Blackjack has been a globally popular game around for centuries, yet the true origins of the game are yet to be determined. To this day, it still eludes and debated by researchers. The first reference of the game in literature was in the early 1600. This was a book about gambling cheats in Seville, written by Miguel de Cervantes, and mentions a game called “Vientiuna” or twenty-one in Spanish. This game was also played without 10’s resembling the modern-day blackjack variation “Spanish 21”. Over the years, various adaptations of the game have been introduced and led us to what we know today as Blackjack. Being one of the oldest and most popular casino games in the world, it is only natural that casinos not on gamstop and no verification casinos are offering it.

The classic version of blackjack is used with the conventional 52 card deck. Blackjack is played with 6 decks of cards. There are however variations that are played with between 1 – 8 decks. These 6 decks make up the shoe (card holder). Cards will be shuffled at the end of each shoe. Some casinos and online versions can use an automatic shuffler.

• 2 through 10 count as face value. For example, a 3 counts as 3 points and a 9 as 9. • Face cards – J, Q, K – count as 10 points. • Aces are counted as 1 or 11. This can be determined based on which makes a stronger hand.

A typical blackjack table will hold 5 or 7 seats, although there are tables with just one seat, these are usually found online, however the layout of a blackjack table remains the same regardless. For each seat, there is a box for players to place their bets and player cards will be dealt to the box. Cards are pulled from the card shoe, always dealt left to right with the dealers’ cards last. Online this can be done virtually. Pay-outs for winnings and insurance are clearly displayed across the table – also known as the insurance line.

The aim of the game is to beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21. This can be done in one of the following ways:

• Get 21 points aka blackjack on the first 2 cards without the dealer also getting blackjack. • Reach a final score higher than the dealer without exceeding 21. • Let the dealer draw additional cards until the exceed 21 (go bust).

The game beings with each player getting 2 cards. The dealer (dealt last) will either receive one card (European version) or the second card dealt face down (American version). These 2 cards will equal the players total score for that moment. In the case that a total score of 21 is obtained with the first 2 cards showing by getting an Ace with a 10 or face card and the dealer does not. This is an automatic win for the player. If it is one on one with the player and the dealer, there is no need to finish the dealer’s hand. At this point, any players who did not hit blackjack will have to decide how to proceed with their 2 cards.

Hit, draw or a simple tap on the table indicates a player chooses to take another card. The best time to hit (or not) can depend on strategies being played but the goal is to get close to 21 without going over. To give yourself the best chance it is important to remember that when either a player or the dealer goes over 21 it is an automatic loss so although there is no limit to the number of cards a player can take, be mindful not to go bust and recognise the dealer still can.

Standing is when a player chooses not to take anymore cards and is satisfied with the cards they have. When standing the dealer will move on to the next player (or proceed with their cards), players will not have the option to take any more cards after this point.

When the first 2 cards dealt are matching in value, the player has the option to split the cards into two separate hands. When splitting, it is effectively playing another hand therefore a player will need to match the original bet in order to split the cards. The left hand will be player first and once satisfied (or bust) the right hand will be played. If a card with the same value appears again consecutively, the hand can then be split again. However, some casinos may have a limit to how many times you can split a hand. When splitting Aces, players will be dealt one card only without the option to split again. If a player receives a 10 or a face card on the second card, it is treated as 21 and not the bonus of blackjack.

There is also the option to double down after the first 2 cards. Players will need to match their bet and will receive one card and one card only. Although many live casinos allow double downs on any 2 cards, it is also standard practise (and the safest bet) to only be able to double down if a players first 2 cards equal 9, 10 or 11.

When the dealers first card is an Ace, often the player will have the option to take insurance. This is like a safety net. If choosing to take insurance, the player will place a side bet that is half the value of the original stake. When determined the dealer does not have a blackjack, the insurance bet is lost and the hand played as normal. If the dealer does however have a blackjack, the hand will lose however the insurance bet will be payed two to one. When the player has a blackjack and the dealer has an Ace, the player also has the option to take even money or can continue and see how the hand plays out. Either way, they can not lose. Once each of the players hands have been played, the dealer will then draw or reveal a second card for themselves. Whether the dealer takes another card or not is determined by the same set of rules and must continue to draw cards until reaching a total value of 17 or above, even if it means going bust. In other words:

• 17 or higher, the dealer must stand. This includes soft 17 (Ace and 6) • 16 or lower, the dealer must draw another card.

Once the dealer’s hand is complete, the outcome of the game is determined.

If the dealer’s hand is stronger than the players hand, the dealer wins and that the player bet is lost. when the hand of the player is strong than the dealers, the player wins. or both the player and the dealer have the same value, this is considered as a push. when the dealer goes bust, any remaining bets on the table win. If the dealer reveals blackjack, any non-blackjack hands will lose.

Pay-outs in blackjack are those of the simplest when it comes to casino games, they couldn’t be more straightforward. If a player’s hand loses of course the bet is lost. A win means the player will receive even money back. Or if hitting a blackjack, players get 3:2.

There are different strategies used when playing blackjack at a serious level, and you can even read up on some these before-hand if you’re going to be sitting at a table with a pro. But if it’s just a bit of fun you are looking for, now you have a basic understanding of the game and how to play, there is nothing left to do but get stuck in for yourself. At non gamstop and independent casinos, you will find various versions of the brilliant game. See Also Gaming tip Baccarat and Video Poker.