Blackjack : How to play Blackjack

Many gamblers believe that the goal in blackjack is to get as close to 21 as you can. This way of thinking might be a disaster for game strategy, because the real aim in blackjack is to beat the dealer no matter what.

You can easily win with a hand of 13, 14 or 15 more than once. Sometimes you only have to wait for the dealer to go bust. Here are some tips for playing at a table with more players at once.

First you should know that you can play blackjack with 1, 2, 4, or 8 decks of cards. Live blackjack (one deck version) is becoming less popular because of games dealt from a shoe (4 or 8 card decks). The more cards are dealt the smaller are the chances of winning. Try playing with one or two decks at most. And if you're playing online blackjack remember to ask how many decks they are using.

The game begins when the dealer starts dealing the cards from the player on his left. He gives two cards to each player. The dealer will then show one of his cards, the up-card. Then beginning from left to right each player makes is move. The dealer is the last one to move and this gives the house an advantage. As a beginner you should always imagine that he has an 8, 9 or 10 under his up-card. It's a safe technique. Use it until you get the hang of the game and then move on to other strategies.

When it's your turn you can hit, stand or double down. When you hit it means you ask for another card. Standing means you just wait without doing anything and pass. If you never took a hit before you can double down. This means you get to draw a card after doubling your bet. Double for less and you split the hand you have and double your bet.

The cards are worth the value printed o them except for the ace (worth 1 or 11 it is your choice) and the face cards (they are worth ten). After each player takes his turn the dealer shows his card. Houses make him stand on 17 most of the time. Blackjack as you can see is very easy to learn and fun as well!