So you want to play blackjack?

It's a great game, and exciting, and you can win money as consistently if you play blackjack with the correct methods and attitude.

First you have to understand the game, and then we will show you some basic tips to play blackjack that will help you play and win so lets get started.

Blackjack Rules

The rules of blackjack are fairly simple.

The dealer will deal you (all players) two cards, and then the dealer gets 2 cards, one showing and hidden.

You may think that the object of the game is to get as near to 21 as you can (even a 21 with an ace and face card or 10, which is called Blackjack). This is NOT the object of the game. The object is simply to beat the dealer.

After you have received your cards, you can ask for additional cards "hit", as many as you wish, just so long as you do not bust (go over 21).

Blackjack rules clearly state that the dealer must continue to hit until 17, and then stop. Should there be a tie; the dealer will win only if he had a real blackjack (an ace with a 10).

The Game of Blackjack Getting the odds in your favor

The rules may be easy, but to play blackjack as the pros do, takes some work.

You see, the pro has to know all the odds. The pro will know how to make the odds work in his favor and increase and decrease bet size according to the odds

Although some casinos still use a single deck or double deck game, most casinos have use a shoe with six or sometimes eight decks.

A good point to remember is that with multiple decks, the casino usually pays out at 3:2. Always make sure you know the payout before you begin.

Some casinos will load the odds in their favor and pay out at 6:5, which is not good at all.

Basic Blackjack Strategy

Before you even start to play blackjack, sit down and learn this basic strategy

Were you dealt an ace? Yes? then

If your second card is an 8 or 9, then STAND.

If your second card is a 6 or less, then HIT

If your second card is a 7, watch the dealer's hand and decide

Were you dealt a pair (of the same card but different suit)? Yes? Then:

If you have a pair of 4s, 5s, 9s 10s, then SPLIT Anything else, don't SPLIT

Were you dealt something else but a pair and an ace? Yes, then;

If your cards equal 17 or more, then STAND

If your cards equal 11 or less: then HIT

If your cards equal 12 until 16; watch the dealer's hand and decide

Three Special FACTUAL Tips

? The 52 card deck (or multiples) all have 30% of the cards with the value of "10"

? Always assume the dealer's hidden card is a 10.

The actual chances of are high. Also assume that whoever hits, you or the dealer, will get a 10 more times than you won't.

? When a dealer's has a 6 or less showing, he must take at least one hit to get to 17.

That means that his chances of busting are HIGH. Sometimes you will do well to stand at 12!

Here we have given you the bare basics, but if you follow them, you can play well and only with a small disadvantage to the house and with a good chance of winning.

To win consistently you need to!

Card count and all the facts you need to put the odds in your favor with card counting systems that can make you money are contained in the follow up article to this one.

Digest what you have learned here on playing blackjack, then move to card counting and you will soon be winning consistently at Blackjack.