Fair Blackjack

More Than Just the Blackjack Basics

By now, you probably know the basics of a blackjack game. To win, pray that the cards being dealt to you are near or 21 in terms of card value. If they are lower than the aimed value pray again that yours are higher than dealer.

Otherwise, your cards are considered busted, meaning it went beyond the lucky number. However, don't loose hope; ties are possible in the game, which in blackjack is referred to as a push.

To know the value of your cards one must understand that the face or royalty cards are worth 10, numbered cards are worth their printed numerals and an ace is worth one or eleven. Getting a 10 and an ace delivered to you is called a "blackjack" and you automatically win.

On most blackjack tables, there are betting schemes on how much one can bet for a game. This refers to the minimum - maximum bets. After you have placed your bet, the dealer will now distribute the cards. Distributing cards could vary from one casino to another. The dealer may give you first your two initial cards before his. Or he may do it alternately. You will notice that one the dealer's card is exposed so you can see its value and let that help you decide on your actions..

What's next?

You could ask for an additional card, which is termed as "hit." When is the best time to hit?

The general advice is to get an extra card, when your total card value ranges from 5 to 9 regardless what is the value of the dealer's exposed card. However, statisticians suggest that if your total card value is 9 and one of the dealer's cards is a 5 or a 6, you go for the "double down."

Double down is a blackjack option, wherein a player has to make his bet twice the original amount then he will get one more card. Doing this option is best suited if your card total is equal to 10, while the one of the dealer's exposed card has a value of 2 to 8. Furthermore, you can do the same if yours is worth 11 and the dealer's exposed card has a value of 2 to 10.

If you are confident with your cards, take a "stand" or don't get anymore cards.

Finally, the last concept is a "split pairs." For example, your first two cards are both two's, then it is advisable that you split or separate them. It will appear that you are holding two sets of cards. Hence, the dealer will give you additional card for each set. Then again, depending on the casino's blackjack rules, you could hit, stand, double down or split a pair again.

These are the basics and should get you started playing this classic and much loved casino game.