Rules and Strategies for Blackjack

Blackjack is a casino card game that is enjoyed by millions of people, both those who are experienced and those who are not. This article will discuss insurance bets, doubling down, splitting and more in order to improve blackjack games.

Doubling Down

Doubling down is a process by which players can double the amount of their original bets in exchange for a third card. The rules behind this are usually fairly simple; players can only double on a two-card hand and they must take a single card after the bet is placed. A good strategy involves only doubling down on a two-card hand worth between 10 and 16 points. Doubling down on a hand worth more than this may result in a bust.

Splitting

A split can be performed any time a player has two cards of the same value. This includes two of any number card as well as two Aces or any two face cards. Splitting is not always a great idea, however, as there are some circumstances in which playing out the original hand is best. As for strategy, players should always split Aces as these are worth 11 points and the player essentially gets two attempts at blackjack. Never split any other cards unless the dealer is holding a low up-card.

Insurance

Insurance bets can be placed any time the dealer is showing an Ace as their up-card. The ante for this bet is half of the original wager, and it is lost if the dealer does not have a blackjack. If the dealer does hold a blackjack, however, the player doubles the insurance bet. While some players consider insurance bets 'sucker bets', this is not always the case. Players who win their insurance bets break even on the entire hand. Go here to further insure yourself by picking up bonus codes to play for free.

Doubling down, splitting and insurance are the three most common advanced rules associated with blackjack. Understanding how and when to use them is very important as they are sure to improve any player's game when used correctly.