Blackjack or 21

• Author: Ed
• Filed under: Blackjack
• Date: Jun 20,2008

Blackjack just happens to be one of the most popular casino games after poker. For many reasons, the allure of chance, the advantage of skill and the mystique of casinos in general have ensured Blackjack is one of the more popular online casino games around.

So what exactly is Blackjack?

I’m sure you already know, but for those who have never played this fantastic game, or are scared to try so let me start by giving you a little history. Blackjack is a very old game, French by origin, it was invented in the 1800’s and was originally called 21. However, when the popular game reached American soil, it was not very successful. Because of this, it quickly got renamed Blackjack due to the fact casinos were promoting high bonuses towards player who managed to strike an ace card.

The aim of the game is to beat the dealer. Your goal is to have the highest hand possible, but not exceeding 21. If you exceed 21 you are ‘bust’.

General game progress

Player joins a table and places a bet. Following this two cards are dealt to every player face up, and to the dealer, one card visible to everyone, one card hidden – this card is known as the “Hole card”.

From here, you can make some decisions –

“Hit me” – Which is when you ask the dealer for another hand.

“Double down” – double your wager, and take one more card.

“Split” – double your wager, split your two cards into two hands. (Only with same-value starting cards)

“Surrender” – drop half your bet and give up this round.

After the player makes his decision, the dealer will reveal his card and play his hand. Many casinos have specific rules for dealers i.e. dealer must hit until s/he has 17.

Any bets that tie are returned to the player, and if the dealer busts, then the player wins at 1:1 odds.