» Blackjack have elements of French “Vingt-Un” (21), “Trente et Quarente” (20 and 30), “Chemin de Fer” (Railroad), Spanish “One and Thirty” and Italian “Baccara” and “Seven and a Half”. For some time casinos and gambling houses were forbidden. In the Western part of the USA gambling was legal from the 1850’s to 1910. When casino gambling was legalized Blackjack became one of the most popular games. Casino gambling and Blackjack were very popular. Blackjack was played at nearly every casino and gambling house. The most popular types of Blackjack were played with one or two decks. In 1956 the first article about Blackjack was printed. The first article about Blackjack was titled “The Optimum Strategy in Blackjack”. In “The Optimum Strategy in Blackjack” Roger Baldwin wrote about some strategies. Roger Baldwin explained how to reduce the “House”, or casino, advantage based upon probability and statistics. “Beat the Dealer” was published in 1962 by the Mathematics Professor Edward O. Thorp. A lot of people read books about casinos, casino games and gambling. People wanted to implement Thorp’s strategy. When Blackjack rules were changed in some casinos most people stopped playing Blackjack. Casinos had to change Blackjack rules back to attract players. Thorp’s book ended up making money for casinos, as it increased the amount of Blackjack being played. Thorp’s strategy seemed complicated and difficult for some players. Julian Braun was one of the most important contributors to modern Blackjack strategy. Mr Braun improved Dr. Thorp’s code. Braun’s updated strategies and card counting systems were included in the second edition of “Beat the Dealer”. Troph, Braun and others made Blackjack very popular. Blackjack History

» The numbered cards (2-10) have a numerical value equal to the number printed on the card. All face cards (Jack, Queen and King) as well as Tens have the value of ten. Aces may be counted as either eleven or one. In blackjack card suits are of no importance. The value of the ace seems to confuse some players under the "heat of the action". It si up to you to decide how to value aces Card Value in Blackjack

» Bets and the Deal. Blackjack is played on a semicircular shaped table. The blackjack table has seven places for players. The dealer deals cards in a clockwise direction from one or multiple decks. After shuffling all cards thoroughly, the dealer will give one of the players a plastic card. One of the players has to"cut" the deck wth the plastic card. To cut the deck, the player has to insert the plastic card into the deck. On the sign minimum and maximum bets allowed will be posted. Minimum bets are usually $1. 00, $2. 00, $10. 00, $25. 00. Maximum bets are generally $500. 00, $1,000. 00 or $5,000. Minimum and maximum bets higher through special arrangements with the house. Sometimes you can make bets with cash. All winnings are paid with house chips. Chips can be purchased at the tables. If you want to cash your chips you must go to the Cashier. At the outset of each hand, you have to place your bet in the square on the table directly in front of your seat. When all the bets are made all players and the dealer are dealt two cards each. After the dealer has dealt everyone two cards, he will turn his first card face up for all to see. The dealer's other card, his face down card, is often referred to as his "hole card". When one or two decks are played, the dealer will deal from his hand and the player's cards will be dealt face down. When there are four or more decks, the cards are dealt face up from a "shoe". The shoe provides the dealer with a convenient way to handle four or more decks. The house has one more advantage when dealing from the shoe. When using four or more decks, the cards are often dealt face up both in European and American casinos. Dealing cards face up prevents some forms of cheating by the players.   Bets And the Deal

» The insurance option is simply another form of wager that is offered to the players when the dealer has an ace showing. If you think that the dealer has a blackjack you can take the insurance. The insurance bet costs one-half your original wager, and the payoff is 2:1. If you win the insurance bet, the dealer will pay you by simply leaving your original wager on the table Insurance

» Surrender. Many casinos do not allow any form of surrender rule. There are two prevalent forms of the surrender rule. "Late Surrender" doesn't allow the player to surrender until the dealer has ascertained that he does not have a blackjack Surrender

Blackjack Casinos

Excitement, fun and action of Las Vegas, but in the privacy and comfort of your own home! Zodiac Casino offers $10 free for downloading, and an additional $40 bonus on your first deposit of $100. Zodiac Casino offers amazing introductory offers and promotions. Zodiac Casino will start your luck by giving you $10 FREE just for downloading free casino software. There are over 80 games: blackjack, roulette, craps, keno, cyber stud poker, multihand blackjack, poker pursuit, aces and faces poker, jacks or better, deuces wild poker, jacks or better power poker, supa jax, double magic, jurassic jackpot, diamond deal, cash splash, wow pot, lots of loot. Pleasant atmosphere, awesome graphics and our professional support service will make every your game unforgettable. All bonuses and promotions for Zodiac are handled by CasinoRewards. Casino Rewards is the most competitive online loyalty program. Membership to CasinoRewards is free and automatic when you register at Zodiac Casino. Casino Rewards offer an efficient and reliable service. With Casino Rewards you get all bonuses, great weekly and monthly promotions into your account promptly. Zodiac Casino has a fresh, clean interface that is easy to use. Zodiac Casino uses the well respected Microgaming software. The new VIPER software has been developed to meet international player demand. VIPER will offer you the most realistic gaming experience available online. Zodiac Casino offers a wide range of payment options to all players. You can always rely on the support staff. The support center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The support staff will answer all your question and will help you if you have any problems. Video Pokers: Deuces Wild, Jacks or Better, Aces and Faces Poker. Multi-hand Power Pokers: Joker Poker, Tens or Better, Jacks or Better, Deuces Joker, Double Joker, Deuces Wild, Aces and Faces. Progressive Pokers: Supajax, Jackpot Deuces. Progressive Table Games: Triple 7's progressive Blackjack, Progressive Cyberstud, Roulette Royale. Progressive Slots: CashSplash, WowPot, LotsaLoot, Fruit Fiesta, Treasure Nile, Major Millions.

Desert Dollar Online Casino offers a huge range of over 50 excellent games. Desert Dollar Casino will provide you with 100% online security. Purchasing and payment methods are easy and quick. You can purchase casino credits with NETeller, Click2Pay, UseMyBank, Credit Card Deposits, Bank Wire-Transfer Deposits, NETeller InstaCash, Debit Card, Firepay Deposits. Be sure that all details about your credit card or bank account will be safe. If you have any doubts about the safety of your credit card or bank account there is an option for you. The customer service is available 24 hours a week, 7 days a week. You can contact the support center via email, live chat or phone. You can play either download or flash version. Desert Dollar Casino uses Microgaming. Desert Dollar Online Casino promises you the wildest winning ride of your life. PC with Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP is all you need to begin playing your favorite game. You will get regular promotions and bonuses. All information about new games, promotions and bonuses will be sent to you via email. You will get Sign Up Bonus up to $100 when you sign up.

There are games from all over the world in Vegas Towers Casino. Make a choice and enjoy playing your favorite game! There are promotions and bonuses for all players. There are special bonuses for Vip Clup members and active players. For all players there is customer service. The customer service is available 24/7. The support staff is always at hand. The support team is ready to solve all your problems and to answer all your questions. Be sure that you will get all your winnings. Be sure that all information about you, your card or bank account is safe. There are 2 ways to play at Vegas Towers Casino. You can get a free casino CD or no-download flash version. If you want to use flash version, you don't have to wait. You will be able to start in q few minutes. There are several ways to purchase casino credits. You can purchase casino credits with NETeller, Click2Pay, FirePay, INSTADEBIT etc. There is a special Sign Up Bonus.

AboutBlackjack.co.uk with reviews of the bonuses, bets, rules, tips, blackjack casinos and blackjack strategies