Blackjack Rules for Better Bets

Before the game begins the player must first place a bet. You can place a bet in the betting area right in front of you. After all bets have been placed, the game begins. The dealer will give all players at the table two cards. He will also take two cards, one face up and one face down. All the cards in the deck have a value. These values are:

• Cards from 2 to 9 are valued as indicated;
• 10's, Jacks, Queens and Kings are valued as 10;
• Aces are 1 or 11, as it is best for the player.

You have a blackjack if you are dealt an Ace and a ten valued card. Blackjack is the best hand and will beat all other hands. Winning at blackjack pays at a ratio of 3-to-2. If the dealer also gets a blackjack the game is pushed. You do not win anything; you just get your initial bet back.

Dealers must hit and stand according to casino rules. Although these rules may vary slightly, the general rule is that all dealers must stand on a card total of 17, and draw on a 16.

Basic terminology

Hit or Stand- Hit means that you want another card. You can signal the dealer you want another card by scraping the table with you fingers or your cards. Stand means that you no longer want any cards. You can signal that you want to stand by making a simple wave motion on top of your cards or just place your cards under your bet. If your card total exceeds 21 your hand is bust. You will lose your bet.

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.

Splitting - You have the option of splitting your hand if you are dealt a pair, such as 2 Jacks or 2 Aces. You will then have two separate hands to play, but must place a second bet, equal to the one of the first hand. 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.

Insurance- Whenever the dealer's face up card is an Ace you may buy insurance. 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.

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.