Blackjack 101
Part 1
Blackjack is what I call a 'value' casino game. For casino
players who use basic strategy, blackjack tables with specific
conditions and rules offer an opportunity to compete on a
level playing field with the casino. Some of those specific
conditions and rules that combined will offer up the best
blackjack tables are: "Dealer Must Draw to 16 and Stand
on All 17s" statement, use a single deck, have no restrictions
on doubling down, allow resplitting, and have a surrender
option available.
Now, let's review some basic terms of the game: 21 wins:
An ace is counted as 1 or 11, face cards 10, all other cards
counted as marked.
Hard Hand: a hand that does not include an ace. What you
see on your two cards is your total count, such as 9 + 8 =
17.
Soft Hand: a hand that includes an ace in the first two cards
dealt. It has two values, depending on whether you use the
ace as 1 or 11. So a 5 and an ace could be 6 or 16.
Stiff Hand: a potential bust hand, such as a 13 or 14, but
especially a hard 15 or 16, which are the two worst hands
you can get (unless the 16 is two 8s, then you split). Push:
same count as the dealer -- a tie -- no money is exchanged,
you don't win or lose.
Burn Cards: number of cards casino discards at the beginning
of a new shuffle. Multiple Decks: four or more decks played
in a game, always dealt face up.
Single or Double Decks: played in a game, first two cards
are dealt face down.
If you play blackjack with poor strategy or instinct, you
give the casino an advantage of over 5%.
Remember, focus on the dealer. The objective is not to get
as close to 21 as possible, but to beat the dealer. It's very
possible to win with a 13 or 14 count.
For this first part of your blackjack education, I have included
a strategy card that will assist with those crucial blackjack
decisions. We will discuss further strategies in future articles,
but for now you have Blackjack 101 basics to confidently play
this 'value' casino game.
Until next time we meet....Hit those blackjacks and stand
on your winnings!.
>> part
2
Gayle
Mitchell is the author of Casino Gambling Made Easier books, Ebooks,
booklets & the Slots Trilogy.
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