Blackjack terms:

Blackjack

If you or the dealer is dealt an Ace and a
ten-value card you have 21 known as a
blackjack. This is a natural. If you get the
blackjack you will be paid 3 to 2 for your bet
providing the dealer does not get one at the
same time. If you and the dealer have blackjack
it is a push. If only the dealer has blackjack all
players will lose.

Hitting

To take a hit means that you want to draw
another card. To signal the dealer for a hit you
will tap the table in front of you or make a
beckoning motion with your hand. If you wish
another card after the first you would motion in
the same manner.

Standing

Once you are satisfied with either your fist two
cards or after hitting, you signal the dealer that
you wish to stand. This is done by waving your
hand over the top of your cards.

Doubling Down

When you double down you are allowed to
double your bet after receiving your fist two
cards. You then receive one card only on your
hand. Most casinos will allow you to double
down on any two cards (DOA). Some casinos
limit your doubling to hands that total ten or
eleven. DOA is a favorable rule to the player. To
signal that you are doubling down you will place
an additional bet next to your original bet. Most
casinos will let you double down for less than
your original bet providing it meets the table
minimum. This is foolish. You only double in
favorable situations and it is to your advantage
to double for the maximum.

Splitting

If you are dealt a pair (two cards of the same
rank) you can split these into two separate
hands. You must make an additional bet equal to
your starting bet. You signal the dealer that you
are splitting by placing your second bet next to
your first bet in the betting circle. Do not put
this bet on top of the original bet. Do not
separate the cards. The dealer will do this for
you. You will no play each hand one at a time.
The dealer will give you a second card to go
with the first split card. You will then decide to
hit or stand. After you play out this hand and
stand you will move on to the next split card
and the process will be repeated. Some casinos
will allow you to double down on your first two
cards after splitting. You would play this as you
would if you were doubling down on your first
two cards. This rule is favorable to the player.

Splitting pairs

If your two cards are the same value, you can 'split'
them into two separate hands. The catch is that you
also have to make two bets (one for each of the
hands you now hold). Each split pair can be split
again, for a total of four hands. If you split on an ace,
you can only take one hit, but for all other cards you
can take as many hits as you want.

Doubling down

When your total is 10 or 11 (after being dealt your
first two cards) you can choose to 'double down'.
This is starting a second bet (up to the same amount
as your original wager). When doubling, you can only
take one hit. (NB It is dangerous to split two fives -
you are replacing a hand that is potentially excellent
for drawing on or doubling down on, by what will
probably be two poor hands.)

Insurance

If the dealer's face-up card is an ace, you can make a
side bet. You can wager up to half your original bet
that the facedown card is worth 10 or more (i.e. a
picture card or a 10). If you are correct, and the
dealer has a Blackjack, the player wins the side bet
(the insurance bet) but loses the original bet.
Therefore the player feels no net loss or gain. If it's
not a face card or a 10, you lose the side bet or
'insurance'.