Blackjack Bets

What blackjack bets to make depending on what cards you and the dealer have - whether to hit, stand, split, double down or surrender.

Stand

When you are happy with the cards you've got and think you will beat the dealer, or at least force a push, then you 'stand'.  This means you want no more cards.  Either say 'stand or 'stick' or wave your hand from left to right with your palm facing down.  Or click 'stand' if you are playing online of course :-)

Hit

You are not happy with your cards and want another in the hope of getting closer to 21.  Say "hit" or "hit me", or tap the table with one or two fingers.  Some casinos allow a nod of the head.  Many players stand when they should be hitting - refer to the basic strategy table for advice rather than going by often erroneous gut-feel.

Splitting Pairs

If you have two cards of the same value (two sixes, two tens, a king and a jack, and so on), you may split the cards into two separate hands.

In order to do this, you must place an equal bet on each of your hands. In essence, you're cloning yourself and becoming two players. If you're playing a single or double-deck game, you'll also have to turn over your cards to prove you have a pair. Both hands are treated separately.

Double Down

This is a way of adding to your initial wager. You may double the amount of your wager or less. The dealer then deals you a third card. You cannot stand on the two and you cannot take another hit. See this page for more details on why and when you should double down.

Surrender

If you don't like your two cards, simply tell the dealer "surrender" and turn in you hand, forfeiting half of your bet. Unfortunately most casinos don't allow you to surrender.

Insurance

When the dealer's face-up card is an ace, you have a chance to take insurance. This means that you're allowed to insure your hand against the possibility of the dealer having a natural twenty-one with his two cards. To take insurance, you must place a bet on the insurance line equal to half of your wager. This is a side bet. You're betting at the dealer has a blackjack. If the dealer makes the natural, your bet pays off at two to one. Don't be sucked in - it's poor odds.

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