value of ten than any other value. If the dealer has a six showing, there is a good chance that she has a 16 or some other poor hand. Since a dealer must draw with a 16, there is a good chance that she will draw a card that carries the hand over 21 causing a dealer bust. If you have an eleven (say a seven and a four), you cannot bust with one card. You are likely to end up with a good hand. This option allows you to double your bet when you have a good chance of winning. To indicate a double, add an additional bet next to current bet — normally the same amount. Never touch your current bet. A method of cheating is to cap (increase) your original bet when you have a good hand. Touch your original bet and you will be admonished. You do not want to give any indication that you could be a cheat, as it will bring unwanted attention to your play. In face-down games, you must also expose the hand. Toss the two cards beyond the bet face up.

Splitting Pairs

If your first two cards have the same value, you may split them into two hands. For example, two eights can be split into two hands each having one eight. You can then play the two hands separately starting with the hand on your right. You must add an additional bet for the second hand equal in amount to your first bet. If you draw yet another card of the same value, most casinos allow you to split into three hands (or even four with an additional eight). This is called a resplit and is usually, but not always, limited to a total of four hands. Most casinos impose limitations when splitting two aces. You may draw only one card to each ace, and you cannot get a the 3 to 2 bonus if you draw a ten on either ace. To indicate a split, add a bet to the left of your current bet. Again, do not touch your current bet. Also, some people are tempted to separate the cards. That is the dealer’s job. As with a double down, if playing a face-down game, toss the two cards beyond the bet face up. If you have two fours or two fives, the dealer will not know whether you wish to double or split. You can call out double or split. Or you can hold up one or two fingers (one card or two hands) to indicate double or split to make certain your decision is recorded.

 © 2009 Norman Wattenberger