Blackjack Rules

Knowing how to play blackjack includes understanding the rules for the players and the dealers. These rules are different for each, and the dealer has much less flexibility when making decisions than the player does.

Each player and the dealer are dealt two cards. The dealer always receives one card face up and one card face down.

Scoring is based on a point total based on the cards’ ranks. Suits are irrelevant.

Cards are worth their face value, except for aces and face cards. Aces are worth one OR eleven, while all face cards count as ten. Hands with an ace in them are called “soft” hands; cards without an ace, or cards where an ace MUST be counted as “one” to avoid going bust are called “hard hands”.

The goal of the game is to beat the dealer by having a higher point total than the dealer while not “busting out”.

Any total over 21 is considered a “bust” and is an automatic loss.

A two hand total of 21 is considered a blackjack and usually pays out at 3 to 2, but sometimes pays out at 6 to 5. A winning hand pays even money, a losing hand results in a loss for the player, and a tie is called a “push”, which simply returns the player’s bet.

Player Options in 21

The player has the following decisions available:

Hitting - A player “hits” his hand by deciding to take additional cards from the dealer.

Standing - A player “stands” when he decides to stop taking cards and take the total he currently has.

Splitting - A player can “split” two cards that are of the same rank into two playable hands by putting up another bet for the new hand, and the dealer gives the player a new card on each of the new, split hands.

Doubling down - A player doubles down by taking one card and standing while simultaneously doubling his bet on the hand. No matter what the additional card is, the player can’t ask for more cards. Surrendering - A player “surrenders” by forfeiting half his bet and ending the hand immediately.

BlackJack Rules for Dealer Decisions

The dealer doesn’t get to make decisions; she must play according to the rules set for her by the casino. Normally the dealer must continue to hit her hand until she reaches a total of 17 or better. Depending on the casino, the dealer may or may not have to continue to hit once she gets a soft 17 too. Is online blackjack rigged? Play at a reputable online casino and you won’t have to worry.

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How to Play Poker - Revel in the Excitement of Playing This Thrilling Game

It is not strange to hear complaint that casino games are quite expensive and can cause a psychological barrier, preventing the player from really enjoying the game. This may well have been the fact, in the years gone by, but these days, there are many possibilities for enthusiastic players to enjoy their favorite games without paying any price or at an affordable expense.

Many games are available online, and you can log on to play your favorite games without paying even a penny. Poker is one game that enjoys wide popularity the world over. Millions of people find this game very exciting and interesting. The Internet, with its gaming sites has added to the popularity of poker. At the outset, let us explain how to play poker.
There are many versions of poker, each having its own set of rules and betting structures with the ultimate aim of winning the pot. Generally, all games are played with a normal deck comprising 52 cards, with action proceeding in a clockwise manner. At the start of the game, one of the players forces a bet. When the next player in the clockwise direction starts to play, he may opt for one of the following actions:

Call: The player has the option to match the bet already on the table.

Raise: The player may choose to increase the bet by raising its amount.

Fold: The player can decide not to match the bet on the table and loses the chance of winning the pot. The player needs to surrender his cards.
The game continues in the above manner until all players except one have folded. The last standing player gets the pot. In case there happen to be two players at the conclusion of the final round, they have to reveal the hands, and the winning hand gets to keep the pot.

You also have the option to download software for this game without incurring any expenses whatsoever, and revel in the excitement of playing this thrilling game. Could you think of a better option to learn how to play poker using your PC from within the comforts of home, and as per your convenience? If you choose to join a gaming site, look for one that offers you starting credits. That way, you can keep playing and make money on winning games, and gaining confidence on the way; you can visit casinos and play with experienced players to make big money.

Social networking sites have further changed the scenario of online games. If you are on Facebook, you can enjoy playing games with family and friends, and thus have a socially amusing experience. Playing with the people you know helps you to learn the tricks of the game in a relaxed atmosphere. Alternatively, you can very easily register with one of the poker websites. Having done that you can enter their gaming room and get a seat. For sure, at this stage, you will not have any inkling of your opponents, and their style of playing the game. Consequently, you could make the opportunity to create your own table to invite friends and members of your family to play with.

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