If you’re playing blackjack, it’s important to look for table rules that minimize the house edge. These can include the number of decks in play, the type of shuffler used, and whether or not players can double down after splitting aces.
In blackjack, each player’s total must be at least the table minimum. This is true of both inside and outside bets.
Double down
Doubling down is a strategy in blackjack that can greatly increase your winnings. However, it’s important to know when the time is right. When you double down, you are essentially betting more money on a hunch than you would have otherwise. In some cases, this is a good thing, but others can be very dangerous.
When you double down, you make an additional wager equal to your original bet after receiving your first two cards. You will then receive one additional card and must stand on your decision. You cannot double down if you split or get a blackjack. You can indicate a double down by placing additional chips next to your original bet, but avoid placing them on top of your original wager as this may be considered tampering.
Another option in blackjack is insurance, which is offered before the dealer checks their face-down card. This side bet pays 2 to 1 if the dealer has an ace. It’s a risky bet, but it can help you avoid a loss in the event of an ace. However, the odds are slightly against you, so it’s usually best to pass on insurance.
Insurance
Insurance is a side bet that players can place on the table in blackjack. It pays 2-to-1 if the dealer has a blackjack, and loses if they do not. Whether or not you should take it depends on your risk tolerance and how much fun you want to have. Taking insurance is also a good choice if the dealer has a high percentage of 10-value cards in their deck, as this will reduce their chances of getting a Blackjack.
For example, if you’re dealt an 8 and a 10, your total is 18. The dealer’s up card is an ace, and they offer you insurance for $5. If the dealer has a blackjack, you win your insurance bet, which returns your initial wager plus $20. However, if the dealer does not have a blackjack, your insurance bet loses, and you will have to continue playing to try to beat the dealer’s hand.
Although insurance is an attractive option, it is still a losing bet in the long run. It is important to remember that the house edge of blackjack is low already, and adding insurance to your bets will only increase it. In addition, the payout odds on insurance are lower than those for a blackjack, so you’ll end up losing more money on the bet than you would if you just placed your original bet.
Dealer’s face-up card
Players and Dealers begin with two cards each, and the object is to make a hand with a point total of 21 or as close as possible without going over. The Player may “stand” (draw no more cards) or “hit” (draw one card at a time). The cards are then combined to determine the total point value of the hand. Once the points are known, the dealer pays the winning hands based on posted limits. Ties are paid at 1:1, while Blackjacks pay 3-2. Some games also offer additional side bets.
The dealer’s face-up card is a key decision point in blackjack. If it is an ace, players may choose to take insurance. The insurance bet is half of the original wager and pays 2-1. This helps protect the player’s bet in case the dealer has a blackjack.
If a Player’s first two cards are an ace and a ten-card, the hand is called a “natural” or “blackjack.” This wins immediately unless the Dealer has a blackjack, in which case the hand ties. If the Dealer has a blackjack, the Player’s bet is taken back, and no additional money is awarded to the Player.
Dealer’s face-down card
Before the deal begins players place their bets. The dealer then deals each player two cards face up. The card that remains face down is the dealer’s “hole card.” Once the cards are dealt, the players may decide how to play their hand. They can choose to Hit (take another card), Stand, Double (double their wager and take one additional card), Split (if they have two cards of the same value, separate them to form two hands) or Surrender. They must make their decision before the dealer’s next move.
The dealer will then reveal their hole card. If it is a ten, the dealer must hit until they reach 17 or higher. They must also take a card if counting their ace as 11 would make their total over 21. If the dealer has Blackjack, all bets lose unless the player also has a blackjack.
Once the dealer has revealed their face-down card, they can offer insurance or even money to players. This side bet is placed for half of the original wager and pays 2 to 1 if the dealer has a blackjack. It is recommended to decline this side bet as it is not a good strategy for the player. Instead, the player should stand with a hand of seventeen or higher and hope that the dealer will bust.