Crazy Blackjack

Blackjack is one of those card games that everyone seems to love. Not only does it have some of the best odds, but it's one of the easiest casino games to master. Anyone can play blackjack, from the most inexperienced gambler looking for a good time to regular card-playing (and card carrying) casino members. If you can count, then you can win at blackjack. The only prerequisite is that you be able to count to 21 (go over and you'll also go bust).

It sounds easy enough, but getting 21 can actually be quite tricky. Basically, there are two different ways to work yourself up to 21; you could get lucky with a natural two-card 21 or keep hitting until you get to 21. While everyone crosses their fingers for the natural 21—an Ace and a face card—more  often than not you're going to have to work for the win. Furthermore, you'll win most of your hands with a total of less than 21.

Each card has a value in blackjack; face cards are worth ten and numbered cards are worth whatever number is shown on their face. Aces are tricky but good because they can count as either 11 or one based on your hand. Each player gets two cards to start the hand. If you don't like what you've got, then you can hit. Hit is the term used when you request an additional card from the dealer. Every round of every hand, you'll have the choice of hitting or standing, and this is where you see the advantage of skill in blackjack. As a general rule, you shouldn't hit if your hand has a value of 17 or more. At that point, the risk of busting (going over 21) is just too high.

Remember when playing blackjack that you are competing against the dealer—not the other players. Even if your neighbor has a better hand than you, you can still win with your hand as long as it's better than the dealer's. Even if you have an okay but not great hand, remember that you only have to be one point higher than the dealer to win the game. Also, dealers must adhere to the house rules; that means always standing on 17 or sometimes even 16 and always hitting on anything less. If the dealer goes bust, everyone at the table collects. Play the game right, and you can use the dealer's restrictions against them; play the game wrong, and you'll quickly fall prey to the house edge.

While cautious dealers give skilled blackjack players an advantage, beginners should hone their skills by playing free online blackjack before they take on the real thing. There's no time limit, and since you're not playing for cash there's also no risk. That means you can properly consider each move and even record the hand-by-hand results of your sessions for later analysis.

Determining when to hit and when to stand is difficult for most beginners, but it's the key to winning the game. When you play at a casino online, you can play unselfconsciously, focusing only on the game. Also, don't be afraid to try some of the blackjack strategy advice you find online; just be sure to test it at the free tables first.