Ask The Dealer: What Does “Split” And “Double Down” Mean In ...

In blackjack, “split” means separating two identical cards into two hands and placing a second equal bet. “Double down” means doubling your original bet in exchange for receiving only one additional card.

Blackjack is a popular casino card game where players try to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. Below is a simple explanation of how splitting and doubling down work in real gameplay.

What Is the Object of the Game?

You are playing against the house or the dealer. You want to beat the dealer’s hand by getting cards that add up to as close to 21 as possible, but not over 21. If you go over 21, you lose automatically.

What Does Split Mean in Blackjack?

If you hold two cards that are the same number in your hand, like two eights or two sixes, you can split them apart and play each one like two separate hands instead of one. Once you split your two cards into two hands, you’ll place your original bet with one hand and place an equal bet on the second, split hand. You will play the hand to your right first. The dealer will give you a card when you ask for a “hit.” You will continue to hit until you are satisfied or you bust. Then, you move to play the other hand and have the dealer hit you with cards until you say “stop” or you go over 21. If you go over 21, you lose your bet on that hand. If you have a pair of aces and split them, the dealer will give you only one additional card per hand. You cannot draw again. If you draw a 10 on the second card, you have 21. Your winning hand pays 1:1, not 3:2 like other winning blackjack hands.

What Does Double Down Mean in Blackjack?

When you double down, you double your original bet after receiving your first two cards and commit to taking only one additional card. On your original two cards, you can double your bet before the dealer gives you another card. You place another bet equal to the first. Then, the dealer will give you only one card The dealer settles all bets at the end of the hand. If you have sevens, you can split a pair, as above, and double down if you want to.

Enjoy the Game

Be sure to ask a dealer if you have questions! And check back for future issues of Ask the Dealer, where we will likely talk about why you’d want to split or double down a blackjack hand and the deeper strategy behind these moves.

Visit Island Resort & Casino to experience live blackjack tables in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Our dealers are happy to assist both beginners and experienced players. Call our reservations experts at 800-682-6040 or contact us online today.