Betting in Blackjack

After having been dealt your first two cards, it is decision-making time. Be careful, the decisions you make now directly influence the outcome of the game. The two main decisions are to hit or to stand.

Hit means you want another card and request one form the dealer.

Stand means that you do not want any more cards. If your card total after hitting is bigger than 21 your hand is bust and you will lose your wager.

Also there are other decisions available when playing Blackjack.

Natural Blackjack. A natural Blackjack is when the first two cards dealt to you are an Ace and a ten valued card. Standard rules pay natural Blackjack at a ratio of 3-to-2. This is the only time in the game when you don't need to take a decision.

Double Down. Another option after being dealt your first two cards is to double down. If you do so your betting amount will be doubled, but the dealer will give you only one more card and then you have to stand and see if your hand beats the dealer's. You should double down if your first two cards have a total of 10 or 11. This will give you a high statistical chance of hitting a 20 or 21.

Doubling down is a good idea when you do not have a 10 or 11, as long as the dealer has busting cards. Always remember that after doubling you will only get one more card. Then you will have to stand, even if your card total after getting that last card is low.

Pair Splitting. You have the option of splitting your hand if you are dealt a pair, such as 2 Jacks or 2 Aces. Then, you will have two separate hands to play, but must place a second bet, equal to the one of the first hand. If you are playing a face up hand, do not touch the cards. The dealer will split your hand. Also, place the second wager next, not on top, of the initial one.

The rules when playing a split hand are the same as playing a regular one. The only difference is when splitting Aces, because you will only get one extra card per hand. Also, if you are dealt an Ace and a ten card it will be considered 21, not Blackjack.

Remember that it is always a good idea to split Aces and 8's. As a pair these are lousy hands, but when split they have a high chance of winning, or at least turning into a good hand.

Insurance. Whenever the dealer's face up card is an Ace you may buy insurance. The dealer will ask all players at the table if they want to do so. Insurance costs half your initial wager, but if the dealer gets a Blackjack insurance pays 2-to-1. You just lose your initial wager. If the dealer doesn't get a Blackjack you lose your insurance and the game continues. Either way, you come out even. Statistically it is never a good idea to buy insurance.

Surrender. Not many casinos allow surrender. Surrender means that the player is allowed to give up the first two cards that he is dealt. Surrender costs half your initial wager. You should surrender only as a last resort.