Blackjack

Practice Blackjack:



Mention the word casino to the man in the street, and he'll think of one of two games - roulette and blackjack. Blackjack, Vingt-et-un in France, or pontoon in the UK is probably the most common casino card game in the world. Its combination of luck and skill make its appeal irresistible.

The difference between blackjack and other casino card games is the degree to which the House can be beaten by the skillful player. Blackjack's popularity is further enhanced by its simplicity. Just gather a hand of cards whose total is as close as possible to 21, but make sure you have more points than the dealer. Can't get much simpler than that! Unlike other games, each round is solely a duel between you and the dealer. While other players may join you on the table, each round is mano-a-mano.

Card values are standard with the exception of the ace, which can equal one point or eleven at the player's discretion. Dealer and player receive two cards each. You see the dealer's first card, with the second face down. Both of the player's cards are dealt face up so the total is apparent at the outset. The player draws cards ("twists") until a stopping point is reached, or until he breaks the magic 21 points, and "busts." When the player stops, or "sticks", the dealer starts dealing cards until he either beats the player, draws level (and wins due to a dealer's advantage), or goes bust.

Blackjack has been with us for over 300 years, with its greatest period of popularity being the last 100 years. Fans of the game can have their blackjack urge satisfied by tuning in to virtually any online casino website where the game will have pride of place in the list of offerings.

Game play summary:

 

• Dealer vs. player format
• Dealer receives two cards - one face up, one face down
• Player receives two cards - both face up
• Player adds total points and either holds (sticks) or takes another card (twists)
• Player accumulates cards with point total nearest to 21
• Exceeding 21, then player "busts"
• After player holds or busts, dealer draws cards
• Dealer wins if his point total equals or exceeds player's
• If Dealer busts, player wins