What is Five Card Charlie Blackjack?

The "Five Card Charlie" is a special rule in blackjack that grants an automatic win to the player when they manage to get a five-card hand without exceeding 21 points. This rule adds an additional strategic dimension to the game, encouraging players to take calculated risks to achieve this particular hand.

Origins and Context

Although the exact origin of this rule is not clearly documented, this rule emerged in some casinos to offer players an additional opportunity to win, thus reducing the house edge. It is less common than other blackjack variants but remains popular for its exciting nature and potential winnings.

Basic Rules

Main Objective

As with traditional blackjack, the goal is to obtain a hand whose total value is as close as possible to 21 without exceeding it. But this hand must be composed of 5 cards, and simply having 5 cards allows you to win the game.

Card Values

The card values are identical to those in the classic version:

Numbered cards (2 to 10): face value.
Face cards (Jack, Queen, King): 10 points.
Ace: 1 or 11 points, depending on which is more advantageous for the hand.

Player Actions

Hit: request an additional card.
Stand: keep the current hand.
Double Down: double the bet and receive only one additional card.
Split: split a pair into two separate hands.

Specific Rule of the Five Card Charlie

If the player gets a five-card hand with a total value of 21 or less, they win the game, regardless of the dealer's hand.

Example : A hand consisting of the 2 of Hearts, 5 of Clubs, 4 of Diamonds, 3 of Spades, and 6 of Hearts totals 20 (2 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 6 = 20). This hand is a Five Card Charlie because it contains five cards without exceeding 21.

Strategy and Considerations

Against a blackjack: The Five Card Charlie does not automatically beat a Blackjack. If a player gets a hand of five cards without exceeding 21, they win, but if the dealer has a Blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card), the dealer wins, even if the player has a Five Card Charlie.
Strategic Tips: While the "Five Card Charlie" rule offers an extra chance to win, it is relatively rare and may not be present in all casinos. Players should evaluate the likelihood of getting such a hand and decide whether it is wise to take additional risks to achieve it.
Risk vs Reward: This rule gives players a chance to win with five cards without busting, but it requires careful decision-making. Players should evaluate whether it’s worth continuing to draw cards in hopes of hitting five, especially considering the increasing risk of busting. A good strategy might involve stopping at four cards when the value is solid, to avoid going over 21.

Comparison with Other Variants

Perfect Pairs Blackjack focuses on matching pairs among the first cards, while the "Five Card Charlie" emphasizes the number of cards without busting.
21+3 Blackjack offers winnings based on poker combinations, unlike the "Five Card Charlie" which rewards accumulating five cards.
Atlantic City Blackjack offers player-friendly rules, such as split and double-down options, but does not include the specific "Five Card Charlie" rule.

Why Choose Five Card Charlie?

This variant offers an automatic win with five cards without exceeding 21, reducing the house edge and adding an extra strategic dimension. It allows players to take calculated risks for an additional chance to win. This unique rule brings excitement and opportunity, perfect for those looking to stand out from traditional blackjack strategies.