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Blackjack 101: How to Play Blackjack |
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Lesson 1: The Basics
Lesson 2: Betting on the Right Blackjack Table
Lesson 3: Playing the Game |
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Lesson 2: Betting on the Right Blackjack Table |
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The first step in blackjack is finding the right table to suit your gambling and skill level. Blackjack tables can come in several different varieties. The minimum and maximum allowable bets should be clearly posted on a sign at any blackjack casino table. The lower limit tables of one to five dollars are often fairly crowded. Beginning players are usually better off playing at tables where six or eight decks are being used ("shoe" games.) The shoe is that gizmo the dealer is pulling the cards out of. This is a good place to learn the game because player's card are usually dealt face-up which allows the dealer and other players the ability to help with questions and decision making. Don't be afraid to ask the dealer for help, they're your friends here; it's just the casino that likes to see you lose. More advanced players should consider moving on to a table with fewer decks. The casino's advantage decreases with fewer decks in play. |
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After you find a table that feels right, you're going to need some chips to bet with. To purchase chips from the dealer wait for the completion of the current round of betting and place your cash on the table felt in front of you. Do not try to hand your money directly to the dealer, that's just not the way things work in the casino world due to security reasons. Place down only the amount you wish to gamble, dealers are not in the habit of making change. An appropriate buy-in amount is anywhere from 10 to 20 times your average bet. If you're a 5 dollar bettor than lay down $50-$100. You can just lay down $5 if you'd like but don't plan on sitting at the table for too long. The following chip colors are fairly standard; red $5 chips, green $25 chips, black $100 chips and silver $1 tokens or white $1 chips, these may vary depending on the casino. Make sure you received the correct amount and take a moment to become familiar with what each denomination looks like. If you have any questions just ask your friend the dealer. |
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Now it's time to place your bet! There will be a circle or box for your bets on the table felt in front of you. Always stack your chips in a neat pile from largest denomination on the bottom to smallest on top. Example: If you're betting $16 dollars with a $10 chip, a $5 chip and a $1 token, place the $10 chip on the table then stack the $5 chip on top of this and finally the $1 token on top. Do not touch your bet once the cards have been dealt. This is again for security reasons. If you want to know how much you have bet simply ask the dealer and he or she will be happy to count your chips for you. After the hand is over the dealer will collect the losing chips and pay the winners. If you are one of the lucky winners you are now free to collect your chips. If you're up for another round then place your new bet on the table. |
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When you're ready to take your money and run, you'll need to let the dealer know you would like to "cash in" your chips. If you have groups of smaller denomination chips the dealer will usually exchange these for larger denomination chips. This process is known as "coloring up," exchanging lower colors for higher. You may now take these chips to a cashier for cash or to another table for more gambling fun. |
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Next >> Lesson 3: Playing the Game |
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Previous >> Lesson 1: The Basics |
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