Before you get started, you should know what the most important rules are when playing Blackjack. There are several different ways to bet, including doubling down and splitting. We’ll also discuss when to double down, and what you need to know about Insurance bets. You should use these tips to make smart decisions. However, if you don’t have enough knowledge about blackjack, you can check out our Blackjack strategy guide for a step-by-step guide to playing this game.
Insurance
In blackjack, the side bet known as Blackjack insurance is a good way to take a risk. Usually, an insurance bet pays out two to one if the dealer has a blackjack, and four to one if the dealer does not. If you’re a smart player, however, you should avoid making this type of bet. Here are the reasons why. Read on to learn how to make an Insurance bet.
Doubling down
In Blackjack, the best hands to double down are those with a hand total of 11 or close to it. When a blackjack hand has 11 cards, the player has the best statistical odds of winning. Whenever you have an ace, you can double down, exchanging one of your cards for another. Double down rules vary depending on the game and the table. Normally, you should double down only when your hand total is greater than nine. Some blackjack variants will let you double down regardless of the total, while others will require a minimum hand total of 17.
Insurance bets
The insurance bet on blackjack comes into play when the dealer shows an Ace as their up card. The dealer may then turn over a ten-value card to see if he has a blackjack. If the dealer does have a blackjack, you win your insurance bet. If not, you lose your initial bet. If you win your insurance bet, you will receive 2:1 on your initial bet. Insurance bets on blackjack are similar to normal bets, but have a clever twist.
Splitting
If you’re new to the game of blackjack, you may not be aware of how to split pairs. You can do this by following the recommended blackjack pair splitting matrix. In general, you can only split pairs once, unless the dealer stands on a soft 17 and then you must double down. However, you should keep in mind that splitting pairs is not always a good decision, and you should be aware of the consequences. The best way to learn how to split pairs is to play several hands to see what happens to your hand.
Surrendering
Blackjack surrendering is an excellent strategy if you have a weak hand and the odds are clearly against you. It is best to surrender when your hands have a total of eight or less. If you have a single ace and a ten, you should not surrender, but rather split your cards. The game can be played for free or for real money at all sites on this list. Some sites only offer late surrendering, while the top three offer both options.
Blackjack Hall of Fame
The Blackjack Hall of Fame honors those who have made a significant impact on the game of blackjack. The list is composed of notable individuals who have contributed to the game’s development and growth. Some notable inductees include Ken Uston, one of the most successful team players in blackjack history. Another inductee is Max Rubin, the author of the influential book, Comp City. This book shared several new techniques for gaining an edge in blackjack.