Blackjack rules, part 3
Michael Shackleford: Now, let’s delve into the mechanics of a pitch game. In this setup, the dealer distributes the cards face down, allowing you to keep them hidden, contrasting with a face-up game.
Dan Lubin: Watch as I shuffle the deck thoroughly, executing a robust riffle. The dealer will then present the cut card to the player; this can either be held on top or handed over directly.
Michael: I'm opting out of taking a card. The elegant lady here will take one instead.
Dan: Absolutely. The dealer will then return the second cut card to the original shuffle point before pitching the cards. Now, only one hand, please, on the cards, sir.
Michael: I've got a total of 19. I choose to stand, so I will slide the cards underneath like this.
Angela Wyman: I have a count of 15, so I’m considering two [unintelligible 00:01:08].
Dan: Great. Let’s check if we can match your bet and potentially deal you some favorable hands.
Question 1 - [01:27]
Michael: Remember, if you manage to draw a Blackjack, you can reveal it right away. And Dan, if Angela happens to pull a Blackjack, should she reveal it immediately or wait for her turn?
Dan: The best approach is to simply flip it over and wait for the dealer to reach you. The dealer will address you, unless you happen to be the first player, in which case you’ll receive your payout immediately before the cards are collected.
Angela: Sadly, I don’t have a Blackjack to show.
Dan: So, what are you going to do?
Michael: In that case, I suggest you try to hit by gently tapping the cards.
Dan: Exactly, be gentle. Avoid rough handling of the cards; just provide a light signal.
Question 2 - [02:06]
Angela: No, I’ve got 17. I want to stand. Should I lay my cards down now?
Michael: Yes, place them down, but make sure they are flipped face down and tucked under your bet.
Dan: Perfect. That means you're standing with 12—ouch. The dealer will now reveal the cards. Please place your bets.
Michael: At this point, I wish to surrender, so I’ll show my cards face up and concede. Statistically, you're better off hitting here since you have a soft 18 versus a 10, which is a common misstep in Blackjack strategy.
Dan: No harm done.
Angela: So, an 18-7.
Michael: Yes.
Dan: 14.
Michael: That ace made all the difference, declaring it a win.
Question 3 - [03:07]
Angela: Are there occasions, aside from having a Blackjack, when I should show my cards face up as a player?
Michael: Yes.
Dan: Double down and split.
Michael: Indeed there are, and hopefully, the next round can demonstrate that. I've decided to stand, so I’ll tuck my cards this way. You’re only allowed one hand.
Dan: Hang on the cards.
Michael: One of the most prevalent errors novices make is touching both cards with one hand. Another crucial guideline is once you have placed a bet, resist the urge to adjust it by adding or removing chips, especially after the cards have been dealt. For instance, you have two sevens while the dealer displays a two. Statistically, this suggests that splitting your cards is the best move, so lay them down face up and place an additional bet.
Dan: Now, proceed with the standard hand series, but it goes against the two. My apologies for that.
Michael: Currently, I have a total of 10, and I wish to double my bet. To execute this, display your cards face up and double the amount you wager.
Dan: The dealer will then place the card beneath your bet, confirming that the hand is concluded, proceeding forward.
Angela: I have 11, so I will follow suit and do the same.
Michael: Good luck baby.
Dan: 21.
Michael: Thank you, Angela, and thank you, Dan.
Dan: Okay.