Choosing a Blackjack Table

Before playing the game, you'll need to find an appropriate table at which to play. If you're a newcomer to this process, there are a few items to keep in mind. You'll want to pay attention to several details about each table that you approach. The most important item is the sign declaring betting limits. Both the minimum and the maximum allowable bets should be clearly posted on a sign on the table top.

Look around to find a table that suits your bet sizes. Often, you'll find that the lower limit ($3 or $5) tables are quite crowded. In most casinos, the signs are color coded to match the minimum bets posted on them

Next, you'll want to make sure that the table you have selected is actually for blackjack, and not another of the various table games offered at the casino. Blackjack tables will almost certainly have the phrase "Blackjack pays 3 to 2" printed on the table felt. The next item to observe is the type of game being dealt. Beginners are usually better off playing the "shoe" games where 6 or 8 decks are used. The advantage for beginners in this game is that all of the player's cards are dealt face-up in front of each player, and the dealer can help with playing questions and decisions.

If playing online, simply use the menu to find the blackjack games, then the table limits that you’d like to play.

• Object of Blackjack
• Value of the Cards in Blackjack
• Choosing a Blackjack Table
• Buying Chips
• Betting at Blackjack
• How the Cards are Dealt
• How the Dealer Plays His Hand
• Hitting or Standing?
• Doubling Down at Blackjack
• Splitting Pairs in Blackjack
• Surrender
• Insurance and Even Money
• Cashing in Your Chips
• History of Blackjack