In this opening chapter, you will learn the following:

The history of blackjack, specifically its origins, how "21" became "blackjack" and who were the pioneers who developed the first basic blackjack game strategy. Why blackjack is different from other casino games and how we can take advantage of this difference; and how the casino has a built-in advantage over players and what we can do about it.

Blackjack rules

I often shake my head in disgust when I pick up a pamphlet that you usually find somewhere in a casino that explains how to play blackjack. It is invariably said that the aim of blackjack is to get as close to 21 as possible. Not correct!

The aim of blackjack is to beat the dealer's hand:

1. have a grand total that exceeds the merchant's grand total;
2. by not going over 21 when the dealer does.

Blackjack bets

Blackjack is played on a semi-circular table covered with a felt cloth and usually seats up to 7 players. In front of each player is a circled or sometimes square box called the betting area, where the bet is placed using casino chips. A trained casino dealer is responsible for dealing cards according to strict casino protocols, collecting losing player bets, paying out winning bets and generally keeping the game running at an acceptable pace.

Most casinos do not use cash to place bets. You must use casino chips or "cheques". To buy chips, simply sit down at a blackjack table, wait for the dealer to complete the current round, place your money on the table in front of the dealer, and ask the dealer for chips. The dealer converts your money into chips and pushes the chips towards you. Make sure you have the chips neatly stacked in front of you. Most casinos allow players to play more than one hand per round provided there are empty spaces on the table. If a player does this, he must place a bet on each bet in order to be awarded a hand. In most casinos, a player must wager twice the table minimum for each hand when playing more than one hand.

Number of decks

Each table should have signage stating the minimum and maximum betting limits. For example, if a table has a minimum bet of $25, you are not allowed to say that you are betting a red ($5) chip. Your minimum bet must be $25. Before you sit down to play, you should check the betting limits posted on the table.

Before the cards are dealt, all players must make a bet by placing chips in their respective betting boxes. Each player and the dealer receive two cards. One of the dealer's cards (called the dealer's upcard) is always dealt face up so players can see its value. The other dealer's card, known as the dealer's down card or hole card, is not visible. The two player cards can be dealt either face up or face down.

Generally, in games dealt from a trading shoe (usually 4, 6, or 8 decks), players' cards are dealt face up. In this case, you should not handle the cards. In games where the dealer deals out of hand by tossing the cards to the players (single or double deck games), the player cards are usually both dealt face down. In these games, the player is only allowed to handle the cards with one hand and the cards must always be on top of the table.

After the player looks at his first two cards and recognizes the value of one of the dealer's two cards, the player must make a game decision.

Blackjack doubles

This game option allows you to double your initial bet if you are dealt one (and only one) draw card. In most casinos you can only double down after you've dealt your first two cards and before you draw another card. To signal the dealer that you want to double down in games with shoes, simply place your chip in the hand next to the original chip bet. In hand games, throw your cards face up on the table and then place the second bet.

In casinos you can double down for less than your original bet, but as you will learn here, this is not a good bet.