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How to play Blackjack with Gambling Yes
According to some of the leading authorities on gambling, Blackjack is the most widely played card game in casinos throughout the world, but what exactly is Blackjack and how is it played?
Blackjack - also known as `21` or `twenty-one` - is a card game in which players (usually no more than six) compete against the dealer using at least one standard French deck. A casino might offer single-deck blackjack on some tables, providing the player with a slight advantage relative to other tables; however, it is common practice for the house to promote games using up to eight decks. The greater the number of decks, the greater the advantage to the house.
The objective of blackjack is simple: each player aims to beat the dealer whilst ensuring that the total of his or her hand does not exceed 21. Going over 21 means going bust, which signals the end of a player`s participation in a round. Competing only against the dealer, a player wins if his or her hand is under but closest to 21.
Players can also win by securing a natural blackjack, which occurs when someone is dealt an Ace and a 10 (worth 21). Natural blackjacks offer a 3:2 payoff instead of the standard 1:1 ratio and guarantee the win unless the dealer also happens to hold a natural blackjack, in which case the hand is `pushed` and the round tied.
In a standard game of blackjack, each player is dealt two cards face down. The dealer is also dealt two cards, one of which is usually placed in a face-up position to show other players. Although the house retains the overall advantage, spying one of the dealer`s cards can be of great benefit to players, who can base their tactics and strategies accordingly. In pursuit of reaching but not exceeding the value of 21, players can draw or `hit` additional cards. When all players have completed their hands, the dealer completes his and the round is concluded.
Cards two through ten are awarded their respective pip values (a two is worth two, for instance). Jack, queen and king are each worth ten, while an ace is worth either one or eleven. Aces determine whether a hand is `soft` or `hard`; for example, a hand with a six and an ace (eleven) would be worth a hard 17. If a king is then drawn, the hand becomes a soft 17 with a one (ace), six and ten (king).
Some casinos and online gaming sites allow splitting pairs, which become possible when the first two cards dealt to a player are of the same value - two sixes, for example. A player can choose to split the hands for an additional bet in order to play with two hands. This can be repeated several times on occasion. Players may also be afforded the option of doubling down, which essentially describes the doubling of a bet after the first two cards have been dealt.
Blackjack is arguably the most popular card game available online and in casinos throughout the world. In the UK, players who enjoy blackjack might also wish to visit the London bingo and casino scene to avail of larger pots and prizes.