5/6/7 Card Charlie
Lesson description
5-Card Charlie: is it a rule, a side bet, or a player with surplus cards? Mr Blackjack explores the history, payouts, and gameplay behind the 5-Card Charlie side bet.
What this lesson covers
- What a 5/6/7 Card Charlie bet is
- The difference between the hands
- Payouts for a 5/6/7 Card Charlie
- The odds of 5/6/7 Card Charlie landing
- Whether this side bet is worth your time
Episodes
FAQs
What is a Charlie in blackjack?
A Charlie was an old table rule in blackjack where if you were dealt five cards without going over 21, you automatically won. This rule decreased the house edge by 1.46%, so casinos quickly removed it to keep the blackjack odds in their favor. Today, casinos have turned 5-Card Charlie into a side bet.
Does a 5-Card Charlie beat blackjack?
No, because the dealer checks for blackjack before dealing any more cards to players. Our side bets guide covers all the rules and gameplay you need to know behind the 5-Card Charlie wager.
How does a 5-Card Charlie work?
If you think you will be dealt low cards on your next hand, you can make a 5-Card Charlie side bet at the same time as your buy-in. When it’s your turn, you can ask the dealer to hit. If you are dealt five cards without busting, you win the side bet and the dealer will pay out your winnings.
How often will I find 5-Card Charlie side bets in casinos?
Few casinos offer this side bet. Players have a better chance of finding 5-Card Charlie side bets in online blackjack games or live dealer blackjack casinos.
Is 5-Card Charlie the same as the five-card rule in blackjack?
The five-card rule was an old table rule known as a ‘Charlie’ in blackjack. If a player had five cards in their hand without busting, they would automatically win. Casinos lost too much money on this blackjack rule, so they turned it into a side bet called ‘5-Card Charlie’.
What are the odds of getting 7-Card Charlie?
A 7-Card Charlie appears only once in a three or four-hour blackjack session. The odds of you winning this hand is low.
Should I make a 5-Card Charlie bet in blackjack?
Only experienced players that can card count and spot blackjack deviations should make a 5-Card Charlie side bet. You need to know what cards are left in the shoe so you can make this side bet at the right moment. Learn more about the skills needed to make 5-Card Charlies with our basic strategy and card counting guides.
