WHAT IS BLACKJACK?

Blackjack is one of the most popular games in American casinos.  The object of blackjack is to have a hand that has a total value close or equal to 21, without going over.

Players and the dealer begin with two cards each.  Each player requests additional cards until she is either (a) satisfied with the value of her hand, or (b) goes over 21 and busts.

The total value of each hand is determined by adding up the point values for each card in the hand.  Each card has a specific value that's easy to learn and follow.

Cards 2-10		Equal to the number printed on the card.
Face Cards		All face cards have a value of 10.
Aces			Aces can be equal to either 1 or 11.

Although many players may be seated at the same blackjack table, each player plays only against the dealer, and no one else.    To beat the dealer, the total value of a player's hand must be closer to 21, without going over, than the total value of the dealer's hand.


GAMEPLAY AND CONTROLS

Each hand of Bicycle Blackjack follows the same progression of events:
1.	Each hand begins with a bet.  Once the player bets by clicking one of the betting buttons or by clicking the appropriate chips, the dealer deals the player two cards.
2.	Once the player receives cards, the player can choose to hit, stand, double, split or surrender based on the strength of her hand and what upcard the dealer is showing.  The dealer will offer the player insurance if the dealer shows an ace as an upcard.
3.	Once the player has acted, the dealer plays his hand and a winner is determined.
4.	Bets are collected or paid off.  The player must again bet to begin a new hand.

All play and bet options can be accessed by using the Play menu or by clicking one of the play buttons at the bottom of the screen.  You may find that the play buttons are easier and faster to use than the choices under the Play menu.

Hit/Draw -- Clicking the Hit button hits the player's hand.

Stand -- Clicking the Stand button indicates to the dealer that the player wishes to stand and does not want any more cards.

Double Down -- Clicking the Double Down button automatically doubles down for the player.  The player's bet is doubled, and the player automatically receives only one more card from the dealer.

Split -- Clicking the Split button splits the player's hand and automatically bets the necessary amount of money on the new hand.

Surrender -- Clicking the Surrender button automatically surrenders the player's hand.  Only 1/2 of the player's original bet is forfeited, but the player gives up all chances of winning the hand.

Insurance -- If the dealer shows an ace as his upcard, he will offer the player insurance.  Clicking Yes in the Insurance box indicates to the dealer that the player wants to buy insurance against a dealer blackjack.  Clicking No in this box indicates that the player does not want insurance.  An insurance bet pays winning bets at 2 to 1.

Minimum Bet -- Clicking the Minimum Bet button bets the minimum betting unit for that hand.

Double Bet -- Clicking the Double Bet button bets double the player's minimum betting unit.

Triple Bet -- Clicking the Triple Bet button bets triple the player's minimum betting unit.

Quadruple Bet -- Clicking the Quadruple Bet button bets quadruple the player's minimum betting unit.

Maximum Bet -- Clicking the Maximum Bet button bets the maximum bet for the table.


BICYCLE BLACKJACK OPTIONS

Use the choices under the Options menu to change these options.

Sound Effects -- When this option is selected (checked), sounds will play during the game.


RULES OF THE GAME

OBJECT OF THE GAME
The object of blackjack is to beat the dealer.  Although up to seven players may be seated at a blackjack table, each player plays her hand against only the dealer's hand, and no one else's.  To beat the dealer, a player must a) get a higher valued hand than the dealer without going over 21, or b) the dealer must go over 21 and bust while the player has a hand that totals less than 21.  These are the only two ways to beat the dealer in blackjack.  If the dealer has a hand that is higher than the player's (but less than 21), or if the player busts, the player loses and the dealer wins.

CARD VALUES
Cards are worth their face values, and face cards are all worth 10 points each.  Aces can be worth either 1 or 11 points, making them the most powerful cards in the deck.  If a player receives an ace and a ten card as her first two cards, it is called a blackjack or a natural, and the player automatically wins at a 3 to 2 payoff, unless the dealer also has blackjack.

THE DEAL
At the beginning of each hand, the dealer deals out one card to each player and himself, all face down.  The dealer then deals another card to each player, also face down, and then deals one upcard to himself.  Once two cards have been dealt to all players and the dealer, play begins.

