Player Decisions

After receiving his initial two cards, the player has four standard options: he can “Hit,” “Stand,” “Double Down,” or “Split a pair.” Each option requires the use of a hand signal. At some casinos or tables, the player may have a fifth option called “Surrender.”

* Hit: Take another card.
signal: (handheld) scrape cards against table; (face up) touch finger to table

* Stand: Take no more cards, also “stick” or “stay”.
signal: (handheld) slide cards under bet; (face up) move hand horizontally

* Double down: On his first two cards, the player may “double down,” i.e., “double” his bet and receive only one card face “down.” To do this he moves a second bet equal to the first into the betting box next to his original bet. (If desired, the player is usually allowed to “double down for less,” although this is not a good idea.)
signal: place additional chips next to (not on top of) original bet, make “one finger” sign

* Split a pair: If his first two cards are a “pair,” meaning two cards of the same value, the player can “split the pair.” To do this, he moves a second bet equal to the first into the betting box next to his original bet. The dealer splits the cards to create two hands, placing one bet with each hand. The player then plays two separate hands.
signal: place additional chips next to (not on top of) original bet, make “two fingers” sign

* Surrender: Some casinos offer a fifth option called “Surrender.” After the dealer has checked for blackjack, the player may “surrender” by giving up half his bet and not playing out the hand.signal: There is no commonly accepted hand signal; it is just done verbally.

The reason for requiring hand signals is to assist the “eye in the sky,” a person or video camera located above the table but concealed behind one-way glass. It is used in order to protect the casino against dealers or players who cheat. (It may also be used to protect the casino against card-counters, even though card-counting is not illegal)