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"Player has Blackjack!"

Cha-ching! Just thinking about hearing those words gives me the urge to go play a few hands. The hum of the slot machines singing to the tune of their own melody and hours of meaningless banter with fellow players can make for a profitable environment. There is, however, a right way and a wrong way to approach the game of Blackjack.

Know Thy Self

As with any casino game, it can become addicting. The idea of winning a substantial amount of money can twinkle in the eye of even the most conservative of people. Blackjack is no exception to this and should be played in moderation. A small winning streak can instill a false perception of a "Can't Lose" appearance. Yes you can, and will, if you give it enough time. Know when to leave the table regardless of whether you are up or down.

If you, or someone you know, have a gambling problem, there is a place you can contact:

Gamblers Anonymous International Service Office, Inc.
PO Box 17173
Los Angeles, CA 90017

Phone: 213-386-8789
Fax: 213-386-0030
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org
E-mai l: isomain@gamblersanonymous.org

B asic Rules

Blackjack is a card game that originated in France in the 1700's and later migrated to the United States in the early 1800's. You must have a designated dealer and at least one competitor in order to play. The dealer is commonly referred to as "The House" and has to obey a different set of rules than that of the competitors.

The object in Blackjack is to simply, beat the house. This can be achieved by either having a higher total without going over 21, or if the dealer "busts". Even though there may be more than one competitor against the house, you don't play against them, just the dealer.

The cards are totaled by using their "face value". The exceptions are the royal cards, Jack through Ace. The Jack, Queen, and King are all worth 10 points, leaving the Ace the most unique of all with a value of either 1 or 11. The term "Blackjack" refers to being dealt two cards, one of which is an ace (used as 11 points), and the other equaling 10 whether it is a royal card or a 10 itself. In most cases when you are dealt Blackjack, you will receive a bonus amount in addition to the regular bet, providing of course that the dealer doesn't also have Blackjack. Receiving the amount of 21 with only two cards (Blackjack), however, will beat the house if it took them more than two cards to reach a perfect total of 21.

After you place your initial bet, a game of Blackjack begins with the house dealing

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