In most games that involve 4 or more decks, all cards are dealt face up from a shoe, with the exception of the dealer's hole card.  This dealing policy does not hurt the player at all and speeds up the game.  In these games, the players need not touch their cards at all.

The player to the dealer's left, also called the first baseman, begins play.  This player must make a decision to hit or stand based on the strength of her hand and the strength of the dealer's upcard.  The player also has the option to double down, split, surrender (in some casinos) or, if the dealer shows an ace as an upcard, buy insurance.  Once the first baseman plays her hand and either stands or busts, play continues and the next player acts on her hand.  After the last player, or third baseman, plays her hand, the dealer turns over his downcard and plays his hand.  The dealer plays and is limited by strict rules.  He must hit on a total of 16 or less, and stand on a total of 17 or more, regardless of what cards the players hold.  Although these rules appear to place the dealer at a severe disadvantage, they do not.  Since all players act before the dealer, if the dealer busts, only those players who have not busted win.  This fact more than makes up for any limiting rules imposed on the dealer.

ADDITIONAL RULES
Blackjack for the player pays 3 to 2 on any bet.

Any time a player and the dealer have hands of equal value, it's called a push.  Neither wins and the dealer collects no money from that player.  This also holds true when the dealer and player both have blackjack.

Insurance is limited to 1/2 of the original bet and pays 2 to 1.

Players may split any 2 cards of the same value.

Games are generally played with 4 to 8 decks.

Players can split aces, but some casinos allow them only one additional card per ace.


SPECIFIC CASINO RULES
Rules for blackjack vary from casino to casino.  Although the basics remain the same, some casinos attempt to increase their margins by limiting a player's betting and playing options.  When choosing a casino, you should look for one that offers the most liberal options.  It is possible to find quite a few of these casinos in downtown Las Vegas, and you would be wise to check out several different casinos before laying down any hard-earned money.  However, finding liberal casinos in Atlantic City can be difficult or impossible, because all Atlantic City casinos are regulated by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission.

The following areas have casino rules that differ slightly from each other:

Vegas Strip
Vegas Strip refers to a strip of large casinos and hotels in Las Vegas.  The largest casinos in Vegas are on the Strip, and these include Bally's, Caesar's Palace and the MGM Grand.  Here are some common rules for casinos on the Strip:

--Dealer stands on hands that total 17, hard or soft.  This is favorable to the player.

--Player may double down at any time and on any hand (limited to one additional card).  This is favorable to the player.

--Player can resplit if a card of the same value is received again.  This is favorable to the player.

--Player can surrender only on a two-card hand.  This is the only way the surrender option is available.

--Player can double down after splitting.  This is favorable to the player.

--Most dealers do not check their hole cards when showing a ten card as an upcard.  This is unfavorable to the player.

Downtown Vegas
Downtown Vegas includes most of the smaller, privately owned casinos where the rules vary and are more flexible.  Downtown Las Vegas is also about the only place in the United States where a player can find a single deck game of blackjack.  The rules in downtown Vegas are basically the same as the Las Vegas Strip rules, except:

--Dealer hits all soft 17s.  This is unfavorable to the player.

--The surrender option is rarely offered and almost never posted.  This is unfavorable to the player.

--Only a few casinos offer a double down after a split.  This is unfavorable to the player.

--A few casinos allow the player to resplit aces.  This is favorable to the player.

Northern Nevada
Northern Nevada includes places like Reno and Lake Tahoe.  These cities have the most unfavorable rules in Nevada.  Differences from the Las Vegas Strip include:

--Dealer must hit all soft 17s.  This is unfavorable to the player.

--The player can only double down on hands that total 10 or 11.  This is unfavorable to the player.

--Some casinos in Reno don't offer insurance.  This is very unfavorable to the player.

Atlantic City
Atlantic city casinos are all regulated by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission.  Although this sounds good, it ends up limiting a player's choices and options.  Here are the basics on Atlantic City casinos:

--Dealer stands on all hands that total 17.  This is favorable to the player.

--All games are played with either 6 or 8 decks.  This is unfavorable to the player.

--Generally, 8 decks are used on tables that have a minimum bet under $25.  This is unfavorable to the player.

--Generally, 6 decks are used on tables that have a minimum bet over $25.  This is unfavorable to the player.

--At $3, $5 and $10 tables, $500 is the maximum bet.  This is unfavorable to the player.

