Links Last Tested

Blackjack

Blackjack is the worlds most popular Casino game and in Las Vegas and Reno nearly three quarters of the gambling tables are for Blackjack players. It is a game of skill requiring players to make decisions and good Blackjack players can reduce the houses edge. Basically the player has to beat the dealers hand. In order to do this he must either hold or twist cards and the total of the cards he holds must add up to less than 21 in total and must also beat the dealers hand. 10's Jacks Queens and Kings are all valued at 10 and a Ace is valued as a 1. All other cards are worth their face value. A blackjack consists of a 10 values card plus a Ace and pays the player 2.5 odds all other hands are paid at evens if you beat the dealer.

First the player is dealt two cards face up and the dealer one card face up and a card face down. Depending on the dealers up card and the two cards dealt to the player, the player must decide whether or not to draw other cards. If the dealer draws an ace as the up card the player has the option to insure against a Blackjack, the player pays an insurance fee usually equal to half the original bet made and if the dealer has a blackjack the player takes back the insurance plus the bet laid.

Splitting occurs when the players two up cards are a pair. Splitting requires the player to lay a bet equal to the original bet made and allows two hands to be created and played against the dealers.

Doubling down allows you to double your original bet before the third card is turned over, come what may the player cannot draw any more cards and this three card hand must be played against the dealers.

Here are some tips to help you win at Blackjack. If your cards total between 2 and 8 draw unless you have a pair in which case you may want to split. Split other pairs if the dealers up card ranges from 2 to 7. Always stand on hard hands ranging in value from 17 to 21. With hands ranging from 12 to 16 stand if the dealer has any card from 2 to 6 and draw if the dealer has any card ranging from a 7 to an ace.