Know When to Stand and When to Hit
A lot of novice blackjack players have a difficult time when it comes to deciding to split a pair or double down when the situation occurs. This is commonly referred to as standing or taking a hit. Since this decision is not as difficult as one may think lets learn a little about the situation and what can happen.
In Blackjack, the player's first key decision starts whether there is a pair or not. Of which he may decide to split or not. If there is no pair, the play may opt for a double down depending on the total on the cards since doubling down means you wont bust it also means only one card.
If the player decides to split a pair they will play one of the cards out before playing the other one. The player needs to realize that they are now playing two hands and not one so the betting is also doubled. If a pair of aces is split the player will only receive one card on each ace and no more.
When the occasion occurs to double down the player is afforded the opportunity to take one card on usually a 10 or 11 count but will only receive one card. They have the chance to win double their bet but must remember they will only receive one card. This is a great opportunity to make double the money on your hand without risking betting additional chips.
The hard standing number for a certain dealer's up card is simply the smallest total you can stand on against. If the dealer shows a 7 up card, then your standing number is 17. If confronted with 16 or less in most experts will recommend drawing an additional card. When the up card is a 6 for the dealer many times players will stand on hands 12 and up and not risk busting since the dealer has to hit 16 and below they prefer the dealer take the chance and not themselves. This often backfires when the dealer down card is a five or less.
So if when a player receives a pair the player should learn the risks involved and play them as a split sometimes. Also, look at what the dealers show card is. If it looks like most likely he will need to take a hit splitting is a good option for the dealer may bust. This is when a player has the fortunate opportunity to gain additional chips. If a pair of aces is received it is strongly recommended that splitting the aces is the right course of action. Caution again if the dealer is showing a face card. Since aces only allow one card on each ace the chances of the dealer winning are much higher.
Doubling down is also much the same. Remember to pay attention to the dealers up card and remember only one card will be received.