--At $25 and $100 tables, $5000 is the maximum bet.  This is unfavorable to the player.

--Player cannot resplit after splitting.  This is unfavorable to the player.

--Dealer is not allowed to check his hole card until all players act on their hands.  This is unfavorable to the player.


A PLAYER'S OPTIONS
Because of the way the rules of blackjack are set up, the player has few advantages over the casino.  One of the player's advantages over the casino is a choice of options.  These options include:

Hitting and Standing -- Hitting and Standing are the most frequently used player options.  To hit means to request another card.  To stand means to decline another card and keep the present cards.  If you know when to hit and when to stand, you've learned half the knowledge necessary to become a good blackjack player.

Doubling Down -- Doubling down refers to the player's option to double the present bet.  Players who double down believe they can win because they have a stronger hand than the dealer.  The player may only double down once on a single hand, and by doubling down, the player limits herself to only one additional card on that hand.

Splitting a Hand -- Splitting a hand refers to the player's option to split an equal pair of cards, such as two 8's, and play each card as a separate hand.  Ten value cards, such as 10's, Jacks, Queens and Kings, are all considered pairs for splitting purposes.  When a player splits a hand, an additional bet (equal to the original bet) must be placed on the newly created hand.

Surrender -- Although not available in all casinos, the surrender option is just what it sounds like:  a way for the player to surrender her hand.  A player signals surrender if she believes that the dealer's hand is, in comparison to her own hand, unbeatable.  By surrendering, the player gives up all chances of winning the hand, but forfeits only half of her original bet.  A player can only surrender on a two card hand.  Once the player requests an additional card (hit for a 3-card hand), the surrender option is no longer available.

Insurance -- If the dealer's upcard is an ace, the dealer will offer the player insurance.  If the player believes that the dealer has blackjack (an ace, 10 combination), the player should opt to insure.  The insurance bet is limited to half of the original bet, but pays 2 to 1 if the dealer has blackjack.  If the dealer does not have blackjack, the player loses the insurance bet and play continues.

The most important concept for winning at blackjack is knowing the odds on each and every hand.  When a player knows the odds, she knows when to double, split, surrender or insure.  By knowing when to use these options, a smart player can nearly even the overall odds with the casino.  Combine a simple card counting method with a knowledge of the odds, and the player suddenly has a distinct advantage over the casino.


COUNTING CARDS
Card Counting is not against the law, but it is against casino rules.  You can save yourself a lot of headaches by not getting caught, so our advice to you is this:  play smart!

Here's the bottom line:  If you learn how to count cards, you can win at blackjack.  It's that simple.  However, to most people, card counting systems seem complex and complicated.  These people think that it takes genius to count cards.  They're wrong.  If you can add and subtract, you can count cards.  All it takes is a willingness to learn and some practice.

Basically, the card counting system taught by Bicycle Blackjack will enable you to keep track of the low cards and ten cards in the deck.  Keeping track of the low and ten cards allows you to determine when the deck is positive or negative.  When the deck is positive, you'll want to increase your bet because your chances of winning increase.  When the deck is negative, you'll want to decrease your bet because your chances of losing increase.

The basic card counting system works because it normalizes a 52-card deck by assigning a point value to each card in the deck.

Card			Point Value

2, 3, 4, 5, 6		+1

7, 8, 9			  0

10, Jack, Queen
King, Ace		 -1


Using the above chart, you can see that there are 20 low cards (5 cards x 4 suits = +20) and 20 ten cards (5 cards x 4 suits = -20) in each 52-card deck.  Adding these two values together makes the total value of a 52-card deck equal to 0.

Simple card counting doesn't require you to keep track of all the individual cards.  All you have to do is keep track of the ratio of ten cards to low cards.  As cards are dealt in a game, you keep track of the remaining cards in the deck deck by adding 1 or subtracting 1 to or from a running card count.  Once you understand that card counting involves simple ratios, it's not so bad.

Here's an example of simple card counting:

NOTE:  At the beginning of each new deck, the card count returns to 0.

