Blackjack Moves Defined

The game principle of Blackjack is simple: you make out a hand closest but not over 21 from the cards dealt to you by the dealer and you win a payout. It is quite surprising, therefore, that a seemingly simple card game would exhaust many kind of move decisions from its players. But it is true. There are numerous Blackjack moves aside from hitting and standing that you need to study before you call yourself a Blackjack player. Each of those moves is often complicated so it is better that we define them all here.

* Surrender - Players can surrender or admit defeat by giving up half their wagers and their chance at winning a payout. This move is usually made when a player finds less than 50% chance that his hand will turn out to be rewarding, no matter how much he risks hitting. You can surrender early on, before the dealer checks the value of his cards or later, after the dealer evaluates his hand and only if he is not holding a natural 21 or Blackjack.

* Split - If you get two cards of identical values, you can opt to split them and place them into two different hands. In this case, you will have to place another wager that is equal to your original bet. That wager should pay up for your extra hand at play for the current round. This move can be tricky so you must be extra careful with it. If you get a face card and a 10, you may be allowed for the split since your cards are of similar value. In case you get two Aces, you will only be allowed to be issued with once card for each of your two hands. If you luckily get a 10 or a face card, you get a 21 but not a Blackjack.

* Double Down - Players are given to bet more and win more by doubling down. This move is done after a player is dealt with his first two cards. Unless your current hand is 21 or Blackjack, you may be allowed to double your original bet and take a chance at winning bigger than you originally would. Just remember that after doubling down, you can only be issued one card.

* Insurance - This is a pretty tough move. In cases when a dealer's face up card is an Ace, you will be given a chance to make a side bet, which is half of your initial bet. The side bet serves as your insurance in case the dealer gets a Blackjack. If the dealer does gets a Blackjack hand, the insurance doubles up; you will earn a payout for your side bet but you lose your original bet altogether. If the dealer does not get a Blackjack, you will lose your side bet while your original bet remains in the game.