Guidelines for Playing Blackjack

Blackjack really isn't all that complicated, but you must know a few things before you sit down to play a hand. Review 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. Do not touch your bet once the dealer starts giving out the cards. If you do, you're likely to get a verbal slap on the wrist, often accompanied by a stern look from the dealer.

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. Remember this since it will be important for your 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. The cards are dealt face up in front of you. Don't touch them! Always remember that the dealer is the only one allowed to touch the cards when you play in multi-deck sessions. Dealers don't like it at all when you touch the cards. You can occasionally find a single-deck game where the dealer deals the cards by hand, face down in front of you. In this case, you are allowed to touch the cards, they're face down so you have to pick them up to look at them. 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. On the other hand, if you're in a somber mood, you may want a no-nonsense dealer. Your choice. 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
Any financial planner will tell you that you should always save. And it's no different when gambling. Keep two piles of chips, one for betting and one for saving. Each time yo win a hand, set aside a portion of your winnings into the "savings" pile, the amount is up to you. If your luck takes a bad turn, and you go through your betting pile, walk away. At least you still have money left.

Practice with Video Blackjack If You Are a Beginner
Most of the better casinos have nifty computerized video blackjack games that cost a quarter a try. 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's not precisely the same as working with a real dealer, and the odds aren't the same, but the rules are, and that's what matters if you're 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 bets in these parts can be as low as $5 as compared to the $10 bets 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. Remember that they will not offer these goodies unless you ask.

Article Source: http://gamblingarticlessite.com

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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