Although the origin of Black Jack is vague, it is almost certain that the game originated somewhere in France in the early 1700’s. A popular game in casinos was uncovered, called “vingt-et-un” which translates as “twenty and one.” By the early 1800’s, “Black Jack 21” was being played in casinos across America. Mathematicians became interested in the game and began trying to elucidate probabilities and strategy. Books on the game were published, which upset casino owners. They changed the essential rules of the game in attempt to make the game more difficult, but this brought a wave of protest which returned the game to its original rules.

The Black Jack or "21" is played with 6 packs of 52 cards distributed by the croupier - 2 cards per player to start, and one for the bank. To win, the player must have a total of points as near as possible to 21 but never more than 21. The value of the cards is determined thus: cards from 2 to 9 are worth their nominal value, whilst the 10s, Jacks, Queens, Kings are worth 10. For the Aces, the player chooses either 1 or 11. A player has a Black Jack (paid two and a half times the bet) only when he achieves a total of 21 with two cards. The croupier must obligatorily cut a card if his total is inferior or equal to 16. He must stop if he has 17 points or more. If the player and the croupier have the same total, the coup is invalid.


Summary of rules:

1. 8 52-card decks are used
2. The deck is re-shuffled after each hand
3. Dealer stands on all 17's
4. Doubling after splitting allowed
5. No re-splitting of cards allowed
6. No surrender
7. Only one additional card allowed on each Ace when splitting a pair of Aces


To start playing online casinos:

You begin a hand of Black Jack by placing a bet on the table as described above. You will then receive two cards face up. The dealer will receive one card face up and one face down. Once you have been dealt your two cards (and based on the nature of these cards) you can do the following by clicking with the left mouse button on the appropriate button:

Hit:
Requests another card. You can request a hit as many times as you like, but if your total goes over twenty-one, you will "bust" and lose the hand.

Stand:
Requests that you receive no more cards. The hand as it currently stands will be judged against the dealers.

Split:
If you have two cards of the same denomination, a Split button will appear. This option will only be active immediately after you receive your first two cards. You can split your cards into two hands and play each hand separately. Your original bet will be duplicated for the new hand. Each hand will be played out as usual except when splitting Aces, where only one additional card per hand is dealt. A white box displaying your card total will appear over each hand indicating which hand is active. The split option can only be used once per hand - you cannot split part of a split hand. Any winning 21 obtained after splitting a pair is paid 1-to-1.

Double Down:
If you select this option, three things will happen: you will get exactly one more card, your turn will end, and your bet will be doubled. This option will only be active immediately after you receive your first two cards.

Insurance:
Whenever the dealer's up-card is an Ace, the player has the option of taking insurance for half the amount of the bet.

If you wish to take insurance, click on the "Insurance" button. If you do not wish to take insurance, you simply click on the "Pass" button to proceed with the rest of the hand.

When you buy insurance, you are effectively betting on the fact that the dealer's down card is a ten or face card, ie. a natural Black Jack.

If the dealer does have a 10 ranking card, the player is immediately paid 2-to-1 on the insurance bet, but the original wager is lost unless the player too has a Black Jack and pushes with the dealer. If the dealer does not have a natural Black Jack, the rest of the hand is played out as usual, and you lose your insurance money.

If you eventually win the hand, you will get back your original bet plus the same amount in profit.


Black Jack Tips:

• Remember that you need to beat the dealer to win. Player often forget this and concentrate on getting 21 – watch the dealer's hand as well as yours.

• Keep in mind that the dealer has the advantage because you play first. Even if the dealer busts, you'll bust first.

• The dealer must follow a set of rules regardless of position. So, even if he has a winning hand with a total of 16, he still has to take another card and may bust.

• Always take a card on 16 or lower because you can't win unless the dealer goes bust.

• Always split aces.

• Never split face cards, 10's or 5's


The Black Jack Basic Strategy Rules:

There are a basic set of rules that apply to all Black Jack games:

General
Always stand on 17 or better.
Always hit on 12-16 when dealer shows 7 or higher.
Always hit on 8 or less.

Doubling Down
Always double down on 11.
Double down on 10 when dealer shows 9 or lower.
Double down on 9 when dealer shows 6 or lower.

Soft Hands
Always stand on soft 19 and 20.
Always double down on soft 13-18 when dealer shows 4,5, or 6.

Splits
Always split aces and 8's.
Never split 10-face cards and never split 5's.
Always split 3's and 2's when the dealer shows 4,5,6, or 7.