Blackjack is widely played in UK casinos, both online and at land-based venues. If you’ve ever played or watched the game, you might have seen that some seats are talked about more than others.
One seat you may have heard mentioned is the “anchor seat” or “anchor position.” It often draws attention, especially from new players, though the difference between this and other seats can seem unclear.
Whether you are new to blackjack or just curious about table layout, understanding the anchor seat could help you get to grips with how the game works. Let’s take a closer look at what this position means and why people sometimes pay special attention to it.
What Is an Anchor in Blackjack?
In blackjack, the “anchor” is the seat at the furthest right from the dealer’s point of view. This is the last seat where cards are dealt before the dealer acts on their own hand.
The anchor gets its name because this player goes last when it comes to making choices, such as whether to hit or stand. The dealer always waits for the anchor’s decision before moving forward.
At a physical table in a UK casino, you might be able to pick the anchor seat, depending on how many people are playing. In online blackjack, seat arrangements often work differently. Some games put all players in a single seat, while others use a layout closer to what you’d see at a real table. Checking the specific game’s rules could be wise, as these set out how positions work.
Sitting in the anchor seat does not affect the way cards are dealt, your odds, or the rules of blackjack. This position is just another place at the table—your returns and chances remain the same, which for most UK games is typically an expected return of about 99.5%.
Players should always remember to gamble responsibly and within their means- never wager more than you can afford to lose.
Why Is the Anchor Seat Important in Blackjack?
The anchor seat stands out because its player acts last before the dealer. This means everyone at the table sees what the anchor does before the dealer’s hand is played out.
Players sometimes prefer the anchor because it gives an extra moment to watch what others do. For those who like a bit more time to think about their next move, it could feel helpful.
You might also hear people discuss how the anchor’s actions could change the outcome for the table. For example, some notice if a card taken by the anchor could have caused the dealer to go bust. However, as covered earlier, blackjack is dealt at random and each game’s outcome is not affected by who sits where.
Online blackjack can show seating and player order in different ways, depending on the game. If you play online, it could be a good idea to have a quick look at how your chosen casino sets up the table before starting.
Where Is the Anchor Position at the Table?
The anchor seat is at the far right as seen from where the dealer stands. It’s the last seat in the player line-up, closest to the dealer’s left side.
On a standard semi-circular blackjack table, picture the chair right before the dealer’s left hand. This is always the anchor, no matter how many seats there are, which is usually between 5 and 7 in UK casinos. The first seat to get cards is by the dealer’s right hand, which is the opposite end from the anchor.
Online, you’ll notice some games have visible seating and seat numbers, while others use a single player area. If you’re unsure about seating, instructions or help pages can usually explain how the online table is set up.
Does Playing Anchor Affect Your Chances of Winning?
Sitting in the anchor seat will not change your chances in blackjack. Each hand is dealt randomly, either by a shuffled shoe in a physical casino or a licensed Random Number Generator (RNG) online.
Your chance to win stays the same wherever you sit. In standard UK blackjack, the house edge is generally around 0.5% when playing with the best possible strategy. This does not change based on which seat you pick.
Sometimes, players notice card patterns relating to anchor actions, but as already discussed, these patterns are simply a result of random card deals. UK casinos and approved online sites must use fair processes for every hand.
Online, the anchor seat might not even appear, especially in single-player games. No matter the set-up, the random process remains the same for everyone.
It’s always sensible to look over a game’s rules and features, especially online, as layouts or deck numbers can be different.
Should You Choose to Play the Anchor Seat?
Deciding where to sit, including whether to choose the anchor seat, is really up to you. Some enjoy being last to act, as it lets them watch the flow of the game; others prefer different spots for their own reasons.
There is no advantage in odds for picking the anchor, as already outlined. All licensed UK casinos are required to run safe, fair games, using either shuffling machines or digital systems that keep outcomes random.
For most online blackjack, you will either be the only player or seats may not even be visible. Where live dealer games are available, seat selection, including anchor, could be an option. It might be worth checking game info before you play to see what is possible.
Discover The Best Online Blackjack Casinos
If playing blackjack online sounds appealing, it could be useful to find a UK-licensed site that is safe and meets your needs. Each site may offer different types of blackjack, table set-ups, and features. Some focus on classic versions, others give live dealer choices, or special options like side bets or higher limits.
You can use our reviews to compare the best UK casino sites for blackjack. We cover important points such as fairness, licensing, available games, software providers, and player protection.
Our recommendations can guide you in choosing a casino that fits your preferences. Always check that your chosen site holds a valid UKGC licence and lists its terms, rules, and minimum bet clearly.
Ready to start playing? Visit our blackjack casino guide to find trusted sites and see what’s on offer, so you can enjoy the game with confidence.
