The Basics of Blackjack - Decision Glossary
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
By Steve Hayes
One cannot make any decisions as to their moves in a gambling game, unless he is well acquainted with all his options. When you’re at a table placing a wager, the dealer gives you two cards face up. Then the game begins, and you need to start building blackjack strategies for your moves.
When playing live games, you cannot just speak to the dealer when instructing him on your moves, you need to give him the hand signal first and the casino cameras need to capture that act on camera, therefore make sure you are very clear and that the dealer understands exactly what it is you want to do for each move.
These are the basic options you will need to choose from:
Stand – To stand means you are satisfied with the hand you have and do not want any additional cards or betting options.
Signal – You give a signal by waving your hand over the top of your bet and the cards.
Hit – Hit means you would like another card to bring you closer to 21. The dealer will then give you a card.
Signal - To give a signal, just tap the table or scratch the felt in your direction.
Double Down – When you do this, you get the option to double your bet after you’ve received the first two cards in your hand. Once you’ve used the double down option you won’t need to use the stand signal since you’ll only get one additional card thereafter.
Signal – Just place an identical bet next to your original one.
Split – You can turn one hand into two if you have identical cards. If your hand carries aces, you will only be given one more card. All other cards will allow for as many as you want.
Signal – The signal for this move is to place an identical amount of chips next to your first bet.
Surrender – Surrendering means you forfeit half of your bet and you don’t play the hand. Not all casinos allow you to surrender, so if it’s an option you like to use, make sure to find out first if the casino you’re playing at allows that option.
Signal – There is no standard for this option. You may simply let the dealer know when the offer the option.
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- When to Split or Double Down in Online Blackjack
- Practicing with Free Online Blackjack
- Strategy for Single Deck Blackjack
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