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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. The Rules
Basic Strategy The basic winning strategy for blackjack, based on computer-generated studies, is given below. It tells the player when to hit, stand, double down, or split pairs, depending on the dealer's up card. Using basic strategy is not prohibited in casinos, and many dealers are allowed or even encouraged to advise gamblers as to how to properly play. In fact, most casinos don't mind if players use a "crib sheet' that charts the strategy. Hit or Stand: With a hard hand (no aces) against the dealer's 7 or higher, the player should hit until he reaches at least 17. With a hard hand against the dealers 4, 5, or 6, stand on a 12 or higher; if against dealer's 2 or 3, hit a 12. With a soft hand hit all totals of 17 or lower. Against the dealer's 9 or 10, hit a soft 18. Doubling Down: Double down on any I 1, no matter what the dealer shows. Double down on 10 when the dealer shows anything except a 10 (the dealer's 10 also includes face cards). Double down on 9 when the dealer shows 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. 34 1 GAMING GUIDE Double down on, soft 17 (ace-6) if the dealer shows 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. Double down on soft 18 (ace-7) if the dealer shows 3, 4, 5, or 6. Double down on soft 13,14, 15, or 16 against the dealer's 4, 5, or 6. Splitting Pairs: Always split aces and 8-8. Never split 5-5 or 10-10. Split 4-4 against the dealer's 5 or 6. Split 9-9 against the dealer's 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, or 9. Split 7-7 against the dealer's 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7. Split 6-6 against the dealer's 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. Split 2-2 and 3-3 against the dealer's 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7. |
Blackjack, or 21, is the casinos' 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 or her 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 I or II points. Face cardsjacks, 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 a 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.