Type: Cards
Like many of the card games played in casinos across the world, blackjack is thought to have its origins in France - the roots of the game can are alleged to be the popular 17th century game known as "vingt-et-un", literally "21". The game has become popular in casinos primarily because it is not simply a game of chance, there is an element of skill involved at the same time and the fact that it is very flexible. The name of the game originates with a special bonus which was paid when a hand consisting of the ace of spades and one of the black jacks was dealt, paying out at a rate of 10 to 1. Although the bonus is no longer part of the game, the name remains.
One of the biggest differences between blackjack and other games that can be found at casinos is that blackjack is not a game of pure chance, but also involves an element of skill which is reliant on the choices a player makes, such as knowing when to stand or to initiate a double down or split, depending on the value of the dealer's visible card.
It is important in a game like blackjack to think beyond just your cards, always be aware of the dealer's card which is showing. If your hand is between 17 and 21 it is wise to always stand, regardless of the dealer's card; if you have between 13 and 16, then only hit if the dealer's exposed card is a 7 or higher. In most other circumstances it is best to take a hit, unless you have exactly 12 and the dealer between 4 and 6.
If one of the cards you are dealt is an ace, remember that is can be worth either 1 point or 11 depending on the circumstance. If you are dealt an ace with an 8 or higher then always stand; if your ace is accompanied by a 7 then only hit is the dealer's card is a 9 or above. In any other circumstance the best method is to take a hit.
Card counting is another common strategy used by players and while it is not considering cheating from a legal perspective, most casinos ban players they believe to be counting cards. The use of counting devices is however illegal.