HIT

» If you hit, you will be dealt an additional card that will add to your hand value.

STAND

» If you stand, you're not dealt any additional cards, and your hand value remains the same.

SPLIT

» Splitting happens when you are dealt a pair. When your first two cards are a pair, you can split your existing hand into two separate hands. Each hand will be accompanied by a bet that's equal to your original wager. (Tip: Don't ever split 10s, 4s or 5s. Split aces and 8s, always).

DOUBLE DOWN

» Doubling down means that you are doubling your wager. If, after you are dealt your first two cards, you think that the third card will allow you to beat the dealer’s hand, you can double your bet. In this situation, you announce that you are doubling down, and you're only dealt one additional card.

INSURANCE

» If the dealer shows an Ace in his initial hand, you are given a chance to insure your bet against him having a Blackjack. If you get Insurance, an amount equal to half your original bet is placed separately on the table. If the dealer does have Blackjack, you are paid 2 to 1 on your insurance. This way you do not lose your original bet (because you get the 2x half your original bet, plus the insurance amount back). If the dealer does not have Blackjack, you lose the insurance amount, even if you end up losing.

Blackjack Strategy Tip No. 1: Give the Dealer a Chance to Bust

» If the dealer has a 4, 5, or 6 showing, you don't want to be hitting unless you have a "soft" hand (one that cannot be busted with an additional card). These cards give the dealer the biggest chance to bust, which is highly favorable to you. In fact, in many situations, you will want to double or split your hand to get more money in action in the likely event that the dealer busts.

Basic Strategy Tip No. 2: Hard Hands

» If you hold a hard 17 or higher, you do not want to hit, even if the dealer's up card is higher than yours. Your chances of busting are too great. Even though a ten point card is more likely the dealer's down card than any other single denomination, it is more likely to be some card with a point total less than ten. Even if you hold a 17 against a dealer 8, if his other card is a nine, you can push. He may bust if it is lower.