The Basics of Blackjack

This article will cover the basics of blackjack and will help you understand the way blackjack is played.

Blackjack is played at the blackjack table obviously. You must remember to always look at the rules used by that table. These rules are generally displayed on the felt or next to the dealer, on a card. Only by looking at these rules can you know what game is offered. Blackjack games vary from single deck games to 8 deck games. In a single deck game the dealer holds the deck in his hands as he deals the cards. Most casinos do not offer single deck games, but games from 2 to 8 decks. In this case the dealer cannot hold all the cards. A special device called "the shoe" is used to hold the cards and the dealer will only pull the cards from a slot in front of the shoe.

When playing blackjack you will always be dealt two cards. Most times these cards are dealt face down, but in some multiple deck games they can be dealt face up. The way the cards are dealt does not influence your odds, but it is slightly more favorable for the player to have the cards dealt face up. He will have a lot more knowledge of what cards have been dealt out of the game in this case.

In order to begin playing a game of blackjack, just have a seat at a blackjack table. The seat to the far left of the dealer, the seat that will be the first to receive cards from the dealer is known as the "first base seat". The seat to the far right of the dealer, the seat that will be the last to receive cards from the dealer is known as the "third base seat". Knowing the proper terminology will not help you play a good hand. But it will help you not look like a rookie when starting a conversation with other gamblers that are more experienced.

Before the game begins the cards are shuffled. A player will then be asked to cut the cards. If only one deck of cards is used, simply pick up a top portion of the deck and then place it next to the bottom portion. When playing a multiple deck game you must use a special plastic card to cut the decks. Just place that plastic card somewhere in the middle of the deck and the dealer will take it from there. The top card of the cut deck will be discarded. This is called burning the top card. Now you have to bet. Just place your chips in the small circle in front of you. If you will lose, the dealer will take away your chips. But if you win, the dealer will give you chips. Remember that you are not allowed to touch your chips again after placing a bet. Wait until the round is over and then touch your chips.

The dealer will always deal the cards clockwise, starting from his left. After all the players have received one card he will give himself on card face up. Then he will give the players a second card in the same manner. He will also take a second card, but this time it will be face down. This face down card is known as a "Hole card".

According to the dealer's face up card you must make a decision. But what decision to make if the dealer's face up card is a ten? Well, if your card total is 21 or 20 you should stay. This will probably result in a win or a tie. But what if you have a card total of 13? What decision to make now? It's not that easy especially when we cannot see what the dealer's second card is.