In a single deck game, after shuffling the deck, the dealer deals the following cards:

Player's hand:	3, 5
Dealer's hand:	downcard, 4

Using the simple point count system, we can see that the deck now stands at a value of +3.  Here's why.  The player holds two low cards (3 and 5, each valued at +1), for a total value of +2.  The dealer holds a single card that the player can see (4, valued at +1) for a total value of +1.  By adding the two together, we see that the deck (this includes the dealer's downcard) now has a value of +3.  This means that there are 3 more ten cards left in the deck than low cards.  This situation is also called tens-rich or positive.  The player in this situation should double down in anticipation of a big payoff, because the chances that she is going to get a ten card are greater than normal (a balanced deck).

Computer studies have shown that when the remaining cards in the deck or shoe are made up of more ten cards than low cards, the deck is positive.  When the deck is positive, the player will, on average, receive more winning hands than losing hands.  So, in positive situations, the player should bet more on each hand because the chances of winning are greater.  Computer studies have also shown that when the remaining cards in the deck or shoe are made up of more low cards than ten cards, the deck is negative.  When the deck is negative, the player should bet the minimum because the chances of losing are greater.

Here's a chart that shows you what amount you should bet given the card count for the remaining cards in the shoe or deck:

Card Count		Suggested Bet

-1 or lower		minimum

0			minimum

+1			double

+2			triple

+3			quadruple

+4 or more		so on


The minimum, double, triple, etc., refer to multiples of your betting unit.  For example, you may decide that your betting unit is equal to the table minimum.  Therefore on a $5 table your betting unit would be $5.  So, if the card count were equal to +2, you would bet $15, or triple your betting unit, on your next hand.

When in Training Mode, Bicycle Blackjack follows the above rules when it displays the Recommended Action button.  Simply click this button to automatically bet the recommended amount.

Now that you understand the simple point count system, we'll adjust the system so that it takes into account multiple deck games.

The simple card counting method is fine for single deck games.  But if you play in multiple deck games (most casinos), you are facing many, many more cards.  Instead of a single deck game (52 cards), you may be playing a six deck game (312 cards).  Obviously, the greater the number of decks, the less each dealt card affects the remaining cards in the deck or shoe.  Here's an example:

In a six deck game, the dealer deals the following cards after he shuffles up:

Player's hand:	3, 5
Dealer's hand:	downcard, 4

In a single deck game, we would say that the deck now stands at +3, a very positive situation for the player.  However, since there are 309 cards still left to be played in this six deck game, the cards dealt (3 cards is only 1% of the cards left in the shoe) have had a relatively small effect on the remaining cards in the shoe.  Therefore, a six deck shoe that has a value of +3 is far less powerful than a single deck that has a value of +3.  So, in order to counteract this situation, we use a divisor to come up with a true card count.

The true card count is a card count that takes into account the number of decks used in the game.  To get your own true card count, you first need to come up with a divisor.  The divisor is equal to the number of quarter decks left in the shoe.  We use quarter decks rather than full decks to get a more accurate picture of the remaining cards in the deck or shoe.  You can estimate the number of quarter decks that remain in the shoe by either eyeballing the shoe or by keeping track of the total number of cards dealt during the game.

To get an accurate estimate of the total number of cards dealt in a game, multiply 3 by the number of players, plus the dealer, at the table.  This gives you a total for the number of cards dealt during each round of play.  Use this total to figure out what part of a deck each round represents.

For example, if there are 3 players plus the dealer, a total of 12 cards will be dealt per round (4 x 3 = 12).  This is just about one quarter of one deck (1/4 of 52-card deck = 13 cards).  So, in a three player game, you know that an average of about one quarter of one deck of cards is dealt for every round of play.

Let's apply this 3 player situation to a six deck game.  In a six deck game, the game begins with 24 quarter decks (312 cards) remaining in the shoe.  For every round played, one quarter deck (12 cards) is removed from the shoe.  So, after 12 rounds, there are about 12 quarter decks left in the shoe (1/2 of the shoe).  If the running count were at +4, the true count (the count we get by using our divisor) would really be 1/3 or .333 (+4 divided by 12).  The true count is what you should use to calculate your bets.

You can see that it's important for you to know how many decks are being used in the game before you start to play.  Obviously, the fewer decks used, the easier it is to count cards.  To practice counting cards, start with a single deck, one player game on Bicycle Blackjack.  This will get you accustomed to adding and subtracting card values quickly.  Once you get good at counting in single deck games, move up to two, then four, then six, and finally eight deck games.


