Blackjack Introduction

Blackjack, or 21 is one of the most popular table game on the casino floor. A quick look might leave the impression that the closest hand to 21 wins, but that is not the case. Edward Thorp's classic book's title on the subject, Beat The Dealer, sums it up in a nutshell. A simple way to put it might be: It doesn't matter what you have; it just matters what the dealer has.

That is an oversimplification but it's ultimately true. You can win and get paid when you have a total of 12, and lose on 20. It happens every day. This deceptive game has many different levels at which it can be played ranging from absolute novice to card-counting master. The thought here is to offer you the rules and some simplified strategies to give you a basic comfort level.

Realizing that you are probably not going to make a million playing blackjack overnight, you should find the game entertaining and enjoyable. I can tell you that I have witnessed some pretty incredible streaks at the blackjack table (more about those later on), but most of us mortals merely want to risk a few dollars to take a chance and hopefully, with a little bit of knowledge and some patience, the cards will fall our way.

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