Remember, the dealer cannot split or double down.When a hand consists of a pair of 5s, you can choose to split the pair, double down as described, or simply play out the hand as normal.

( Please note: doubling down can sometimes be played with the card facing up).

This card is left face down and must not be turned over until the betting is settled.

When your turn arrives, simply place a bet which equals your original bet, and you’ll be dealt one additional card.

If you have an original two-card hand totalling 9, 10, or 11, you have the option of doubling your bet.

When you split a pair of aces, you’ll be dealt one more card for each ace, and may not draw further cards.

The outcome of each hand is treated separately.

Then the hand to the right is played likewise.

Once split, you must play your leftmost hand first, by hitting or standing one or more times.

Your original bet goes on one of the pairs, and you must stake an equal amount on the other hand. two 7s), you can choose to ‘split’ them into two separate hands.

When your first two cards have the same value (e.g.

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Chart blackjack basic strategy