BETTING AND MONEY MANAGEMENT
Betting and money management is one of the most important aspects of winning at blackjack.  If you don't have self control and patience, you will not win consistently at blackjack.  Many players blow what is left in their pockets because they have to get on the bus in five minutes.

The best way to bet at blackjack is to use a betting unit.  You can select the betting unit that's right for you based on how much money you have to gamble with.  Here's a good rule of thumb:  you should be able to lose 50 times your minimum betting unit at one sitting.  That means that if your minimum betting unit is $5, you should have a total bankroll of at least $250 to gamble with.  If you can't afford to lose $250, then you shouldn't be betting with a $5 unit.

If you're counting cards, here's how you should bet based on the current card count:

Card Count		Bet

-1 or lower		1 unit

0			1 unit

+1			2 units

+2			3 units

+3 or more		4 units


From time to time you will run into a long string of poor hands.  If you're playing a $5 minimum betting unit, and you lose all of your $250 bankroll, get up from the table and leave.  Take a break.  Walk around.  Get something to eat.  If you wish to continue playing, go to another table or casino.  But only do so if you've planned on it.  Don't gamble with money you don't have, and don't bet money you really need.  Many players go to the casino planning to bet with $250, and instead lose $1000 because they didn't know when to quit.  These people are gamblers, and the difference between players and gamblers is this:  gamblers feel the only way to win is to get lucky; players know that in the long run they will win, but that sometimes they will also lose.  Remember, even the experts lose money.  The key is to win more than you lose so you come out on top.


DEALING WITH THE CASINO
Tipping the dealer is probably the most important part of dealing with casino employees.  The most common and wrong way to tip is to give the dealer a tip at the end of a session.  Why is it wrong?  Although you have thanked the dealer by tipping, you've blown any chance of being treated well during that session.  Since tipping is a gesture of appreciation, you should do it while you are playing.  Some players do this after every winning hand.  Still others tip the dealer by placing an additional small wager on some hands and giving the dealer the winnings of that small wager.  Whatever your preferred method, don't forget to tip the dealer.  Although there's nothing that says you must tip the dealer, you should if want to receive good service.  However, if the dealer is mean, nasty, rude or just plain awful, don't tip the dealer.  If you have problems, find the floorman and complain.  Remember, you are the guest and have a right to be treated well.

The floorman is the most important person you will deal with in a casino.  The floorman is the person who will watch you to see if you're counting cards.  Since the casinos reserve the right to bar anyone they choose from playing blackjack, it's wise to be nice.  Don't ever joke about cheating or counting cards.  Casinos don't like jokers and may bar you just for mentioning it.  If nothing else, joking around will draw unnecessary attention from casino employees.


STARTING A NEW GAME
Starting a new game deletes all current statistics and chip information.  When you first start Bicycle Blackjack, a new game begins automatically.

To start a new game of Bicycle Blackjack:
From the Game menu, choose New.
Bicycle Blackjack will shuffle the cards and change your bankroll back to $500.


BETTING
Players bet in blackjack by using casino chips.  Each chip has a different monetary value.

silver chip	= $.50

white chip	= $1

red chip	= $5

blue chip	= $25

purple chip	= $100

In casinos, players can play with cash, but all bets are paid off with chips.  In Bicycle Blackjack, all bets are made and paid with chips.

To place a bet in Bicycle Blackjack:
Click one of the Bet buttons located at the bottom of the screen.


STRATEGY OF PLAY

HIT VS. STAND STRATEGY
Knowing when to hit and stand is one of the most important aspects of blackjack.  Even if you never plan to count cards or become more than a casual player, you will lose less if you know when to hit and when to stand.


DOUBLE DOWN STRATEGY
When you choose to double down and you don't get a high value card, you'll probably kick yourself.  It would be great if you knew for sure when to double down and when not to.  In fact, you would beat the dealer more often if you never doubled down at all.  But you'd end up winning less money.  Why?  By never doubling down, you'd never give yourself the chance to double your bet in a positive situation.  Doubling your bet in a positive situation gives you a decided edge against the casino.  It's better to win a smaller proportion of the good hands at twice your normal bet than it is to win a larger proportion of the good hands at only your normal bet.


