Blackjacks

If the player's first two cards add to 21 (an ace and a ten-value card), this is called a “Blackjack” or “natural” or colloquially “snapper.” As long as the dealer does not also have a Blackjack, the player is guaranteed to win the hand and the payoff is usually 3:2 instead of the normal 1:1. This valuable bonus occurs about once every 21 hands. If the dealer also has a Blackjack, the hand is “pushed.” That is, there is a tie and the player’s chips remain in the bet box. In some casinos, they are now paying 6:5 instead of 3:2 for a Blackjack. In my opinion, this is not even Blackjack. NEVER play at such a table.

Note: Some players will tip the dealer the bonus. This will utterly destroy the odds if always done.

Hitting

Hitting refers to drawing additional cards. You may draw as many cards as you wish as long as you do not pass 21. For example, if you have a hand totaling five, you will certainly hit since you cannot bust and may improve your hand.

In face-up games, hitting is usually signaled by scratching the table toward you with your hand. You do not actually have to touch the table. Another method is to tap the table with your forefinger meaning hit that hand. This is a quicker method if you have more than one hand as you can point to the second hand signifying that you wish to stand on the first hand and hit the second hand with one hand motion. You can also just point to the cards. An advantage of placing your forefinger pointing down to call for a hit is you can do this before the play even gets to you. This speeds the game slightly as the dealer does not have to wait for you to signal. Whatever you do, do not touch the cards in face-up games. As you become more experienced, you are likely to make smaller hand movements. The dealer knows what you are likely to do and does not need dramatic moves. Smaller moves can speed the game and speed is a very important aspect to winning.

In face-down games, you cannot see the cards. You must pick them up. Unlike in face-up games, in face-down games you are allowed to touch the cards, but with only one hand, because you can cheat touching with two hands. In fact, keep your other hand

 © 2009 Norman Wattenberger