» Some people believe that Blackjack is based on some European card games. 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”. 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” come to the United States in the 19th century and were very popular. In the Western part of the USA gambling was legal from the 1850’s to 1910. In Nevada gambling was illegal from 1910 to 1931. In 1931 gambling was legalized in Nevada. When casino gambling was legalized Blackjack became one of the most popular games. Casino gambling and Blackjack were very popular. The most popular types of Blackjack were played with one or two decks. The first article about Blackjack was titled “The Optimum Strategy in Blackjack”. “The Optimum Strategy in Blackjack” was written by Roger Baldwin. In “The Optimum Strategy in Blackjack” Roger Baldwin wrote about some strategies. It was Edward O. Thorp who developed and wrote about the first card counting systems. “Beat the Dealer” was one of the most popular books. A lot of people read books about casinos, casino games and gambling. After “Beat the Dealer” was published much more people began to play at casinos. Some casinos changed Blackjack rules as Thorp’s strategy really worked. 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. Mr Braun improved Dr. Braun’s updated strategies and card counting systems were included in the second edition of “Beat the Dealer”. Blackjack History

» The Card Values. 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. In blackjack card suits are of no importance. The value of the ace seems to confuse some players under the "heat of the action". You can count the ace as eleven until a count of eleven will put your hand over twenty-one, then you can count the ace as one Card Value in Blackjack

» Bets and the Deal. Blackjack is played on a semicircular shaped table. The blackjack tableis covered by a green or blue colored felt. The blackjack table has seven places for players. The dealer stands behind the table. The dealer deals cards in a clockwise direction from one or multiple decks. 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 or $100. 00, $1,000. 00. 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. The dealer always deals his own cards face down. 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 is a plastic box which sits on the table holding the portion of the deck remaining to be dealt. 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. The more decks a house plays, the more favorable the odds become for the house against the card counters. 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

» Game Rules and Signals. Blackjack is an international game. In some casinos neither dealers nor players say anything during the game. The use of special signals is preferred in most casinos. Using signals is a form of international communication. The signals help to avoid noise. If you are dealt a blackjack and your cards are dealt face down, you have to signal a blackjack by placing your cards face up in front of your bet. The most common decision you will have to make is whether to stand or to hit. If your cards have been dealt face down, you may hold your cards in one hand only. If you want to signal a stand, you have to slide the corner of your cards face down under your bet. To indicate a hit you have to tap the table next to your cards with your finger tips or you have to place your hand near your cards and move your finger tips toward you. If the first two cards dealt to you are cards of equal value, you may "split" the pair combination. If your cards have been dealt face down, you have to place one card, face up, in front of each bet. When you split, you play two individual hands. Many casinos allow you to split any pair combinations. Some casinos don't allow to split aces. Most casinos that do allow splitting of aces will only allow one card to be dealt to each split ace. Some casinos allow multiple splits if the second card dealt to either hand has a value equal to the first card.   You may "double down" on a hand which consists of two cards. When you double down, you are dealt only one additional card to your hand. To signal the intention of doubling down, you have to pay another bet equal to your first bet. If your cards have been dealt face down, you have to place them face up in front of your doubled bet. Some casinos restrict the double down option. Some casinos don't allow doubling down on split hands. Some casinos can permit doubling down when the total value of your two cards is ten or eleven. Blackjack Rules And Signals

» Blackjack Terminology. Push happens if the hand value of the dealer and of the player is equal. You have a bust it the total of your hand goes over 21. Hole Card is a dealer's down card, which isn’t shown to the players.  ‘To cut the deck’ means ‘to insert a plastic card into a deck’. Blackjack Terminology

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