SPLITTING STRATEGY
Splitting hands is tricky business and shouldn't be entered into lightly.  You might have heard the phrase "Always split aces and eights, never split tens or fives."  Here's why it's true.

A pair of aces, i.e., a soft twelve, isn't that great a hand.  However, since the ace is the most powerful card in the deck, if the first card of your hand is an ace, you have a pretty good chance of ending up with a winning hand.  There's about a 30 percent chance that you'll end up with 21 (i.e., get a ten card as your second card), and an even greater chance that you'll end up with a strong hand.

A pair of eights is only good for a 16, a lousy hand in any game.  By splitting the eights, you increase your chances of bettering your hand.

Two tens makes for a hand of 20, one of the best hands in blackjack.  Why split a strong hand and settle for two almost guaranteed weaker hands?

Two fives makes a hand of ten.  Since there are more ten cards in the deck than any other card, you have a pretty good chance of getting another ten card on the very next card.  Why split your decent hand of 20 and end up with the potential for two hands of 15?


INSURANCE STRATEGY FOR NON CARD COUNTERS
Buying insurance sounds great, but it's usually a waste of money.  NEVER INSURE UNLESS YOU ARE COUNTING CARDS.  Many casino employees and blackjack players will tell you to always insure, especially when you have blackjack.  Don't believe them!  Let's take a look at why.

If you have blackjack, and the dealer is showing an ace, he will ask you if you want insurance.  The insurance bet seems like a safe bet, for a couple of reasons:
1.	First, since the insurance bet pays 2 to 1, and blackjack for the player pays 3 to 2, even if the dealer has blackjack, the player wins an amount equal to her original bet (blackjacks push, insurance pays 2 to 1 on 1/2 of the original bet).
2.	Second, if the dealer doesn't have blackjack, the player loses the insurance bet (1/2 of her original bet), but still wins 3 to 2 on the blackjack, so the player again wins an amount equal to her original bet.

These two situations make the insurance bet sound pretty good, i.e., a win-win situation.  However, the statistics don't prove this to be true.  Here's why.  For you to break even on an insurance bet (pays 2 to 1), you need to win 33% of the time.  For the dealer to have blackjack with an ace showing, he needs to have a ten card as his hole card.  The chances of that happening on a balanced deck are about 31% (16 ten cards for every 52 card deck).  Since the dealer's chances of having blackjack are less than the percentage you need for an even return on your money, you will end up losing money in the long run if you take the insurance bet.

If you insure when you have blackjack, the percentage difference increases.  You end up giving away around a 4% winning margin to the dealer.  You will beat the dealer more often (combined blackjack and insurance wins), but since you'll win less each time you beat the dealer, you will end up giving away your 3 to 2 advantage.


INSURANCE STRATEGY FOR CARD COUNTERS
If you're counting cards, you know when the deck is tens-rich and when it isn't.  When the remaining cards in the deck or shoe are tens-rich, the insurance bet can become quite profitable.  Remember, it only takes a small change in the odds to make the insurance bet a favorable situation for you.

Here's when you should insure when you are counting cards:
1.	Insure when the true count is +3 or greater.  Since +3 indicates a tens-rich shoe, an insurance bet in this case becomes more likely to pay off.
2.	For a single deck game, insure when the true count is +2 or greater.


SURRENDER STRATEGY
Players often say "Why would anyone want to just GIVE the casino 1/2 of her money, without even putting up a fight?"  The answer is simple.  On certain hands, against certain upcards, a player is likely to lose the hand over 75% of the time.  One of the big secrets to blackjack success is knowing when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em.


[HOW TO SIGNAL YOUR PLAY IN A CASINO]

HOW TO SIGNAL HIT IN A CASINO
In casinos where the cards are dealt face up, a player signals hit by pointing to her cards or by moving her finger tips towards her in a "give me another one" motion.

In casinos where the cards are dealt face down, a player signals hit by scraping the edges of the cards across the table towards her.  Players can also signal a hit by saying "hit me," although in crowded, noisy casinos, this isn't recommended.


HOW TO SIGNAL STAND IN A CASINO
In casinos where the cards are dealt face up, a player signals stand by waving her hand, palm down, over her cards.

In casinos where the cards are dealt face down, a player signals stand by placing the edges of her cards under her chips.  The player does not move or touch the chips with her hands.


