Blackjack 5-Card Rule: Can Five Card Charlie Lead to Big Wins?

You’ve probably heard whispers about the blackjack 5-card rule or fine card Charlie rule. In this rule, you get an automatic win no matter what the dealer has if you manage to pull five cards without busting, even if they hit 21. 

Sounds like a sweet deal, right? But not every casino has this rule in play, so it’s not always a winning strategy you can count on. In this post, I’ll break down exactly what the 5-card rule blackjack is, its benefits and risks, and some tips on making the most of it if you do. Let’s dive into it!

Blackjack 5-Card Rule Explained

Basically, the 5-card Charlie rule in blackjack is when you draw five cards without going over 21. For example, you get cards like 2, 4, 5, 7, and an Ace, that’s a total of 19 with five cards.

2, 4, 5, 7, and an Ace can make a blackjack 5-card

To help you see what makes the blackjack 5-card rule special, here’s a simple table comparing payouts and the house edge for standard blackjack and 5-card Charlie.

The payout for a 5-card Charlie varies by casino, typically around 1:1. But in some cases, it’s 2:1. This payout is generally lower than a natural Blackjack, which usually pays out at 3 to 2 or even 5 to 1 in some places. Casinos may offer lower payouts for 5-card Charlie wins to counteract the decreased house edge, as players get a slight advantage from this rule.

When Blackjack 5-Card Win

With the blackjack 5-card rule, you’ll automatically win the hand if you draw five cards without going over 21. This applies even if the dealer has a total of 21 or any total higher than yours.

Take the above example: when you draw five cards: a 2, 4, 5, 7, and an Ace (totals 19), you still win even if the dealer ends up with a 21.

However, there’s one exception: If the dealer has a natural Blackjack (an Ace paired with a face card or a 10), they automatically win the hand. This beats even a 5-card Charlie.

You’ll win if you draw five cards without going over 21

Blackjack 5-Card Risk: Realistic Potential

In standard blackjack, the goal is to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over, regardless of how many cards you have. So, the more cards you draw, the higher the risk of busting. I mean, when you try to have a 5-card Charlie, each additional card increases the chance that your total will go over 21. 

An important note is that the only time a five-card hand would automatically win is if the casino uses that specific rule. But generally, they don't. So, simply having more cards in regular blackjack doesn't necessarily give you an advantage. 

That said, while it might seem impressive to collect five cards, winning in blackjack is more about making smart choices and managing your hand wisely. It's important to know when to hit or stand based on your current total and the dealer's visible card. 

The key to success in blackjack is strategy and understanding the odds, not just the number of cards in your hand.

Winning in Blackjack is more about managing your hand wisely

Why the 5-Card Rule is Rarely Used in Casinos

As I’ve mentioned, the 5-card rule is rarely used in casinos. There are two main reasons for that.

First, the 5-card rule reduces the casino's house edge. Like any business out there, casinos operate to make money. They rely on a small advantage called the “house edge” to bring in a steady profit. In regular blackjack, the house edge is usually around 0.5%. But with the 5-card rule, the odds shift a bit in favor of the player. Specifically, they cut into the casino’s edge to 0.1% - 0.3% and make the game less profitable for them.

Another issue is time. Games with the 5-card rule can take longer because players might draw extra cards to try for a five-card hand. The more time spent on each game, the fewer games can be played overall. This means less money flowing in for the casino.

You should check the casino’s rules before getting in

Playing Blackjack 5-Card Strategy

If you’ve checked the casino's rules and they use the blackjack 5-card trick rule, here’s my strategy for when to try for five cards and when to stop:

• Generally, if your hand total is low (12 to 15), it’s safer to keep drawing cards. This is because you’re less likely to bust (go over 21). For example, if you have 2, 3, 4, and 5 (totaling 14), you could consider drawing a fifth card to try for a 5-card win.
• However, if your hand is already around 17 or higher, it's usually best to stop as the risk of busting is much greater. Managing risk here means only aiming for a 5-card hand when your total is low and the odds of busting are in your favor.

Now, you might wonder whether the basic strategy changes with the 5-card rule. The answer is not much. You still want to make the same decisions based on your total and the dealer’s card. 

But with the 5-card rule, you might be a bit more open to drawing extra cards on low totals to see if you can reach five without busting. Just remember, the aim is still to beat the dealer without busting. So, you should balance your moves carefully.

FAQs

Does The Dealer Win With A 5 Card Trick?

No. The outcome depends on the dealer’s total: if it’s above 21, they bust. Even the casino uses the five-card Charlie rule, it just grants automatic wins for players, not dealers.

Is It Always A Good Idea to Try for 5 Cards in Blackjack?

Not always. It can be risky, as each card increases your chance of busting. Going for five cards is more strategic when your total is low and if only the casino use this rule.

What Should I Do If I Have A Low Total and 4 Cards?

With a low total and 4 cards, you need to take another card, especially if your total is far from 21. However, be cautious because only take a card if the likelihood of going bust is low. If the casino uses the five-card Charlie rule, the potential for a five-card win is a bonus.

Do 5 Cards Automatically Win in Blackjack?

Five cards don’t automatically win in standard blackjack unless the five-card Charlie rule is in play. Not all casinos apply this rule, so check beforehand.

Can 2 Players Have Five Cards Charlie?

No. In regular blackjack, the game continues after a player reaches 21. However, the five-card Charlie rule concludes the round immediately upon occurrence.

Wrapping Up

The five-card Charlie rule can be a powerful edge, giving you a shot at an instant win if you manage five cards without busting. But, like anything in blackjack, there’s some risk: aiming for five cards can lead to busting more often. So, you should make sure to check if the casino actually offers this blackjack 5-card rule (it’s not everywhere!). Also, always get clear on the house’s terms!