Learn How to Play Blackjack - Gambling-Tournament.com
Blackjack 101
Teaching someone the rules, strategies, and the ways of Blackjack can be a daunting task. My approach is going to be somewhat of a basic one. What you will find here are the basics of blackjack and how to play blackjack. I will give you some alternative places to find more information if you would like to learn more.
Blackjack Rules & How to Play Blackjack
In order to get into a game and play blackjack you must first buy in. The term, “buy in” simply means acquiring a stack of chips from the casinos dealer by giving him/her real US dollars in return for the stack of chips. Once you have bought in you had better start paying particular attention to what is going on around you. If it is your first time playing at a real table you might want to sit closer to the middle so you are surrounded by players that do know how to play. Most table players in the casino are friendly and if you tell them it is your first time or you are new to all of this they will often be more than happy to help you out with strategy and the rules.
The second thing that happens at the table after you buy in is the ante. The ante is a bet that is required by the casino in order to be dealt in the hand. This value can change depending on what table you have chosen. Most tables for beginners are $5, but if you are a more advanced player, you can find them for up to and over $1000.
Once the ante is in and everyone is ready, the cards are dealt. Everyone is given two cards face down and the dealer is given one face down and one face up. At this point, it is up to you to use some blackjack strategy. Depending on the cards that are dealt and the face up card the dealer is showing, your play will vary. For example if the dealer is showing an up card of six and you, hold eighteen then you are going to stand. This is because the dealer must play until they have a total of 17 and by showing a six that is the highest they could possible have with an ace in the hole. However, if the dealer has a face card his total is 16 and the possibility of him busting is a lot greater. As a player, this is what you are hoping for, if you can have the dealer bust more times then not, then you will have a considerable advantage in your favor. Really that is all there is to it. You want to have the highest card count not exceeding 21. If you hit 21 on the nose, you will be rewarded for it at a payout of 3/2. (More rules on how to play blackjack).
Blackjack Strategy & Blackjack Tips
HIT
STAND
DOUBLE
Dealer's top card
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
A
Your cards
5-8
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
9
H
D
D
D
D
H
H
H
H
H
10
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
H
H
11
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
12
H
H
S
S
S
H
H
H
H
H
13
S
S
S
S
S
H
H
H
H
H
14
S
S
S
S
S
H
H
H
H
H
15
S
S
S
S
S
H
H
H
H
H
16
S
S
S
S
S
H
H
H
H
H
17-21
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
A2-A6
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
A7
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
H
H
H
A8-A10
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
Always split Aces and 8's. Two aces are useless together, but both stand a good chance of earning you a 21. Two eights are a weak 16 together, but may become two strong 18's after a split.
Do not split fives. Why people do this is beyond me. You have 10 there buddy! Hit on it and be happy!
Be aware that some casino blackjack tables use the 'Dealer hits soft 17' rule which increases the house advantage. Look for tables where dealers must stand on all 17s.
