Page 12 - March 2002 • Southern California Gaming Guide

Page 12
Learn to Play More Table Games at www.sandiegogamer.com MARCH 2002
The Game
The object of Blackjack is to beat the dealer. This can be done by getting a higher total on your cards than the dealer without exceeding a total of 21, or by having the dealer go over 21 when you don’t. Winning in this manner pays off even odds (1 to 1). The game can be played with any number of decks ranging from single- deck games that are dealt by hand, to six- and eight-deck games where the cards are dealt from a shoe.
The Rules
Up to seven seated players may play. After all players have wagered, each player is dealt two cards, either face down (in hand-held games) or face up (in shoe games). The dealer is dealt two cards, one face down (the hole card), and one face up (the upcard). Cards 2 through 10 have their face value, J, Q, K are worth 10 (and are collectively referred to as 10s). Aces are worth either 1 or 11, depending on the player’s preference. Any hand with an Ace is considered “soft.” The hand value is determined by adding the values of the two cards. “Blackjack” or a “Natural” occurs when a player is dealt an Ace and a 10 in the rst two cards, for a total of 21. Blackjack pays out 3 to 2 odds. If the dealer has a Blackjack, all players lose, even if their completed hand totals 21. Players with a Blackjack will tie the dealer.
The Play
Players not dealt a Blackjack have several options on how to play out their hands. They may stand pat, and not draw any additional cards. They may hit (be dealt another card), and continue to do so until they either bust (exceed 21 and immediately lose their wager), or decide to stand.
Players may also choose to double down, in which case they wager an additional amount (up to the amount of the initial bet) and receive one nal card. Any payouts or losses are now based on this new total wager.
If the rst two cards are a pair, the player may split the pair and play two independent hands. The player places an additional bet equivalent to the original bet, receives a second card for each hand, and plays out each hand in turn. When splitting a pair of Aces, most casinos only allow one more card on each Ace.
After all players have received their initial two cards, if the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, the dealer will offer insurance bets against a dealer Blackjack (if the dealer has Blackjack, everyone automatically loses). Do not take the insurance bet unless you know how to count cards.
When the nal player’s hand is completed, the dealer plays out her hand. The dealer, however, can make no decisions. If the dealer’s cards total 16 or less, the dealer must draw. The dealer must stand on 17 or greater. Whether the dealer hits or stands on “soft” 17s is up to the casino.
The Strategy
The table below shows the basic Blackjack strategy for multiple deck games, and applies to all 4-, 6-, and 8-deck games in San Diego County. The top row shows the dealer’s up card; the left side your hand. “S” indicates you should stand pat;
“DD” indicates you should double down.
8 or less 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17–21 Soft 13 Soft 14 Soft 15 Soft 16 Soft 17 Soft 18 Soft 19–20
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Ace
*If unable to double in these circumstances, stand. In all other cases, hit when unable to double.
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Ace 2, 2
3, 3 4,4 5, 5 6, 6 7,7 8, 8 9, 9
10, 10 Ace, Ace
Where to play
Blackjack is by far the most popular table game, and can be played at all of the San Diego casinos. While the rules and the strategy will help you to improve the odds regardless of where you play, other variations in the rules (such as whether the dealer hits a “soft” 17) vary. See the “Blackjack Bonanza” article on page 7 of this issue for details on each casino’s house rules.