Blackjack
Blackjack or "21" is the casino's most popular table
game. The rules are simple to learn, and, if sound
basic strategy is followed, the player can greatly
reduce the casino's edge, and possibly swing it
in his favor.
The game is played with one or more decks of 52
cards. Cards are valued at face value, except for
the aces, which can be valued at either one or 11
points. Face cards - jacks, queens and kings - are
valued at 10 points.
The object of the game is to beat the dealer. A
player does this by having a higher valued hand
than the dealer, while not "busting" by exceeding
21 points. If either the player or dealer busts,
the other wins automatically. A major advantage
for the dealer is that the player must play his
hand first. Even if a player busts and the dealer
subsequently busts as well, the player loses. Ties
are a standoff or "push," and neither wins.
If either the player or dealer is dealt an ace and
10-valued card, he has a blackjack. A blackjack
is an immediate winner and pays the player at 3-2
odds. Other winning hands are paid at 1-1 or even
money. If both the dealer and player are dealt a
blackjack it is a standoff.
The play begins with the dealer distributing two
cards to each player and two to himself, dealt one
at a time with the first card going to the player.
One of the dealer's cards is exposed to help the
player decide whether to hit (take another card)
or stand (play the ones he has). In addition to
standing pat, the player may double down his hand
or split pairs.
By doubling down, the player doubles his initial
bet and accepts one additional card to complete
his hand.
By splitting pairs, the player also doubles his
bet, but separates his two identical cards into
two separate hands, to which he draws additional
cards. Each hand is played separately, taking hits
as needed. The only exception is that a player who
splits aces is only allowed to take one additional
card for each ace. If that additional card is another
ace, however, the player can split again.
Doubling down and splitting are powerful techniques
to increase your chances of winning.
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