Blackjack 101
There are usually five to seven spots for betting in a Blackjack game. The dealer is usually positioned at the rear the table and deals the card.
You then have to decide what game to play. Do not bet yet with your money. Wait for the dealer to convert your money to chips.
To bet, place your chips in the circle fronting your seat. The objective of Blackjack is to defeat the dealer. To win, the player must be close to a total of 21 (add the values of the cards). Face cards are worth ten points and the others follow their numerical values. Aces are worth either one or 11, at the decision of the player.
To win automatically in Blackjack, a player must receive a total of 21 in the first two cards dealt. This is called a "Blackjack ". A bonus is usually given in circumstances when a player receives a Blackjack and the player gets paid immediately. But if the dealer also has a Blackjack, no one gets paid.
If you are confident about your cards, a mid-game increasing of bets is allowed in Blackjack. This is called a double down. A double down happens when you bet the same amount that you did in the first bet. Most casinos allow this provided you agree to receive one more card.
Telling the dealer you want to double down is achieved by sliding a second bet beside your original bet. Never rest your second bet on top of the original one as this insinuates cheating by increasing your original bet illegally. The Blackjack dealer will give you an additional card. Wait until all cards are laid before you open your last card. If you win, you will be paid for the two bets.
Splitting is another way of increasing your bet mid-game in Blackjack, but unlike in double down, you only get paid for a single bet. Splitting only happens if the player is dealt with pair cards like nine diamond and nine clubs. In this case, you can then split your cards to give you 2 separate cards to play and another bet alongside the second card. The original bet goes with the first card and the second bet goes to the second card.
In Blackjack, a pair is split by pointing at them (if dealt face up) and saying “split”. If dealt face down, turn them up and put them apart on the table.
After splitting, the dealer will give cards to your first card and wait for you to decide to stand. The dealer will not deal cards for your second hand until you decide to stand on the first card. Whichever sets of card is closest to 21 wins the pot. Splitting rules vary in one casino to another so better ask your dealer of the casino policy if you’re unsure.
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