Looking for clear explanations of blackjack rules, craps betting, roulette strategy, or other casino table games? Our Ask the Dealer series provides straightforward answers from experienced Island Resort & Casino dealers to help players understand how each game works and make informed decisions at the table.
Through this interactive feature, you can submit your table game questions and receive answers directly from our experienced casino dealers. No question is too simple or too advanced—our goal is to make sure every guest feels confident and ready to enjoy the action at the tables.
Have you ever wondered about the best strategies for your favorite table games? Our expert dealers are here to provide clear, insightful answers to your most pressing questions. From understanding complex betting rules to refining your gameplay, this section is dedicated to answering real questions from players like you.
Ask the Dealer Q&A: Answers
Q: In blackjack, when should I “double down” and when should I “split” my cards? – Chris L.
A: Doubling down means you’re doubling your initial bet and receiving one more card. A good time to double down is when you have a total of 10 or 11, and the dealer has a weaker up card (like a 5 or 6). Splitting happens when you’re dealt two cards of the same value. A common strategy is to always split Aces and 8s—splitting Aces maximizes your chances of getting 21, while splitting 8s helps you avoid a weak total of 16.
Q: If a blackjack dealer draws a 2 and 4, then an ace, does he play it like a soft 17, or can he play it like a 7? – Bill L.
A: At the Island, we stand on all of our 17’s, which is actually an advantage to the player! This is demonstrated in this video for your convenience.
Q: If the dealer has a 3, Ace, then flips an 8, do they “bust” with a 22 or hit a 12? – Bill L.
A: An ace can be used for the value of either 1 or 11 in Blackjack. A soft hand is any hand containing at least one ace, without the ability to exceed 21 if a hit is taken. When an ace is used as an 11 for the count (ex: Ace+3) it is considered a soft hand of 14. When the ace is used as 1 for the count (ex: Ace+3+8), it is now considered a hard hand of 12 rather than a soft 14.
Q: Is there any bonus play on the three card poker tables? – Becky F.
A: The “Pair Bonus” and “All 6” bonus bets are optional and have a $5 minimum. The “Pair Bonus” bet is based on the three cards dealt to the player. You need a pair or better to win. The “All 6” bet wins when the player’s 3 cards and the dealer’s 3 cards are combined to make a five-card poker hand that is three of a kind or better. There is also an optional $1 progressive bet. By betting the dollar, you can receive an extra payout for a straight or better. To win the full progressive amount the player’s hand must be the Ace, King, and Queen of Spades.
Previous Ask the Dealer Blog Posts
Looking for more insights? Our Ask the Dealer blog series covers some of the most common questions players have about table games. Check out these past articles:
What Do “Split” and “Double Down” Mean in Blackjack?
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 […]
Ask the Dealer: Where Do You Place Chips in Roulette?
Roulette is a fairly straightforward casino game that, at first glance, appears to be only a game of chance and luck. But in this installment of our Ask the Dealer series, we answer your question about where to place chips in roulette to increase your odds of winning. This game is definitely about more than […]
Ask the Dealer: How to Bet in Craps
Craps is a fast-moving, exciting game—players all around the table cheer and clap for each other. It’s a game in which you can bet and win when others are rolling the dice. As long as someone is throwing the dice, the shooter isn’t losing. So, you probably aren’t either! Learn all about one of the […]
Ask the Dealer: A Poker Primer
Pull up a chair and get in on the action with Ask the Dealer, a new monthly feature in which we answer some of your most frequently asked questions about poker, craps, blackjack, roulette and more. C’mon. Ante up! What have you got to lose? What’s the deal with poker? Poker has been around since […]
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