During the game of blackjack there are going to be times when you are dealt two cards with the same denomination, such as a pair of two’s or ten’s. Most, if not all, casinos will allow you to put up an extra bet and split the cards. During this article I’m going to tell you the seven rules of playing blackjack to ensure that you win no matter what happens.
When you have two cards of the same number, for example two threes or two seven’s, it is always going to benefit the dealer to draw out a card which matches your two cards. He doesn’t need to match yours! This is because as soon as he draws out a card he will beat you regardless of the two cards.
The situation is slightly different if you have two cards of the same rank. For example two eights or two six’s means he can only draw out a card equal to or lower than your two cards. Therefore if you have two cards of the same rank, and the table allows a four bet, then it will be spun twice as fast for the four versus two payout.
Payout times will vary from casino to casino, so you will have to find out which ones you are most comfortable with.
However, there are some guidelines to follow when playing. You can’t split if:
You have no pair and the dealer has an ace up card – this is called “twos-face”
You have a pair and the dealer has an ace up card – this is called “ace-ace”
You have a pair and the dealer has a ten face – this is called a “snake eyes”
You have a pair and the dealer has a ten face – this is called a “pot ride”
If you have a pair and the dealer has a face card – this is called a “quarters”
You have a pair and the dealer has a face card – this is called a “half moon”
You have a pair and the dealer has a face card – this is called a “full moon”
If the dealer has an ace and a face card – this is called “past the flush” or “the slide”.
If the dealer has an ace and a face card – this is called “the squeeze” or “the button”.
If the dealer has a 10 and a face card – this is called a “blackjack”
If the dealer has a 9 and a face card – this is called a “natural blackjack”
If the dealer has a 8 and a face card – this is called a “blackjack”
The payout for blackjack depends on the type of table action, as well as the actual bet placed. You will have to read the rules card or ask if you can take double down or stay. The other option is to surrender, which means that the dealer will check the next card for a free card.