BlackJack

The object of blackjack is to have a hand with a point value that is higher than the dealers's. You must do this without goingover 21 points, which is this game also known as twenty-one. A player or dealer with 22 points or more has busted and automatically loses the hand. All numbered cards are worth their face value; picture cards( Jacks,queens, and KIngs) are worth 10 points each and Aces are worth either 1 or 11- which the player gets to determine. Suites and colors are disregarded in the game.

Before each deal all players make their bets, if you are playing at a casino. Two cards are then dealt to everybody including the dealer, who is dealt one card face down. A player whose first two cards areadd up to 21 ( e.g., an Ace and Queen) has a BlackJack and is imediately paid 3-2, unless the dealer also has a BlackJack. Whenever a dealer and player tie, it is known as Push, and neither one wins the hand.

Once everyone has been dealt, players have several options to choose from. The best move depends both on what you have been dealt and on one exposed card of the dealer's hand. A Player can:

* HIT: Take an additional card.
* STAND: Take no additional cards.
* DOUBLEDOWN: Double the original bet and take only one additional card.
* SPLIT: When a player has been dealt two cards of identical values (e.g., two 9s), he can choose to double the original bet and play the two cards as two separate hands.
* CLAIM INSURANCE: When a dealer is showing an Ace, players are invited to claim insurance that the next dealer's card will be worth 10 ( and thus Blachjack). Insurance involves risking half the amount of original bet and pays off at two to one , if the dealer has a Blackjack.
* SURRENDER: Forfiet the hand and lose half the original bet. (Not option in many casinos.)

* Always hit when you have been dealt 8 or less. You have no choice of busting, and you need to get closer to 21.
*Always stand on hard hands of 17 or more, regardless of what the dealer is showing. A hard hand a hand that either has no Aces or has an Ace that must be worth only one point because to be worth more would mean a bust ( e.g., a 6, a jack and an Ace). If you hit, odds are you will be bust.
*Always hit if you have 16 or less and the dealer's card is a 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace. These are the best cards and is likely that dealer will beat you. Although you have a good chance of busting. it is worth the risk of getting closer to 21.
*Always stand on hard hands of 12 or more if the dealer's first card is a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. These are the worst cards and it is likely that the dealer will bust. But, you don't win if you bust first!.
*Always stand on soft 19's and 20's. A soft hand is one that has an Ace that can still be valued at either 1 or 11. Don't risk losing the good hand.