Playing Options

The players have several options when playing his hand. They are as follows:

1. Double down – player doubles his wager, takes one more card and then stands (or stops taking more cards).
2. Even money – a player cashes in a bet immediately when dealt a natural Blackjack and the dealer's face card is an ace.
3. Hard hand – this is when a player has a hand without an ace or has an ace but is valued at one (1)
4. Hit – player gets to take another card
5. Insurance – in essence, insurance is a side bet of up to half you initial against the dealer having a natural 21. This is only allowed when the dealer's face up card is an ace.
6. Soft hand – a hand that contains an ace valued at one or eleven.
7. Split hand – player splits his cards into two hands; each card becoming the first card of each hand. A player can only do this when both cards have equal value. The player also doubles his wager, one for each hand.
8. Stand – player decides to stop taking cards
9. Surrender – a player forfeits half the bet and gives up the hand. This option is no longer offered in most casinos.
1. Early surrender – the player is given the option to surrender before the dealer checks his cards for Blackjack
2. Late surrender – the player is given the option to surrender AFTER the dealer checks for Blackjack. If he has a Blackjack then late surrender is not allowed.

Once a player decides to stand, double down, or bust his turn is over. Once a player busts he loses the bet, even if the dealer busts also.

When all the players have finished making all their decisions the dealer then reveals his hole card and plays the hand. According to house rules, the dealer has to continue hitting until he hits at least 17, no matter what hands the players have. If the dealer busts then all the remaining players win.

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