Blackjack

The origin of Blackjack is quite uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in France under the name “Vingt-et-Un”, which means “twenty-one” in French. The term “Blackjack” was adopted when the game was introduced to the United States, offering a 10:1 payout for a hand with an A of spades and a card worth ten points.

In Blackjack, all picture cards (e.g., Queens, Jacks, Kings) are worth 10 points, and A-value cards can be valued as 1 and 11 points respectively. All other cards have the value indicated on them. A “Blackjack” combination occurs when the first two cards of a hand, Aces and a ten-point card, total 21.

When you place your first Blackjack bet, the dealer will deal you two cards. If you have a Blackjack with these two cards, you automatically win. Otherwise, you have the option to improve your hand in several ways: the dealer draws a card if the value of his hand is less than or equal to 16 or, you can double your bet and receive another card (this will also double the amount you win), you can split your cards into two separate hands if they have the same value, you can add the same amount you originally bet, you can place an insurance bet against a possible Blackjack by the dealer or you can give up half of your bet amount by surrendering your hand.