Gaming Tips - Blackjack

The object of Blackjack is to have a hand of "21" or as to close to twenty one as possible without going over, and of course, most importantly, beating the hand of the dealer. Easier said than done!

All "face" cards (Jack, Queen and King) have a value of 10; Aces have a value of 1 or 11; cards 2 through 10 are face value.

If your first two cards are an ace and a 10-value card, you have "BLACKJACK" and will be paid 3 to 2 unless the dealer should also get a Blackjack; when this occurs, it is a standoff "push". If your cards total more than 21, your hand is "busted" and loses.

After all players have placed their bets, two card are dealt in sequence face up to each player, but the dealer's second "hole" card remains concealed.

If you feel the total of your first two cards can beat the dealer's total, then you "stand" and do not draw additional cards. If you feel the dealer has cards that can beat your total, you should "hit" until you feel comfortable or "bust". Indicate your decision to stand or hit by gesturing to the dealer.

After all players have completed their hands, the dealer's hole card is exposed. If the dealer's two cards total 16 or less, the dealer must hit until reaching a combination of 17 or above. If the dealer's total is less than yours, or if the dealer "busts" (goes over 21), you win even money.

Double Down - You may double down on any two cards except for a point total of 21. You may elect to wager an additional amount (up to the amount of your original bet) by placing it next to the original bet. On any double down, you draw only one additional card.

Split - If your first two cards are a pair, you may "split" them into two hands by placing an equal amount next to the original bet. The first hand is played out before receiving any cards for the second hand. Split Aces get only 1 card draw and may not be split again. A 10-value hit on an Ace will count as a 21, but not as a Blackjack.

* When splitting or doubling down, you lose only the amount of the original bet if the dealer has a blackjack.

Insurance - If the dealer's "up" card is an Ace, you may take insurance by placing half the original bet on the insurance line. The insurance bet is a wager that the dealer has a 10-value card the "hole". Insurance pays 2 to 1 if the dealer has a Blackjack, but loses in all other instances. A player with Blackjack may say "even money" and be paid immediately.

Here is a chart that advises you "By The Book" what to do with your hand when looking at the dealer's up card.


		2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	A
	17+	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
	16	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
	15	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
	14	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
	13	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
	12	H	H	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
	11	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	H
	10	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	H	H
Y	9	H	D	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
O	5-8	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
U	A,8-10	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
R	A,7	S	D	D	D	D	S	S	H	H	H
	A,6	H	D	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
H	A,5	H	H	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
A	A,4	H	H	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
N	A,3	H	H	H	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
D	A,2	H	H	H	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
	A,A,8,8	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP
	10,10	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
	9,9	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	S	SP	SP	S	S
	7,7	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	H	H	H	H
	6,6	H	SP	SP	SP	SP	H	H	H	H	H
	5,5	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	H	H
	4,4	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	3,3	H	H	SP	SP	SP	SP	H	H	H	H
	2,2	H	H	SP	SP	SP	SP	H	H	H	H