The rules in Blackjack are very straight forward and simple. That is how it may appear at first, however, there are many options the player has to choose from when playing a hand in Blackjack, and these can make the difference between winning, or even doubling your win, and losing.

For example, once both the player and the house has been dealt two cards, the player has a few choices. They can stay, if they believe their hand to be the closest they can get to twenty one without going over; they can hit, to get another card to increase their total towards the goal of twenty one, or they can “double down”. Doubling down is when the player will double their initial bet, and then take one more hit from the dealer, and then will stand, regardless of the outcome. This is for confident players with a sure fire hand and no doubt in their mind. The next card needs to raise them towards twenty one without busting, and the wining, if successful, is double!

Another option is if the player has a pair, at which time you can split the cards and make two separate hands. This isn’t always available.