Splitting pairs
When your first two cards have the same value (for example,
a pair of sevens), you have the option to "split". To split,
you have to place another bet equal to your original bet.
Then the two cards are split and you play them as separate
hands. Some casinos allow you to "resplit" if you get another
same-value card. Special rules apply when you choose to
split Aces. When you split Aces, you only receive one more
card on each hand and if you get 21, it is not considered
blackjack.
Insurance
When the dealer's face-up card is an Ace, some casinos will
ask if you want "insurance". The cost of insurance is half
your original bet. Your insurance bet pays 2 to 1 if the
dealer gets blackjack, which will equal the amount you lose
on the original bet. For example, say your original bet
was $10. The dealer has an Ace showing and you decide to
place an insurance bet for $5. If the dealer gets blackjack,
you lose your original $10 bet but win $10 on the insurance
bet so you are even. If the dealer does not have blackjack
you lose your $5 insurance bet and play the hand by normal
rules.
Number of decks
Casinos deal blackjack from a single deck or from multiple
decks. It's traditional for the dealer to "burn" or discard
the top card after shuffling.
Rules variations
Blackjack rules may vary from casino to casino. Here are
a few rules variations you may encounter:
- Dealer stands on soft
17.
- Player may double down
on any first two cards.
- Player may double down
on any number of cards.
- Player may double down
on split pairs.
- Player may "surrender"
his hand after the first two cards and lose half his bet.
