» Blackjack History The origin of the game Blackjack is still discussed. 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. For some time casinos and gambling houses were forbidden. 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. 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”. “The Optimum Strategy in Blackjack” was written by Roger Baldwin. 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. “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. People wanted to implement Thorp’s strategy. Thorp’s book ended up making money for casinos, as it increased the amount of Blackjack being played. Julian Braun was one of the most important contributors to modern Blackjack strategy. Thorp’s code. 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. Aces may be counted as either eleven or one. 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

» Blackjack is played on a semicircular shaped table. The blackjack tableis covered by a green or blue colored felt. 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. After shuffling and cutingt the deck, the dealer "burns" one to five cards immediately placing these unseen cards into the discard box before the deal of the first hand. You will see a sign on the table. Minimum bets are usually $1. 00, $5. 00, $10. 00 or $100. 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. When all the bets are made all players and the dealer are dealt two cards each. The dealer always deals his own cards face down. After the dealer has dealt everyone two cards, he will turn his first card face up for all to see. After all players have played out their hands, the dealer will turn his hole card face up and, if necessary, hit his hand until he has a hand value of seventeen or more. 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 makes it more difficult for a dealer to cheat by dealing a card other than the bottom card. 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

» Blackjack is an international game. Blackjack has a fairly standardized set of rules and rule variations. In some casinos neither dealers nor players say anything during the game. Using signals speeds up the game. Using signals is a form of international communication. The signals help to avoid noise. If your cards are dealt face up, the dealer will automatically recognize the blackjack. The most common decision you will have to make is whether to stand or to hit. If you want to signal a stand, you have to slide the corner of your cards face down under your bet. If you want to signal a hit, you have to wait until the play comes to you then simply scrape the bottom of the cards lightly against the table toward you. If your cards have been dealt face up, your stand and hit signals are made with your hand. 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 you want to accommodate and signal your split intention, you have to place another bet, equal to your initial bet, alongside your initial 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. With "double down" you double your original wager. When you double down, you are dealt only one additional card to your hand. 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. Doubling your wager add to your advantage. Blackjack Rules And Signals

» Surrender. Many casinos do not allow any form of surrender rule. "Late Surrender" doesn't allow the player to surrender until the dealer has ascertained that he does not have a blackjack. "Early Surrender" allows a player to surrender his hand even before a dealer can determine whether he has a blackjack Surrender

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