Basics of Playing Blackjack

Blackjack is a simple game but you still need to keep in mind a few items before you even think of playing. Go through these basic tips, go to the casino and take your time observing a few players, then go for it by sitting down and trying your luck. When in doubt, you can always ask the dealer.

You Need Chips to Play
You do not need cash for betting, you need chips. Buy them at the cashier or even at the table. They come in different denominations. And after you've placed a bet on the table and the dealer starts dealing, don't touch your bet. If you ignore this tip, you will probably get a verbal scolding from the dealer, dagger looks included.

Know the Dealer Minimum Rule
Most casino blackjack games require the dealer to draw to at least 17. That means they have to keep drawing cards until they have 17 or higher. Keep this in mind when devising your own strategy.

Don't Touch Those Cards
Most Vegas blackjack games use six decks of cards all mixed together in a shoe, which is a special card dispenser. You get your cards face up, and it's important that you do not touch them! The dealer is the only one allowed to handle the cards in these multi-deck games. Dealers don't like it at all when you touch the cards. Sometimes, in single-deck games, a dealer will give you the cards face down. In this scenario, you are permitted to touch them, since you need to see what you got. As a side note, most single-deck games pay 6:5 on a natural blackjack instead of 3:2 on multi-deck games.

Find a Dealer That Matches Your Mood
Look around the floor first for dealers that are not too boring or too serious looking. Go for the one that smiles once in a while, chats or gives occasional advice. It goes a long way to make the session more fun. This is up to you. If you are in a serious mood yourself, the boring and serious dealer might be a better fit. You can look for fun also. Same concept as in the preceding bullet, only this one has to do with the other gamblers at the table. If every one is sitting around looking sour and concentrating mightily on their cards, you may want to bypass the table if you are looking for fun. Scope out a table where players are whooping it up, and you may have a better time.

Keep a Stash
This is a strange tip when gambling, but do save. Keep two piles of chips, one for betting and one for saving. Every time you win a hand, set aside part of your winnings into the "save" pile, and then, well, don't touch it. If your luck takes a bad turn, and you go through your betting pile, walk away. This will ensure you will still have some money left at the end of the session.

Practice with Video Blackjack If You Are a Beginner
Have you noticed these computerized blackjack games on the casino floor, similar to video poker? They usually cost you a quarter each deal. Practice first on these machines, think of it as going to school first. Most real tables on the strip start at 10$ a deal so using these machines is a good way to start. It will not feel the same as having a real dealer but the rules are the same and it's perfect especially if you are a beginner.

If You Are in Vegas, Gamble Downtown
Serious gamblers, and by that we mean those who play to win, pure and simple, particularly blackjack players, always gamble downtown. They don't care about glitz, and flash, and themes. You can get single-deck play, where the odds are better. The minimum stakes are lower, as low as $5 a hand as opposed to $10 on the Strip.

Lastly, always remember to ask your dealer or even the pit boss about the shows or restaurants at the casino where you are playing. You will probably get a comp on meals, show tickets and other discounts, specially if you have been betting more than $20 per hand for a few hours. You have to ask for these, however, because they are rarely offered.

Article Source: http://www.gamblingarticlessite.net

Exxel is a student who has one more year to go in school. In an effort to make some money on the side, he has gotten into IM, setting up a varied collection of sites such as the Mandalay Bay Hotel Las Vegas where he always hangs out, and the Stratosphere Hotel Las Vegas where he goes when the budget is tight.

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