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BlackJack

In the game of Blackjack, there is one dealer and usually between 1 and 4 players. Before the dealer starts dealing, players are to place bets. Generally speaking, bets usually go from a $1 minimum to a $500 maximum blackjack, and the online casino you choose will clearly display what its minimum bets and maximum bets are.

Players can place bets by using any of the chip denominations available. When all players have placed their bets and chosen the ‘Deal' option, the game begins. It is not possible to change bets after the game has begun. However, players can increase their bets by choosing options such as double down, splits, or insurance.

Each player will receive 2 cards: one face up and one face down. The aim of the game is to reach the number 21, or to be closer to 21 than the dealer, who is also a player. Players can opt to receive as many cards as they desire (commonly called "hit"), or they can choose to "stand", or receive no more cards. Blackjack itself is reached in the event of a player being dealt a 10 or a face card with an ace. Consequently to a Blackjack, the player gets paid 1.5 times his original bet. However, it is also possible for the dealer to have Blackjack. In that case, a tie situation occurs between the player and the dealer, the dealer then becomes a "push," and the player gets his bet back. Another important rule to bear in mind is that dealers are required to hit when they have 16 or less, and will stop when they have 17 or more. If the dealer decides to push, all players around the table are paid.

Double down - you may double your bet during a game of Blackjack, but only after you've been dealt two cards. If you choose to double down, one more card will be dealt to you. However, one cannot hit again after deciding to double down.

Split - splitting offers the option of breaking one hand of cards into two hands. It therefore gives you the chance to win (or lose) twice in the same game. Aces exempt, if you are dealt any pair of cards, you can choose to split the cards into two hands. This will place a second bet equal in amount to the first, and also allow you to play both hands on an individual basis. Once you have split your hand into two hands, you may take as many hits on each hand as you want. If a pair of aces is dealt to you, you are subsequently not ineligible anymore for Blackjack, and can only therefore get a "normal" 21. If the dealer has Blackjack, he wins, but if he reaches 21, it's a push.

Insurance - if the deal shows an ace, you can opt to "insure yourself", in the case that the dealer has a 10 or a face card concealed. If indeed the dealer's card is a 10 or a face card, you get your insurance bet back, and get paid at 2-1 odds. However, if the dealer has a card that's not a 10 or a face card, you lose your insurance bet.

Basic blackjack strategy
Below is the basic blackjack strategy for the typical rules found at online casinos. While you can't beat the house in the long term using this blackjack strategy alone, it does reduce the house's advantage considerably. You may want to print a copy of the blackjack strategy for reference.

H=Hit, S=Stand, D=Double down, P=Split

H=Hit, S=Stand, D=Double down, P=Split

Card counting systems
A number of blackjack players have enjoyed success at beating the house by using card-counting systems. Card-counting systems are based on the principle that the make-up of a deck of cards changes as cards are played. Analysis has shown that a deck is in the player's favor when it has more ten-count cards in it. The reason the deck favors the player is because the player has a better chance of getting blackjack which pays 3 to 2, more money than an average win.

By assigning a simple value such as +1 for high cards and -1 for low cards, a card counter can roughly determine the ratio of high cards to low cards remaining in the deck at anytime during play. When the deck contains more high cards and the odds are in his favor, he increases the amount he bets so he can win more. When the deck isn't favorable, he bets the minimum so he loses less. The count also affects his decisions on when to hit, stand, double and split.