Players Choices - Doubling Down

Use this stragety to maximise your earnings. "Double down" can only be done with a two card hand, before another card has been drawn. It allows you to double your bet and receive one, and only one, additional card to the hand.

A good opportunity to double is when you hold a total of 11 or 12, say a (6,5) or (6,6) against a dealer's upcard of 5. In this case, you have a high probability of winning the hand by drawing an additional card, so you might as well increase your bet in this advantageous situation.

If you are playing in a face-down game, just toss the two cards face-up on the table in front of your bet. In either type of game, add an additional bet to the betting circle. Take note that the additional bet should be placed adjacent to the original bet, not on top of it.

The dealer will deal one additional card to the hand. In the face-down game, he'll probably tuck it face-down under your bet, to be revealed later. Players are allowed to double down for any amount up to the original bet amount, so you could double down "for less" if you wanted.

Just remember that you do give up something for being allowed to increase your bet: the ability to draw more than one additional card. If the correct play is to double down, you should always double for the full amount if possible.

Players Choices - Hitting/Standing

Besides surrender, which is not often used by most players, the next option for a player would be to "hit" (i.e draw another card to the hand) or "stand" (stop at the current total). Which of the two methods you choose will depend on what kind of game you are playing.

In the face-up shoe game, you indicate your decision to "hit" by tapping the table behind your cards with a finger. You have to make the hand signals to the dealer instead of saying hit or stand. This is to prevent any confusion or ambiguity in what you choose, and also for the surveillance cameras to capture the actions in case any dispute arises. If you "bust" (exceed 21), the dealer will collect your bet, and clear your cards from the table. To "stand", you just need to move your hand in a horizontal motion over your cards.

In the face-down game, there are some variations. You'll hold the first two cards with one hand. To draw another card to your hand, simply scrape your cards across the table felt lightly. If you are unsure of how to do it, it is best to watch another player first before playing the game. The dealer will deal your additional cards on the table in front of your bet. Add them to your total hand value, but do not pick up the extra cards; instead leave them on the table.

If you go over 21, just toss the two cards in your hand face up on the table. The dealer will collect your bet, and discard your hand. When you decide to stand, you should tuck the two cards you are holding face-down under the chips that you have bet. This may take some getting used to if you are doing it for the first time. Don't pick up the bet to place the cards underneath because once the cards are dealt, nobody can touch the chips in the circle. Simply slide the corner of the cards under the chips.

Apparently, the face-down game is more complicated and require more work on your part. It might seem difficult to execute the moves but in practice, they are a lot easier. All you have to do is to watch the other players in action, after a while, it will become second nature to you.