• About this Guide

This guide presents an introductory look at the game of blackjack for novice players or those who don't even know how to play yet.  The best part about blackjack is that it is a game of chance and skill combined.  In short, that is why we recommend you read this guide – because blackjack is unlike most casino games you've encountered before.  By learning the rules of the game and proper strategies discussed here you'll be able to come out a winner!

• Game History

Blackjack was first known by the French name "vingt-et-un".  It is also sometimes called 21 or Pontoon.  No matter what they call it – today it is "blackjack".  Even though it originally came from France, it has taken on a life of its own in North America, and is now one of the most quintessential American casino games.  Though you might find slight variations on the rules in different locations both in online and land based casinos – the concepts explained in this guide will be helpful no matter what flavor of blackjack you are playing.

• What is Blackjack?

Ok, let's get to the main point of this article, which is to explain blackjack in a simple to understand way.  Blackjack is a card game played with a standard 52 deck of cards (sorry, no Jokers).  In a casino up to seven players are seated at a blackjack table facing the dealer.  In online blackjack the game is usually played one on one (player vs. dealer).  However, in recent years there is a move for online casinos to offer multi-player blackjack which is similar to casino blackjack.

Each player is dealt two cards face up.  The dealer also gets two cards but one of his are face down (the hole card).  The goal to winning a hand of blackjack is to beat the dealer by getting a hand worth more points than his, without going over 21.

• The Blackjack Table

The blackjack table is a semi-circle usually located in clusters on the casino floor.  This is sometimes known as the blackjack pit.  The blackjack table contains important information about how the game is played including where to place bets, cards, and payouts.  The most important words you should look for on any blackjack table you approach is the following sentence: "Natural pays 3-2".  A Natural is another word for Blackjack – when you get a hand worth 21 as your first two cards.  It will also tell you at what point total the dealer hits or stands on.  The different rules will be discussed in the intermediate "Player" level lessons.

There is a rumor in blackjack that the best place to sit in a real casino is at the far left-hand side of the table because you get the last card before the dealer. This lets you see everyone else's cards first letting try to predict what cards are left for the dealer.  This is kind of like card-counting light.  To read more about card counting systems read the rest of the beginner and intermediate sections and then check out the section on card counting in our "Expert" guide.

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