Blackjack Blackjack, also known as twenty-one, is one of
the most popular casino card games in the world. Much of
its popularity is due to the mix of chance with an element
of skill and decision making that is involved, and the publicity
that surrounds the practice of card counting, in which players
can win money by making betting and strategy decisions based
on the cards that have been dealt.
Naming of Blackjack
The game was christened 'Blackjack' because if a player
held a Jack of Spades and an Ace of Spades as the first
two cards, the player was paid out extra. So with Spades
being black and Jack being a vital card - Blackjack was
born!
Object of the game
The basic object of Blackjack is that you have a hand value
that is closer to 21 than that of the dealer, without going
over 21. Other players at the table are of no concern. Your
hand is strictly played out against the hand of the dealer.
The rules of play for the dealer are strictly dictated,
leaving no decisions up to the dealer. Therefore, there
is not a problem with the dealer or any of the other players
at the table seeing the cards in your hand. Indeed, if you're
playing at a shoe game, the player cards are all dealt face
up. In any event, when you're just learning to play, don't
hesitate to show the dealer or other players your cards
and ask questions.
Values of the cards
In blackjack, the cards are valued as follows:
