The History Of Blackjack

The origin of Blackjack is somewhat unclear. Some people believe that Blackjack originated in French casinos in the early 1700s where it was known as "vingt-et-un" ("20 and 1").

The game became known as Blackjack because if a player held a Jack of Spades and an Ace of Spades as the 1st two cards, the player was paid out extra. So with a Jack being a vital card and Spades being black, the game was called Blackjack.

This game has been played in the United States since the 1800's. However, between the 1850's and 1910, gambling was legal in the United States until Nevada made it a felony to gamble. In 1931, Casino gambling was re-legalized in Nevada where Blackjack became one of the main games offered to gamblers.

The objective of Blackjack is get as close to 21 points as possible without going over 21 (bust). While numbered cards are worth their face values, face cards (Jack, Queen and King cards) are worth 10 each and the Ace card can be worth either 1 or 11.

The person (player or dealer) whose total card value reaches as close to 21 as possible without exceeding 21 (bust) wins the game. A tie (push) results if both the player and the dealer get equal card values.

The game is played in the following steps:

(1) The player places a bet.

(2) The dealer deals two cards (usually facing upwards) to the player and one card to himself/herself.

(3) The dealer draws a second card for himself/herself and places it face down.

(4) The player is then asked if he/she wants another card (hit) or if he/she wishes to stand.

(5) The player may request as many hits as he/she would like until the total value of his/her card reaches 21 or he/she busts.

(6) If the player busts, the house (casino) will win.

(7) If the player stops at a total card value that is as close to 21 without going bust, then the dealer will reveal the value of his/her second card.

(8) If the value of the dealer's second card gives him a Blackjack (total value of 21), then the house (casino) will win. The dealer must keep drawing cards until the total value of his/her cards is 17 or more. If the dealer goes over 21, then the player will win. Whoever comes as close to 21 points as possible without going over 21 (bust) is the winner.

Blackjack is just as popular today as it was back in the 1800's. It is by far the most played table game in a casino. This is mainly due to the fact that it is very easy to learn and play.

Adel Awwad is the webmaster of Free Casino Cash Guide.

Escalate firepower to win the acne war SouthCoastToday.com, MA - 2 hours ago Fighting acne involves conducting warfare on many fronts. One front is the overproduction of male hormone that occurs in puberty and at other stages of life ...

Acne: Prestige Beauty's New Bull's-Eye Posted Sep 5, 2008 Women's Wear Daily - 3 hours ago by Molly Prior Prestige beauty firms are raising an issue with raised red bumps — notoriously referred to as acne — and increasingly are adding ...

Best Syndication

Acne - The Aftermath of Acne Breakouts Best Syndication, CA - 15 hours ago If you suffered from acne, you would know that severe acne like cystic lesions could create scarring, redness and pigmentation. If the acne was not treated ...

Steroid abuse acne scars are a real eyesore Irish Medical Times, Ireland - Sep 3, 2008 The BBC reported that while mild doses can cause slight acne, this man used such severe doses the rash over his back and chest ulcerated. ...

Condom Lubricant Used as Acne Cure in Cambodia FOXNews - Aug 29, 2008 A condom lubricant produced by a health organization to protect sex workers and gay men is being hailed as an acne cure by some in Cambodia, ...

Personal Effects: Just for men: More products for your skin Sacramento Bee,  USA - 27 minutes ago about sun protection and even dealing with adult male acne. In fact, Clinique will expand its Skin Supplies line next month with an acne solutions gel ...

Best Syndication

Acne Does Not Choose - Be it a Man or a Woman Best Syndication, CA - Sep 1, 2008 You see television programs about acne, you read articles about acne, and the internet is loaded with information about acne. Despite all these knowledge, ...

Michala Banas Joins Celebrity Cast Supporting Acne Treatment ... Free press releases (press release), UK - Sep 1, 2008 McLeod’s Daughters actress Michala Banas becomes new face of acne management treatment, Proactiv Solution. Popular Australian celebrity Michala Banas has ...

Acnecentre.com Launched With A New Key For Acne Fetters PR Web (press release), WA - Sep 1, 2008 Acnecentre -- A new acne and skin care advice portal now works on the latest medical ideas to help teens and adults from acne hazards. ...

Photo retouching service zaps age lines, acne and more Tribune Review, PA - Sep 1, 2008 For $7 per photo, his staff of five designers would remove acne and age spots, smooth out crows feet and age lines, even out skin tone and reduce shininess. ...