HOW TO SIGNAL DOUBLE DOWN IN A CASINO
In casinos where the cards are dealt face up, a player signals double down by placing a new bet (equal to the original bet) next to the first bet.  The dealer will understand that this action means that the player wants to double down.  Also, the player can say "double" or "double down" before the dealer deals her any additional cards.

In casinos where the cards are dealt face down, a player signals a double down by placing a new bet (equal to the original bet) next to the first bet when she turns over her hole card.  Also, the player can say "double" or "double down" as she turns over her hole card.


HOW TO SIGNAL SPLIT IN A CASINO
In casinos where the cards are dealt face up, a player signals a split by placing a new bet (equal to the original bet) next to one of the split cards.  The player also can say "split" so as to make her meaning clear, although placing a new bet next to one card usually is enough.

In casinos where the cards are dealt face down, a player signals split only after she turns over her hole card.


HOW TO SIGNAL SURRENDER IN A CASINO
In casinos where surrender is an option, a player says "surrender" to the dealer to indicate that she wishes to surrender.  A player may only surrender on a two card hand.  Once the player receives additional cards, she may not surrender.


HOW TO SIGNAL INSURANCE IN A CASINO
When the dealer is showing an ace as an upcard, the dealer will ask players if they want insurance.

To signal insurance, a player simply places a new bet (equal to half of the original bet) next to the original bet.

To decline insurance, a player simply places no new bet in response to the dealer's question.


GLOSSARY

anchor man -- Also called the third baseman.  This player sits to the dealer's immediate right and is the last player to act before the dealer.

bar -- A casino's way of not allowing a player (presumably a card-counter) to play blackjack at that casino.  Also, a place frequented by many losing blackjack players.

bet -- To place a wager in a game of chance.  Also, the amount of the wager.

betting unit -- A monetary unit set by the player.  This unit is often equal to the table minimum.  Many players use multiples of their betting unit to control how much they bet in positive and negative situations.

blackjack -- The name of the game, or twenty-one.  Also, a winning hand that consists of an ace and a ten card.

burn a card -- After the deck has been shuffled and cut, the dealer "burns" the top card by placing it face-up at the bottom of the deck or by putting it, unseen, in a plastic case.

bust -- To hit a hand so as to have a total that is over 21.

bust card -- A 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 when it is the dealer's upcard.  Statistically, these cards make it more likely that the dealer will bust.

bust hand -- Refers to a player's hand that totals 12-16.  Statistically, these hands are likely to bust if hit.

card counter -- A player who keeps track of cards played in order to predict future hands or cards that will be dealt.

casino -- A place where gambling is allowed.

counting cards -- To keep track of different kinds of cards in the deck in order to predict future hands or cards that will be dealt.

dealer -- An employee of the casino who deals the cards, collects and pays-off bets, and controls the blackjack table.

deck -- One single and complete deck that consists of 52 cards.  Also, the remaining cards in a shoe.

divisor -- A number used to normalize a multiple deck shoe when counting cards.  This number is equal to the number of quarter decks left in the shoe.

double down -- To double a bet during a hand of blackjack.  A player has the option to double down after receiving the first two cards of a hand.  After the player doubles down, she automatically receives only one additional card.

downcard -- Of the first two cards dealt to the dealer, the one that is dealt face down.  Also called a hole card.

draw a card -- Also referred to as hit.  To request an additional card so as to add to the total of a hand.

even money -- Refers to a payoff that is equal to the amount bet.  For example, if a player wagers $5 in an even money situation, she will win $5 if she wins the bet.

face cards -- Picture cards, i.e., Jacks, Queens and Kings.  Also called paint.

first baseman -- This player sits to the dealer's immediate left and is the first player to act during a round of play.

hand -- The first two cards dealt to a player or the dealer.  Also, the final cards held by the player or the dealer.

hard total -- Any total that does not include an ace that is counted as an eleven.  For example, a hand of 9, 4 and a hand of 10, 2, ace are both equal to a a hard total of 13.

hit -- Also referred to as drawing a card.  To request an additional card so as to add to the total of a player's hand.

hit me -- A term used by players to indicate they want another card.  In most casinos, this request is done by scraping the cards towards the player.

hole card -- The downcard or "unseen" card that's held by the dealer.

