BLACK JACK OR BUST
A Guide to Staying Afloat at the BJ Tables
Tools
(And just in case you're a complete idiot: Point at your card if you want to hit, wave at it if you want to pass.)
The object of the game is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over, although this rule is amended below, based on the hand of your dealer. You play against the house, and your fellow tablemates are your cohorts. Beware of the booze. As is the case with sex or driving, your betting/hitting/staying judgment is impaired when intoxicated.
Stranger Personals
The following rules apply to the standard six-deck Vegas shoe:
Hitting or Staying
·The general rule is to stay on 17 or above. This applies even for
a soft 17 (ace and a 6), unless the dealer is showing a 9, 10, or ace. On a
soft 17 or 18, hit at your discretion. Stand on a soft 19 or above.
· Assume the dealer's down card is a 10. If the dealer's up card shows
a 7 or higher, hit if your hand is 12-16.
· If the dealer's up card is
a 2 through 6, stay on any hand 12 or over.
Splitting
· When you are dealt a pair, you can "split" them, creating two
hands where you can hit as many times as you want--but you must bet an identical
amount on the new hand.
· Always split on aces and 8s.
· Never split on 5s or 10s.
· Split 4s only if the dealer shows a 5 or 6.
· Take risks in splitting
2s, 3s, 6s, or 7s if the dealer shows a 6 or under.
Double Down
· The double down is possible with any hand. This is when you match your
initial bet after you've been dealt your hand. In exchange, you receive only
one more card.
· Double down if your hand is 11, unless the dealer shows an ace.
· Double down on 10, unless the dealer shows an ace or 10.
· Double
down on 9 if the dealer shows a 3-6.
Not to brag, but after following the above advice, I'm up $340--after starting with only $40. True, it's not amazing, but it's not chump change either.
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