Values of the cards
The values of the cards are very easy to learn :
- All cards from 2 trough 9 count for their value (2=2, 3=3...) ;
- An ACE counts as 1 either 11 (explained below) ;
- The 10, Jack, Queen and King count as 10.

The value of the ACE is not chosen by the player. It is automatically chosen to have the best hand value. For example, if you have this pair : [ACE, 8], the value of the ACE will be 11 (to go close to 21). The opposite example is this hand : [ACE, 7, 5]. In this case, the value of the ACE will be 1, because if the value was 11 the sum of the cards would be over 21 (11+7+5=23), meaning a losing hand for you.

There is an interesting tip here with the double value of the ACE. It is strategic, because you know that if you have a high value hand (for example [ACE, 6]), you can draw another card without danger of going over 21. Pay attention to this aspect of the game.

The options for the player
You always start a blackjack game with two cards. The dealer will have two cards too, but only one will be showed to you. You have some options you can choose when playing the game :

- HIT
If you are not pleased with your actual hand, you can hit cards (you will be given a new card in your actual hand) until you choose to stand against the dealer.

- STAND
If you find your hand great, you can stand against the dealer. Then, the dealer will choose to hit himself or stand against you. Then the two values of the hands will be compared, and the previous rules apply.

- DOUBLE
When you have your two first cards, you can double your hand. You use this option when you think that the third card will beat the dealer's hand. Your bet will be doubled and a third card is drawn. You are not able to draw an additional card as you stand automatically after this card.

- SPLIT
If your two first cards have the same value, you can split them in two separate hands (you place a second bet on this additional hand). One more card is dealt for each additional hand. The game continues separatly for each hand. Please note that if you split two ACES, you get only one additional card and your hands are compared automatically (you stand). Also, in this situation, if you get a 21, it's not a Blackjack, it's considered as 21 (you win only the value of your bet).

- INSURANCE
We don't recommend the use of this option. If the dealer first card is an ACE, you can take an insurance to protect your bet against a possible blackjack for the dealer. If the dealer has blackjack, you earn a compensation of two times the insurance (which is half of your bet), returning your bet. But if the dealer has not blackjack, you lose the insurance. Since there is more chance for the dealer to don't have Blackjack rather than having Blackjack, this option is not recommended.

Miscellaneous
- It exists various tables with different bet limits (minimum bet and maximum bet). Pay attention to the table you are playing to match your budget.
- The normal dealer strategy is to always hit until he has 17 or more. He doesn't split pairs, he only hits until he reaches 17 or higher.

BLACKJACK STRATEGIES AND TIPS

My step-father is one of the originals. Real Vegas- style, the type of man who can wear a diamond ring on his finger and you still know that he is a real man! There was a small part in the film “Casino” where he was even featured- that’s right, he’s a living dinosaur, and he still works in Vegas and has seen it all!!

My point being that if there was some ‘magic system” that could consistently ‘beat the house’, I’d have the inside track and I swear- I’d give it to you now.
There is nothing more that I would like than to see than the casino industry take a severe beating. But that’s just not going to happen through some homemade, fantasy formula. Now Poppa Joe (that’s what I call my step-dad) insists that baccarat is by far the best game from the players’ point of view. Why? Because of the lack of decisions one has to make- less room for error. I completely take the opposite view- as with my favorite casino game, blackjack, your decisions are crucial and can make the difference between winning and losing.

Now, I’m not going to be telling those of you who know the game anything new- just ten personal, basic, generalized preferences which have at least “kept me at the table” for quite some years. Let us also assume that you are playing “standard” casino blackjack rules and that you are playing with 4 or 6 decks, hand-shuffled.

One: I like to play with two boxes- it just balances out stuff and gives one more control, i.e: you can sacrifice one to help the other.

Two: I like to be playing next to the dealer- the last two boxes.
Maybe an element of superstition, but also again it does give me some control, e.g; I can take out a ten if I think it’s coming!

Three; I play to win. In order to win- you need to be brave. This is the essence of gambling. So, for example, if the dealer is on a 7, 8, 9, ace or face card- and I am on, say, 15 or sixteen- I take a card- no exceptions.

Four: Being brave is not the same as being greedy. You don’t split tens.

Five: However- you do split aces- always (unless of course the dealer also has an ace!).

Six: When you have the opportunity and wisdom dictates- press home your mathematical advantage- always double up from a superior position against the dealer.

Seven: This is an eccentricity and not mathematically advised: I always hit against the dealer’s two card until I reach 15 or more. Just a private thing.

Eight: Never take even money on your blackjack. The offer is an insult.

Nine: Split ad infinitum. As I said- be brave and press home your advantages.

Ten: Money management. This is too complex and lengthy to write about here- but I am a gambler who uses money management systems and would advise you to be as well. i.e: increase/decrease your bets each hand according to your gain/loss- target/limit.

One last tip- forget about what the other players are doing or saying. If necessary, leave the table.

Oh yes, and do keep track of the face cards (simply think one in three)- but forget trying to count cards!!