Why Dealers Burn Cards in Blackjack: Card Dealing FAQ
Ever noticed a dealer sliding the top card from the deck out of play before the game even starts? You are not alone; many people are curious about this step, especially if new to blackjack or trying a game in an online casino.
Burning a card might seem simple, but it has a clear purpose that is not always obvious at first glance. Whether at a casino table or logging into an online blackjack game, you might spot this happening and wonder why.
If you are keen to understand exactly what is going on, you are in the right place. Read on to learn more.
What Burning Cards Means in Blackjack
In blackjack, burning a card means the dealer takes the very top card from the deck or shoe and puts it to one side, out of play, before any cards are dealt to the players. This is a standard part of dealing, often used at the start of each new round or after a shuffle.
You may see this in online blackjack too, particularly in games that mirror the rhythm of a physical table. Not every online version includes a burn card, so it might be worth checking a game’s rules screen if you want to know exactly how it is dealt.
Casinos follow set procedures to support fair dealing, and burning a card is one of those small, practical steps that keeps the game consistent for everyone. Seeing that top card go straight to the discard tray, or to a virtual pile, is simply part of keeping play orderly from the first moment.
If you do decide to try your hand at blackjack, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Burning Cards Helps Protect the Game
Burning a card works as a basic security measure. By removing the first card from play, it reduces the chance that anyone can anticipate which card might come next. This could be helpful in busy rooms where the top card could be glimpsed during a shuffle or cut, even for a fraction of a second.
Taking that top card out of circulation levels the field. No one gets information others do not have, and the round begins without any accidental advantage. Online games use random number generators to shuffle, so the risk of exposure is already low, but some titles still include a burn card to keep the experience close to what you would find at a live table.
Different tables may handle it slightly differently. Some will burn a card after every shuffle, others at the start of each hand, and some not at all. The important point is that the approach is stated in the game rules so players know what to expect from the first deal.
Do Burn Cards Affect the Odds?
When a dealer burns a card, the odds of the game do not shift in any meaningful way. The card is removed at random, so the remaining deck or shoe still has the same overall composition, just with one unknown card out of play. This does not favour the house or the player.
In a standard six-deck shoe with 312 cards, burning one card means there are 311 left. The effect on probabilities is so small it is not noticeable during ordinary play. Everyone faces the same chance of receiving any particular card based on what remains, and the dealing continues as normal. Even for players who pay attention to the flow of high and low cards, removing a single unseen card does not create a predictable edge.
How Burn Cards Work With Automatic Shufflers
Many casinos use automatic shuffling machines for multi-deck games. These machines mix cards thoroughly, making it impractical to track specific cards or predict their order. When a burn card is used after an automatic shuffle, the dealer simply removes the top card and places it in the discard tray before dealing. Some online games reflect this step in their software, while others streamline it out.
Play Blackjack Online
If you would like to explore blackjack from home, feel free to have a look at what Red Casino offers. You will find a mix of digital tables and live dealer games, so you can pick the style that suits your pace, whether you are learning the ropes or keen to try a new variant.
Red Casino is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Our digital tables use independently tested Random Number Generators (RNGs), and our live games are dealt by trained professionals in real time, giving you a familiar, straightforward experience.
Curious about table limits, rule sets, or whether a game burns a card at the start of a round? Browse the game library and open the rules panels to see how each table plays. If you want a clear, reliable place to enjoy blackjack, we are ready when you are. Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
