Splitting Pairs
A player has the option to split any matching cards of the same rank if dealt as an original hand. For example, if he is dealt two 7s, these may be split. When pairs are split, they are turned over by the player if dealt face down; or separated, if dealt face up. Then a bet equal to the original bet is placed on the newly split card. The player can draw cards on the first 7 till he feels that he is fine with the total and then he can draw cards to the second 7 such as it was an original hand.
Doubling Down
A player has the option to double his bet on his original hand. When he does this, he will receive only one additional card. It is thus essential to remember that after doubling down, you cannot stand on your original hands total; you’re going to be given an additional card by the dealer. When doubling down, a player turns over his cards if dealt face down, and puts out a bet equal to the original bet. When the cards have been dealt face up, he simply puts out an additional bet.
Surrender
Surrender is when a player forfeits half his original bet in the event that he doesn’t want to play the hand against the dealer.
Insurance
When the dealer’s upcard is an ace and before he sees at his hole card the players are given a chance to insure their bets. The dealer will ask the players if they want Insurance and the players may bet up to half of their original bet that the dealer has a 10-value card in the hole.
If the dealer has a blackjack, the insurance bet wins, and is paid off at 2-1, but the original bet loses, it becomes a standoff. Essentially, the insurance bet is a wager that the dealer has a potential blackjack. If he has one, the bet wins. If he doesn’t have a 10-value card in the hole, the insurance bet is immediately lost and taken away and the game continues.
