Blackjack

Introduction
One of the most popular games at any casino today is undoubtedly blackjack. Also known as ‘twenty one’ or ‘pontoon’, Blackjack is based on the old French game called vingt-et-un. The game was changed to suit the taste of American players, although a European version is still played on the Continent.

Although there are many versions of Blackjack to be found in the gambling world today, most of them are based on what is known as Classic Blackjack. Classic Blackjack is played with one standard deck of cards that is usually shuffled before the commencement of each game.

Gamblers are attracted to blackjack for its simplicity and the classic blend of luck and skill to make it one of the most desired gambling games around. Plenty of media attention in the past years has also contributed to the popularity of blackjack. Millions of people play the game at land-based and online casinos, entering tournaments or playing solo against the dealer. Click for information on history, strategy charts, terminology/glossary, table layout and card counting.

An Overview of Blackjack
The game of blackjack is traditionally played with one, two, four, six or eight decks of playing cards. It is played around a blackjack table that seats around six players. The game is played against the dealer and the other players at the table are of no concern or consequence to the game. Because the dealer has no say in the game and has to play according to strict house rules, there is no problem with him or her, or any of the other players, seeing a player’s cards.

The aim of the game is to get 21 or as close to the value of 21 as possible, without going over this number and by beating the dealer’s hand. Gamblers place a bet before commencing play. The winner of the game is whoever managed to reach closest to 21. This number is reached by adding up the values of the cards.

Card Values
In blackjack, the suits of the cards do not affect their value. All cards ranging from 2 until 10 are evaluated at face value. In addition, all face cards (Jack, Queen and King) have a general value of 10. An Ace can be counted as one or eleven. In blackjack, it is usually assumed that the Ace will count as 11, unless a player goes bust (goes over 21) and then the Ace becomes a 1.

Hard Hand: A hand that does not contain an Ace or contains an Ace that counts as one.
Soft Hand: A hand that contains an Ace that counts as 11.

• Players find a blackjack table that is suitable for them. They should look out for minimum and maximum bets, which will enable them to determine whether the specific table is right for their bankroll or not. Some casinos color code their tables to make it easier for gamblers to find betting limits that suit them. New players to the game of blackjack might want to stick to games that use six or eight decks (shoe games), while more skilled players can play games that use fewer decks. Tables also traditionally display the house rules.

• Players place their bets by putting their chips or money in the specially designated area on the blackjack table. An average buy-in amount could be anything between 15 and 20 times a player’s average bet.

• After everyone at the table has placed their bets, the dealer gives two cards to each player and then him or herself. One of the dealer’s cards is showing face up (known as the dealer’s upcard/face card) and one is faced down (known as the dealer’s downcard/hole card).

• At this point, players can consider making an Insurance bet, which simply means that players are betting that the dealer has been dealt a 21. Experts suggest that an insurance bet should be placed if the dealer’s upfaced card is an Ace. Payouts are as follows: 2:1 if the dealer has 21 and all other bets cleared; insurance bet is lost if the dealer does not have 21.

• Depending on what version of blackjack is being played, players’ cards are generally dealt face up and cards are not handled. If the single or double deck games are played, cards are dealt either face down or one up and one down. Cards can be handled in this case, although with one hand only.

• After seeing their two cards, players now need to make a decision regarding their game strategy. They can choose to stay or take more cards to reach a total of 21 without ‘busting’. Busting refers to the act of going over 21.
  
  

Players’ Choices
Players now choose from one of the following strategies: hit, stand, pair splitting, doubling down, even money or surrendering.

Hit: Players indicate to the dealer that they want to be dealt another card. This can be indicated either by making a beckoning motion with a finger or tapping the table with their finger, behind their pile of cards. If, after asking for a hit, the players go over 21, they need to give in their cards and their wager is lost.

Stand: Players indicate that they wish to stay with the cards that they were dealt. Hands can be waved over the cards or the cards are turned in a horizontal direction.

Pair Splitting: If players are dealt a pair as their first two cards, they can split these pairs into two separate hands. Each card is then used as a start to a separate hand and players place another, second bet that is equal to the first bet. In Classic Blackjack, players can only split pairs of equal denominations – meaning that a Jack and a 10 cannot be split just because they have the same face value. Also, players can only split once per hand.

