Blackjack – how to play Blackjack

This game is also known as Twenty-One. If you visit a casino, it sure helps to know the rules.
James Bond certainly seems to be a genius at it.

Blackjack rules

 When you are able to count cards, the odds may be in your favor.

Maybe you have heard of Ed Thorp, one of the most successful money managers in history. His fortune and career started with trip to Las Vegas in the late 1950s.  Find out more about Ed Thorp and his Blackjack successes.

Even if you have not played it before, Blackjack is one of the most attractive casino games for players.

History of Blackjack
It all started in the 18th century in France – it was called Vingt-et-un.

Today, it is a game that can be found in any casino in the USA.

Some basics
The house is the dealer and remains standing, the players are seated. The dealer shuffles, deals and handles all bets. 

Cards

The standard 52-card pack is used, but in most casinos several decks of cards are shuffled together. The six-deck game (312 cards) is the most popular. In addition, the dealer uses a blank plastic card, which is never dealt, but is placed toward the bottom of the pack to indicate when it will be time for the cards to be reshuffled.

The Goal

Each participant tries to beat the dealer by getting  as close to 21 as possible, without going over 21, otherwise, game over! The ace can be worth 1 or 11, the individual player can decide.

Betting on Blackjack

Each player places a bet, in chips, in front of them, like you can see in the picture. This is one lucky player so far.

The Shuffle and Cut

The dealer thoroughly shuffles until all the cards have been mixed and combined. The dealer designates one of the players to cut, and the plastic insert card is placed so that the last 60 to 75 cards or so will not be used.

Each player except the dealer receives two cards face up, and the dealer receives one card face up and one card face down.

What is playing a Blackjack?

If a player’s first two cards are an ace and a “ten-card” you immediately have 21. This is a natural or “blackjack.” If the dealer is not as lucky, the player receives 150% of their bet. If the player and the dealer both have 21, the chips are given back.

Say “Hit” or “Stand”
Once the game starts, you can “stand” (not ask for another card) or “hit” (you get another card.

When the dealer has served every player, the dealers face-down card is turned up. If the total is 17 or more, it must stand. If the total is 16 or under, they must take a card. The dealer must continue to take cards until the total is 17 or more.

Splitting pairs
If you have two of the same cards (two Jacks or two 6’s), you can split and run two games

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