Blackjack Play Options Explained
A standard game of blackjack generally has six basic play options or choices. A player can stand, hit, double (sometimes called doubling down), split, surrender, or take insurance. And, of course, there’s that seventh option (busting), but that’s not something you choose to do (we would hope, anyway), so we won’t discuss it here.
Before we get into the options, we want to remind you that it’s good etiquette to signal your intention verbally and with a hand motion. This ensures you make the move you want, and that the casino has a way to verify your decision on tape.
Ok, let’s look at each play option a bit closer:
- Standing: When you refuse any more cards, you’re standing. Standing is recommended when your hand has a good chance at winning, and any more cards puts you at an uncomfortable risk for a bust. Say “Stay” and slide your cards face up under your bet or just move your hand back and forth horizontally in a ‘No’ manner if you want to stand.
- Hitting: Hitting (or taking a hit) means to take another card to improve your hand. Say “Hit me”, and tap a finger against a table (or just scrape the cards against the table) when you want another card.
- Doubling Down: Doubling down is to double your bet, and get another card. Normally this is done after you get your two first cards. Put another chip next to your cards and hold one finger up (hopefully the nice finger), or just say (and nod) yes if the dealer asks if you want to double down.
- Splitting: Splitting doubles your hands (and your bet) when you have 2 starting cards of the same value. Each card becomes a separate hand to give you two hands of blackjack. Place a bet next to your original bet and hold two fingers up to split. This is good to do when the dealer has a poor up card.
- Surrendering: Surrendering gives up your hand and one half of your bet. Usually you can only do this after your first two cards. Certain starting cards are bad so this is a good strategy to maximize your bankroll. Say “I surrender”, and make a karate chopping motion over the cards to surrender. For the more dramatic, a white flag is always an option for those that want to be noticed (we’re kidding.)
- Insurance: Taking insurance is betting the dealer has blackjack. You bet one half of your bet and if the dealer has blackjack you win 2-1. If there’s no blackjack, then you lose your half bet and the game goes on. Since the odds are against a blackjack, taking insurance is usually a bad bet.
Good luck out there, regardless of which option you choose.