In other versions of blackjack, some casinos allow players to resplit (make another hand) if they are dealt additional pairs in the first two cards of a hand. Again, depending on individual casino rules, some allow endless resplitting, while others restrict it. While, in theory, players can split ten-valued cards (such as a King and Queen), this would not be a good move because a pair of tens is considered an excellent hand and is not worth splitting. Players are also encouraged to always split Aces, although most casinos restrict players to drawing only one additional card on each Ace.

Doubling Down: This option allows players to double their original bet. In exchange, they are able to receive only one more card. Players indicate their wish to double down by placing their chip next to their original chip bet. This is considered an excellent bet for players who are in a strong playing position. Some casinos will only allow this option when the first two cards equal 10 or 11.

Surrendering (also known as late surrender): Not all casinos allow players to surrender. When they do, players give up the first two cards and forfeit half of their original bet. This can only be done once the dealer checks his or her own cards for a blackjack. Once players indicate that they want to surrender, they are not involved in the current round and their cards are removed from the table. Very rarely, players are also offered the option of surrendering before the dealer determines whether he or she has a blackjack.

Even Money: If players have a blackjack and the dealer has an Ace on his or her upcard, they will be offered the option of ‘even money’, meaning that they will receive a 1:1 yield before the dealer checks the second card.

The Dealers’ “Choice”
In blackjack, dealers do not have a choice the way players do and they need to follow a strict set of playing rules. Generally, dealers need to draw when their card total is less than 17 and stand when the total is anything between 17 and 21. Some casinos determine that dealers need to stand on a soft 17 while others state that they need to hit.

How to Win at Blackjack
Players will automatically win if they were dealt a blackjack with their first two cards. Generally, players win 1 and ½ times their bet. However, if the dealer also has a blackjack, this is known as a Push (or Tie, or Stand Off) and players get their bets back.

All players that have a higher card count than the dealer does win an equal amount to their bet. Players that have a lower count than the dealer will lose their bet. A dealer that ‘busts’ automatically means that all remaining players win their bets.

A Few Blackjack Table Rules to Observe

• If players choose to double down, they should remember to put additional chips next to their original bet and not on top of them. This will facilitate the dealer’s understanding of what players truly intend betting.

• When cards are placed face up, players should avoid touching the cards.

• Cards dealt face down will obviously need to be picked up. Players should pick them up with one hand and keep them in plain sight.

• Hand signals should be used whenever possible. This is to avoid misunderstandings in noisy, overcrowded gambling locations. Obviously this is not relevant when playing blackjack online.

• Do not assume that an empty seat at a blackjack table means that you can sit down. Some players play more than one hand and require the extra chair for that reason. Rather look for an empty betting square and if you’re not sure, ask the dealer.

• Do not take your frustrations over losses out on the dealer. The dealer has a job to do and plays according to house rules. If you cannot keep your emotions under control, consider leaving the table and coming back when you are settled. It is NOT a good idea to bet for money when you are upset or out of control.

• Consider tipping the dealer. This can be done by placing a bet in the form of a chip at the edge of the table. A winning wager goes to the dealer, in relation to the chip.

• Do not keep other players waiting while scanning strategy sheets, notes, etc. While it is a good idea for you to learn basic strategies relating to Blackjack, consider the other players and learn on your own time. Practice playing blackjack for free at online casino sites before trying the game for real money at traditional casinos.

• Avoid excessive chatter. Many blackjack players do not want to enter into long conversations with other players and are quite happy with a civil hello and good luck. If you prefer your peace and quiet when playing Blackjack, consider sticking to online casino sites only, where the chat feature can be turned down or off if need be!
  

Conclusion
It goes without saying that players who take the trouble to read up on the various blackjack strategies out that are available in the game will ultimately do much better than those who do not. Putting those strategies into practice at the hundreds of online casino sites on the internet will do even more to increase a player’s success rate at the blackjack table. It is worth keeping in mind that one of the best strategies that players can adopt is to practice for free at online casinos in order to perfect their game at their own pace.

Blackjack is an exciting game of skill and fortune, easily explaining why its popularity continues to grow among new and seasoned gamblers alike.