Have you ever heard of the 6 or 7 card Charlie rule?
This blackjack rule can help you get through the game without going bust. Today you’ll learn:
- What is 6 or 7 card Charlie
- How does 6 or 7 card Charlie work
- Alternatives and tips when using this rule
Keep reading.
What are 6 and 7 Card Charlie?
Essentially, the 6-card Charlie blackjack rule means that a player has managed to get six cards in their hand, without the total going above 21 (otherwise known as going ‘bust’). This means the player would have to ‘hit’ four times.
As you might have guessed, 7-card Charlie in blackjack is when you have seven cards in one hand without going bust. Here, the player would have to hit five times.
However, in some instances, a blackjack hand can be split into two. It is important to note that the two hands would be treated as completely separate with a 6 or 7 card Charlie. In other words, one hand having four cards and the other having three would not trigger the 7-card Charlie blackjack rule.
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How Does 6 and 7 Card Charlie Work?
If the 6 or 7 card Charlie rules are active in the game of blackjack, players can place a play on the possibility of them triggering the rule.
The 6 and 7 card Charlie rules are predominantly offered by online casinos. They are less likely to be offered by land-based casinos as it lowers the house edge.
That said, whilst the potential return for 6 or 7 card Charlie plays at might look better than other options, online casinos might change the odds for this play or even other plays as well in order to offset the loss of house edge by the offering of Charlie plays.
6 and 7 Card Charlie in Action
To help explain the 6 and 7 card Charlie rule, let’s take a look at an example:
| Card | Total | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| 2 & 5 | 7 | Hit |
| 2 | 9 | Hit |
| 3 | 12 | Hit |
| Ace (1) | 13 | Hit |
| 4 | 17 | Stick |
After six cards, the total here is 17. This means the player has triggered the 6-card Charlie rule. However, the total of 17 might make it tempting for some players to hit again to try for a 7-card Charlie.
Deciding between 6 or 7 card Charlie can be quite the risk. For example, one high number and the hand might go bust:
| Card | Total | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| 2 & 5 | 7 | Hit |
| 2 | 9 | Hit |
| 3 | 12 | Hit |
| Ace (1) | 13 | Hit |
| 4 | 17 | Hit |
| 10 | 27 | Bust |
Drawing a number under four would trigger the 7-card Charlie rule though, which often has a better play return.
| Card | Total | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| 2 & 5 | 7 | Hit |
| 2 | 9 | Hit |
| 3 | 12 | Hit |
| Ace (1) | 13 | Hit |
| 4 | 17 | Hit |
| 2 | 19 | Stick |
That said, there’s a much higher probability of landing on a number higher than four, as you’ve also got the face cards to consider. Ultimately, blackjack is a game of chance, so it’s down to each player to decide when to stick.
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Pros and Cons of 6 or 7 Card Charlie
Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of the 6 or 7 card Charlie rules:
Pros
- The house edge is reduced.
- Returns are often higher than placing a play on blackjack.
- You can stop following the rule at six or seven-card hands, depending on your preferred playing style and desired risk level.
- The rule is automatically triggered when you get the set number of cards in your hand without going bust, which means you don’t need to remember to do anything other than not go bust!
- The rule is suitable for beginners and experienced players alike.
Cons
- Online casinos and/or games may implement rules to offset the reduced house edge.
- Not all online blackjack games offer the option to place a play on 6 or 7 card Charlie.
- The higher the total number, the easier it is to go bust, so it can be considered quite risky.
- It is also risky due to the lower odds of getting so many low-value cards in a row, as the cards dealt in blackjack are entirely down to luck.
- If multiple players have the opportunity for a 6 or 7 card Charlie, the gameplay can be slower paced.
Alternatives to 6 or 7 Charlie
Most blackjack players will be more familiar with the 5-card Charlie blackjack rule, otherwise known as a 5-card trick. This tends to appear more often in online blackjack compared to the 6 or 7 card Charlie rule.
Placing a play on triggering the 5-card Charlie blackjack rule typically has a potential return of 2:1. However, some games will have different rules and exceptions, so it is important to check the game-specific information thoroughly before placing any play.
Quick Tips
- Treat the 6 or 7 card Charlie rule as separate from normal plays.
It’s not something you aim to build in an attempt to beat the dealer, as you typically get a return for the play for simply triggering the rule, regardless of whether the total number is higher than the dealer’s. - Always check the rules, odds, and exceptions for each game.
Some online blackjack games will make tweaks to the rules and odds by adding in exceptions and other oddities in order to counteract the reduced house edge. - Couple the use of 6 or 7 card Charlie with a bankroll management strategy.
This will help you to further capitalize on a good run and reduce the impact of poor hands on your bankroll.
Wrapping Up
With this guide in hand, all that’s left to do is put your newfound knowledge into practice. You can find a wide range of free online blackjack games and other social casino games at McLuck social casino.
