Blackjack is not the world’s most complicated game. As we’re sure you’re aware, you simply need to beat the dealer’s hand to win in the famous card game. It isn’t necessary to land a blackjack or twenty-one-point hand. While Basic Strategy helps you lower the house’s edge and win, other options exist out there for Go Spin users. One of these is the Blackjack 5 Card Rule, and in today’s blog, we’ll explain how it works.
What Is the 5-Card Rule in Blackjack?
The 5-Card Rule in Blackjack, also called the 5-Card Charlie Rule, is a special rule in some blackjack variations. It states that if a player draws five cards without exceeding 21, they automatically win the hand. However, this rule is not standard across all blackjack games and depends on the specific house rules.
While some video blackjack games guarantee a win with five cards under 21, this is not always true for real-money blackjack. Certain versions enforce the 5-Card Charlie Rule, where a five-card hand outranks any dealer hand, even a natural blackjack. In other cases, the rule applies unless the dealer also has 21, though this is less common.
The 5-Card Rule Explained Simply
Games that feature the Blackjack 5 Card Rule still have the same blackjack winning rules as all other games. The only real difference is the presence of the Blackjack 5 Card Rule (or not). Unlike using Basic Strategy, there aren’t any specific steps you can take to ensure that you win with this rule change.
Obviously, the first step to landing a win using the Blackjack 5 Card Rule is to ensure that your cards are exceptionally low. Remember, you can’t bust, so the lower the value of the cards you have, the better your chances of landing a five-card win. Our advice is to avoid trying to land a five-card attempt if your first two cards have a total of ten or higher – the chances of pulling this off are very low.
When Does the 5-Card Rule Apply and When Doesn’t It?
When playing blackjack with the 5 Card Rule, everything hinges on the rules of your specific blackjack variant. You’ll win or lose based on this rule, so it’s very much worth checking out the rules of each specific variant before settling on one to play. Here are the two outcomes of the game:
- You Win: In blackjack, if the 5-Card Charlie Rule is in effect, drawing five cards without busting (going over 21) guarantees a win over the dealer in most cases. However, not all blackjack games include this rule, so always check before playing.
- You Lose: If the rule isn’t available, having five cards merely adds up to the value of those cards. It is incredibly unlikely that you’ll have five cards and not bust. It’s challenging to try and make this magic happen in a game, so don’t waste your time if the rule isn’t applied.
Your Chance of Success with a 5-Card Charlie
What are your odds of landing a win using blackjack 5-card rules? That ultimately depends a great deal on how many decks feature in the game and what you can see in the dealer’s hand. The more cards you can see on the table (perhaps from other players, too), the greater the likelihood you’ll be able to predict whether such a hand is feasible.
The Blackjack Five Card Rule Lowers the House Edge
One reason casinos aren’t fans of the Blackjack 5 Card Rule is that it lowers their edge. With the five-card rule in play, you can reasonably expect to lower the house edge by 1.46%, which is certainly not a bad thing.
What About 6 and 7 Card Rules?
Thus far, we’ve talked about additional blackjack rules featuring five card rules. However, you can also find games with 6-Card Charlie and 7-Card Charlie rules. In reality, the “Charlie” part just means automatically winning with a surplus of cards and not busting. However, we should stress that neither of these rules is as favourable as the 5 Card Rule. The main reason is that they don’t lower the house edge enough. While the Blackjack 5-Card Rule lowers the house edge by 1.46%, it only dips by 0.16% and 0.01% with the six and seven-card options, as they are much more difficult to land.
Tips for Playing Blackjack with the 5-Card Rule
Make Smart Betting Decisions: Follow a solid blackjack strategy based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard to increase your chances of winning. Avoid reckless hits or stands that could put you at a disadvantage.
Keep Pairs of 5s Together: Instead of splitting 5s, treat them as a strong starting hand (totaling 10) and consider doubling down for better odds rather than weakening your position.
Look for Games Offering the 5-Card Charlie Rule: Not every blackjack game includes this rule, so check the game rules before playing. Choosing the right variant can give you an extra edge if the opportunity to reach five cards arises.
Manage Your Bankroll: Even with this advantage, don’t overbet. Stick to responsible gambling principles to ensure longer play sessions.
FAQ
Do online casinos support the Charlie rule?
They may do. It is really up to each software provider to decide whether they include either the five, six or seven-card Charlie rules or not. However, we can definitively say that some software providers do this.
Can I use strategy charts to win with 5 card rules in blackjack?
Yes. There are resources out there that, on the face of it, look like Basic Strategy guides. However, these guides cover five and Six-Card Charlie rules, for the most part, and explain how you should proceed based on what’s on the table.
What is the 5-Card Trick in blackjack?
This is just another name for the 5-Card Rule, much like it is sometimes referred to as a Five-Card Charlie. They are the same rule and hand, no matter which name they go by at your casino.
Which is better, a five, six or seven-card Charlie?
Winning with five cards is much easier than six or seven, so we favour that. However, casinos know that this lowers their edge, so you’ll find more games supporting seven and six-card rules than those playing ball with five cards.
Can the dealer beat a five-card hand in blackjack?
Theoretically, yes, but in practice, no. While it is possible for some software providers to guarantee a win for a five-card hand in all events, save for the dealer having blackjack, a 5 Card Charlie usually beats a dealer’s blackjack.
