subject: Beginners Guide To The Game Of Blackjack [print this page] There are, surprisingly, quite a few people who havent heard of blackjack- a popular casino game. If you are among them, this article will introduce you to the game enough to get you interested. First things first, the game is really simple to play. Rules are pretty simple and designed to get one going within a few practice games. With practice of course, most can improve their strategies for the game in short time. The popularity of the game is such that one can easily find a table for blackjack in most casinos as well as online software for the same.
Objective
The objective of the game is to beat the casino represented by a dealer; this can be done by avoiding going bust that is, a score more than 21. Since this is a card game, the score is maintained by the card that one has in his or her hand. Each card represents a score as indicated on it. The face cards are marked with 10 while the ace cards can be either 1 or 11 based on the choice of the player. As mentioned, the game is between the player and the dealer and not other players. Players are allowed to make suggestions to the dealer through hand signals and it is important that one learns this to play effectively.
Basic strategy
One of the basic strategies that most seasoned blackjack players would advocate is to assume a down card worth 10 points with the dealer which includes the face cards as well as the figure card of the same numeral. The basic rules of play are framed according to what card the dealer shows first. In case it is a 4 or 5 or 6, the dealer is weakest and one must stick anything over 11. The dealer is quite strong when the face cards are shown or the next numerals from 7 and so one must stick a number like 16, 17 or 18 depending upon which card. If the dealer shows anything else, one can stick to 12 or over.
However, even these basic strategies may be modified according to the game you play. To improve upon these, play the game online where there is hardly any risk involved.
Hand signals
As mentioned, hand signals are important to understand if one is to play blackjack. The hand signals vary according to the players handling of the cards whether it is in one hand or on the table. Hence there are two modes of games- Face Up and Face Down.
In the face up game, a stand is signaled by waving the hand over and parallel to the cards. Pointing at a card signals a hit to the dealer while doubling requires you to put an additional bet close to the original bet but not over it. Signal a double by pointing two fingers and a split by a single finger
In the face down game, signal a stand by placing cards underneath the bet. Signal a hit by scraping the hand over the table and signal a double or split by facing up a card and adding an additional bet close to the original bet similar to the face up game.
Play blackjack online first before thinking of playing against a casino. There are multiplayer options now available that you can seek to improve your game. Visit a few blackjack tables to know more about the game.
