand, double down, and split remains the same regardless of the blackjack payout. A 16 versus a dealer’s 10 is still a hit, and you should still split Aces and 8s.
The Only Real Strategic Difference
The only time the math changes slightly is when considering the Insurance or Even Money bets. Because the payout for a natural blackjack is lower (1.2-to-1 instead of 1.5-to-1), the proposition of these side bets becomes even worse for the player. The expert advice, however, remains consistent: Never take insurance or even money. It is a losing bet in the long run, and it’s an even worse bet on a 6:5 table.
The #1 Strategy for 6 to 5 Blackjack: Avoid It
The most important strategy related to 6 to 5 blackjack has nothing to do with playing the hands. It is all about table selection. The best move you can make is to vote with your feet. By actively seeking out and playing only at tables that pay 3 to 2, you send a message to the casino and, more importantly, give yourself the best possible chance to win.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Checking the Payout: This is the biggest mistake. Always look at the felt or the table sign which clearly states “Blackjack Pays 6 to 5” or “Blackjack Pays 3 to 2” before you sit down.
- Thinking “Single Deck” is Always Better: Falling for the trap of seeing a single-deck game and assuming it has the best odds without checking the blackjack payout first. A single-deck 6:5 game is far worse than an eight-deck 3:2 game.
- Playing It for Low Minimums: Casinos strategically set lower minimum bets on 6:5 tables to lure in novice players. It is always better to bet a slightly higher minimum at a 3:2 table than to play a game with a significantly higher house edge.
Best Online Casinos for 3:2 Blackjack
One advantage of playing online is the wider availability of player-friendly rules. Many online casinos offer a better selection of 3:2 blackjack games, even at micro-stakes, giving you a better value for your money. When looking for a place to play, always check the game rules to confirm the payout.
| Online Casino | Blackjack Games Offered | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Top-Rated Casino A | Classic Blackjack, European Blackjack | All blackjack tables pay 3:2 |
| Recommended Casino B | Live Dealer Blackjack, Single Deck | Low minimum bets on 3:2 games |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is 3 to 2 better than 6 to 5 in blackjack?
A 3 to 2 payout is mathematically superior because it pays $1.50 for every $1 you bet on a natural blackjack. In contrast, 6 to 5 only pays $1.20 for every $1 you bet. This seemingly small difference results in a much lower house edge and significantly more money in your pocket over time.
What is a 6 to 5 blackjack?
It is a blackjack game where a “natural” (an Ace and a 10-value card dealt as your first two cards) is paid at 6-to-5 odds instead of the traditional 3-to-2. This means a winning $10 bet on blackjack returns $12 in profit, not the standard $15.
What does 6 to 5 odds mean?
The odds “6 to 5” mean that for every 5 units you risk, you will win 6 units. This is equivalent to decimal odds of 1.2 or a 1.2-to-1 payout. It is less favorable for the player than 3-to-2 odds, which are equivalent to 1.5-to-1.
What is the house advantage of 6 to 5 blackjack?
The house advantage in a 6 to 5 blackjack game is typically around 1.5% to 2% or even higher, depending on the other table rules. This is a huge increase from the approximate 0.5% house edge found in a standard 3:2 game when using perfect basic strategy. The 6:5 rule by itself adds about 1.39% to the casino’s advantage.
Conclusion: Choose Your Game Wisely
The takeaway is simple and absolute: 6 to 5 blackjack is a bad game for players. It offers a worse payout, creates a significantly higher house edge, and ultimately reduces your chances of walking away a winner. While the allure of a low-minimum, single-deck game might be tempting, the math doesn’t lie. The damage done by the 6:5 payout is too great to overcome.
The next time you approach the blackjack pit, make your first and most important strategic move before you even sit down. Play smarter, not harder. Always look for a table that pays 3 to 2, and give yourself the best possible chance to beat the house.
Responsible Gambling Reminder: Please remember to gamble responsibly. Set limits, play for entertainment, and never bet more than you can afford to lose. If you feel you may have a gambling problem, please seek help from a professional organization.
