This help topic will describe the more advanced gameplay options available in blackjack.

Splitting

On the initial deal, if you are dealt two cards with the same value then you may be permitted to split them into two separate hands. To split you must have enough cash to place a new bet on the split hand, the bet amount is equal to the original bet placed at the start of the game. Once split, play moves to the first split hand. The hand receives a second card and play continues as normal. When you stand or bust the split hand, play then moves to the second split hand, which again receives an extra card and play continues as normal. Once all all split hands have been concluded it moves to the dealer's turn. If a split hand recieves another card of the same value then some casinos will allow you to re-split this hand too.

If you form blackjack on a split hand, this is not classed as blackjack, but soft 21 and will lose to the dealer's blackjack.

Typically you are allowed to double down on spilt hands although many rules exist dictating how split hands are handled. See the following blackjack rules sections for more information:

 * Double on Split Hands
 * Split Aces
 * Hit on Split Aces
 * Re-Split Aces
 * Split only identical cards
 * No Splitting on 4, 5, or 10
 * Maximum Split Hands

When the game has finished and you have split hands you can navigate between them to review their outcome. Do this by clicking on the arrow buttons that will appear at the bottom of the screen.

Insurance/Even Money

When the dealer has an up card showing an ace they will typcially offer the player insurance. This is essentially a side-bet that the dealer has blackjack. If the player takes insurance they will bet half their original bet on the dealer having blackjack. When the dealer turns their hole card, if it is a ten value card then the insurance bet will win and the player will win at 2 to 1 on the insurance bet. If the dealer doesn't have blackjack then the insurance bet is lost. For example, if the player makes an insurance side-bet of $25 then if the dealer has blackjack the insurance bet will be returned to the player and they will win an extra $50, the original bet on hand will lose however.

The dealer will offer even money if they are showing an ace and the player has blackjack. Even money means that the player can immediately take winnings at 1 to 1 (instead of 3 to 2) regardless of whether the dealer has blackjack or not. For example, if the player placed a $100 bet and takes even money then their original bet will be returned and they'll win an extra $100. If they declined even money and the dealer got blackjack then the hand would push and the player would only receive their original bet back. However, if the dealer doesn't get blackjack they would win $150.

It is almost always best to avoid insurance bets as they actually favour the house. The even money bet may seem like a good deal as it guarantees that a blackjack will win, but in the long run it is more profitable not to take even money.

Surrender

Surrender offer you the option of folding your hand for half of your original bet. A hand can only be surrendered at the start of the game before any more cards have been drawn. There are two types of surrender rule available, early and late surrender.

 * Early Surrender - With early surrender the player may surrender their hand before the dealer checks for Blackjack. This is a highly favourable rule for the player, though seldom seen in real casinos.

 * Late Surrender - The typical surrender rule offered in casinos where the player can surrender after the dealer checks for Blackjack.

To surrender click the BlackBerry menu button and select Surrender from the popup menu. Or, in the case of early surrender, simply accept surrender when prompted.

Blackjack Trainer

Ace Roller Blackjack offers a unique blackjack trainer that will help you hone your strategy whilst you play. In-game hints allow you to see the recommended action immediately whilst a customised strategy table is available at any point in the game. Take a look at the Blackjack Trainer & Stats help topic for more.