insurance -- An option given to players when the dealer holds an ace as an upcard.  An insurance bet pays 2 to 1 if the dealer has blackjack.

low card -- All 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s and 6s.  These cards are worth their face values and count as +1 when counting cards.

multiple deck -- A blackjack game played with more than one 52-card deck.

natural -- Also called a blackjack.  A hand that consists of an ace and a ten card.

negative -- A term used to describe the negative condition of the remaining cards in the deck or shoe.

paint -- A picture or face card, i.e., a Jack, Queen or King.

positive -- A term used to describe the positive condition of the remaining cards in the deck or shoe.

push -- A tie between the dealer and the player, i.e., a situation where both the dealer and the player have the same value hand.  Neither the player nor dealer wins, and no money is collected or paid-off.

quarter deck -- A quarter deck is equal to one quarter of one 52-card deck (13 cards).  Quarter decks are used when counting cards.

reshuffle -- Also called shuffling up.  To shuffle the cards so as to randomize them.

resplit -- To split a hand again after receiving a card of the same type.  If a player has a pair of 8s, splits them, and then receives another eight, some casinos will allow the player to resplit the new pair of 8s.

round -- A complete series where all the players and the dealer act upon their cards.

running card count -- The running card count refers to the actual number of ten-value and low cards dealt during a game.  The running count may not accurately describe the condition of a multiple deck shoe because it does not take into account the number of cards that remain in the shoe.

shoe -- A box that holds multiple decks and that facilitates fast dealing.

shuffle point -- The point at which the dealer reshuffles the cards in the deck or shoe.  This point is marked by a colored plastic card that is placed, by the dealer or a player, about 70-75% into the shoe.

shuffle up -- Also called reshuffling.  To shuffle the cards so as to randomize them.

single-deck game -- A game of blackjack that is played with only one 52-card deck.

snapper -- A slang term for a blackjack.

soft hand -- Any hand that contains an ace that is counted as an 11.  The value of this hand is also called a soft total.  For example, an ace, 7 is a soft hand that has a soft total of 18.

soft total -- The total value of a hand that contains an ace when the ace is counted as 11.  For example, an ace, 7 is said to have a soft total of 18.

split -- To take a single hand that consists of two equal cards (such as 8, 8) and make it into two separate hands.  A new bet, equal to the original bet, must be placed on the newly created hand.  Cards are drawn to each hand, and each hand is played separately.  The advantage is that the player can play two hands and therefore increase the her chances of winning.  Ten cards are considered pairs for splitting purposes.

splitting a hand -- When a player receives two cards of equal value (such as 8, 8), the player may opt to split the hand and play each card as a separate hand.  Ten cards are considered pairs for splitting purposes.

stand -- To stand pat.  To refuse or not request additional cards for a hand.

stiff -- Also called a stiff hand.  A hand having a hard total of between 12 and 16 that is likely to bust if hit.

stiff hand -- Also referred to as a stiff.  A hand having a hard total of between 12 and 16 that is likely to bust if hit.

surrender -- To fold in blackjack.  When a player exercises the surrender option, she gives up all chances of winning the hand, but by doing so she loses only 1/2 of her original bet.

tens-rich -- Refers to the condition of the remaining cards in the shoe.  A tens-rich shoe has more ten cards than low cards.

ten card -- All 10s, jacks, queens and kings.  Each card has a value of ten and counts as -1 when counting cards.

third baseman -- Also called the anchor man.  This player sits to the dealer's immediate right and is the last player to act before the dealer.

true card count -- The true card count refers to the overall condition of the cards that remain in the shoe.  The true count takes into account the running card count and the number of cards that remain in the shoe.

twenty-one -- Another name for the game of blackjack.

two-card hand -- A hand that consists of only the first two cards dealt to the player.

upcard -- Of the first two cards dealt to the dealer, the one that is dealt face up.

3 to 2 -- Refers to the payoff when a player has blackjack.  In effect, the player gets 1.5 times the amount of the bet.  So, if the player's bet were $5, the payoff at 3 to 2 would be $7.50.

2 to 1 -- Refers to the odds on an insurance bet.  In effect, the player gets 2 times the amount of the bet.  So, if the player's insurance bet were $10, the payoff at 2 to 1 would be $20.
