Ever watched a game of blackjack, either online or in a casino, and wondered if the seating makes a difference? You might have noticed that one spot at the table, called the “anchor seat”, often gets discussed more than the rest.
So, what is the anchor seat, and does it really matter where you sit? If you’re new to blackjack, phrases like “dealer” and “table position” might seem confusing at first. In this blog, you’ll find clear answers about the anchor seat and what role, if any, table position plays in the game.
What Is The Anchor In Blackjack?
A standard blackjack table usually seats up to seven players in a row, starting to the dealer’s left and ending with the furthest seat on their right. The seat closest to the dealer’s right hand is called the “anchor seat”. In some UK casinos, this position is also referred to as “third base”.
The anchor seat is the final one to act before the dealer reveals their face-down card. If you take this seat, the other players will have completed their turns before you make your decision.
Online blackjack can work differently. In many cases, you play directly against the dealer without a traditional seating arrangement. Some games offer multiplayer formats where you might see a full table layout. It could help to check how the game is set up before playing, as different operators may offer different formats.
Does Seat Position Really Matter?
Many players ask whether the seat they choose can affect the outcome. In blackjack, cards are dealt randomly from a shuffled deck, whether you’re playing in a casino or online. The seat does not affect the way cards are dealt or which cards you receive.
Players’ decisions during the game are what shape the gameplay. Whether you hit, stand, double down, or split could influence your hand’s outcome. The anchor seat follows the same rules as every other seat; no special rules apply to this position.
Online games often do not use traditional seating. Many blackjack games involve just you and the dealer. Some versions now allow multiple players to join a table with assigned seats. Whatever the format, it’s important to keep in mind that whilst employing blackjack basic strategy can somewhat reduce the house edge, blackjack is ultimately a game built on chance. Players should always gamble responsibly and within their means.
How To Play Anchor In Blackjack
Choosing the anchor seat means you are the last player to make a move before the dealer completes the round. The goal is the same as for every other player — to reach a total closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over.
When it’s your turn, you may have the following options:
- Hit: Take one more card.
- Stand: Stick with your current hand.
- Double Down: Double your bet and take one more card.
- Split: If your first two cards are the same value, you may split them into two separate hands (if the game allows it).
- Surrender: In some settings, you may choose to forfeit the hand and get back part of your stake (where this rule applies).
Online blackjack may show full table layouts or focus on just you and the dealer. No extra rules apply to the anchor position in these settings. Each game provider sets its own layout and available features, so it might be worth reviewing the rules before playing.
Discover The Best Online Blackjack Casinos
Finding the right online casino is an important step toward enjoying blackjack in a safe and secure environment. A trusted platform not only ensures fair rules and reliable gameplay but also offers secure payment options and responsive customer support.
At Best Casino HQ, we’ve put together a carefully reviewed selection of UKGC-licensed online casinos. Each site is assessed based on key criteria such as licensing, game variety, ease of use, and the quality of player support—making it easier for you to compare and choose a casino that fits your preferences.
Explore our recommendations to find a blackjack-friendly casino that aligns with your playing style and expectations.
