·         Players may split to a maximum of four hands, including aces.

·         Players may surrender after doubling (double-down rescue). The dealer takes the double portion of the bet, and the player retains the original bet.

·         The player may double down on any total, even after taking hit cards.

·         In some casinos, players may double-double down, or redouble up to two times after doubling down. For example: The player bets one unit and is dealt 2-3, giving a hand total of 5; the dealer is showing a 6. The player doubles the first time and draws a 3. The hand total is now 8 and the total amount wagered is two units. The player doubles a second time and draws a 3. The hand total is now 11 and the total amount wagered is four units. When the player doubles a third time on 11, the total amount wagered will be eight units. Redoubling is a profoundly player-advantageous rule, when optimally executed. The house edge for 6-deck H17 without redoubling is 0.78%, and with redoubling is 0.42%. The double-double down rule is not offered in S17 games.

·         There are a few additional rule variations associated with the double-double down rule. Many casinos will not permit players to double down for less than their original wager. In cases where double down for less is permitted, the player forfeits the option to redouble. Most casinos cap the double down wagers to the posted table maximum bet. For example, the table maximum is $100; the player makes an initial wager of $75; then, the player doubles down by wagering another $75 (for a total bet of $150). If the player wishes to double down a second time, he may only wager an additional $100 rather than the full $150 because of the cap. There are a few casinos that will not permit the player to redouble if the proper size of the redouble wager exceeds the table maximum bet.

·         A total of 21 always wins for the player. It never pushes against the dealer's 21.

 © 2009 Norman Wattenberger