Bottom line: Do not claim a house edge until every assumption required by the calculation is known.
Inspection order
Start with natural-blackjack payout because 6:5 is usually the largest visible penalty. Then check S17/H17, double rules, DAS, surrender, split limits, ace rules, and dealer-blackjack treatment.
Record a complete profile
A useful note looks like “6D, S17, 3:2, DA2, DAS, split to 4, no RSA, LS, peek.” If a rule is unknown, the edge is unknown too.
Table check
- 1. Blackjack pays 3:2
- 2. Dealer stands on soft 17
- 3. Double any two; DAS allowed
- 4. Late surrender available
- 5. Favorable split and ace rules
- 6. Original-bet-only dealer-blackjack treatment
Method note
House-edge values reproduce the Wizard of Odds “basic strategy with cut card” model for the stated complete profile. Last reviewed September 20, 2026.