Casinos Information - myOddCasino
The rules of Blackjack
The basic rules.
You must get "21" or less and your total must be greater than the dealer, (or the same for a push).
The house has a very small winning margin and blackjack is often regarded as a skills games.
Card values
- Ace - 1 or 11
- 2 to 10 - Face value
- Jack, Queen and King - 10
The dealer drawing rules.
The dealer does not actually choose when he can or cannot draw, he has to follow some very strict rules.
The dealer has to draw a card when it has a total of 16 or less, (or if he is loosing and has a 'soft' "17" - "7").
In most cases the bank cannot use the ace to make a soft total, for example if the dealer has "7" and an "ace" then the total must be "18", (and not "8").
The bank cannot split cards and of course it cannot double.
Double or Double-down.
When you have a good chance of winning the house, (casino), will allow you to double your bet and draw one more card.
A good example would be if you are dealt a "6" and a "5", (total "11"), and the dealer has a small card then you can double down and hope for a "10". You can only draw one card, so if you draw an "Ace" then your total will only be "12".
Split, or splitting pairs.
If the player is dealt 2 cards that are the same, (a pair), then you can split both cards and handle them as if they were separate hands.
If you are dealt 2 "Aces" you can split them and you could then be dealt 2x"10"'s, (that would be 2 black jacks).
Blackjack.
The name black jack is when you get "21" with your first 2 cards. The only way that it can be done is when you get dealt an "Ace" and a "10".
Traditionally a blackjack pays 3:2 or 1.5 times your original bet.
Most casinos pay-out as soon as the player has a blackjack, unless their up card is an "Ace" or a "10", in that case they will check if the dealer can also get a blackjack. If that happens the hand is a drawn.
Surrender.
Not offered by most casinos, (but offered by most good/prestigious casinos), this is when the player can surrender half the bet and 'surrender' the hand.
There are 3 types of surrender, surrender, early surrender, (you can surrender if the dealer has an "Ace" but before he checks for blackjack), late surrender, (you can surrender _after_ the dealer has checked for blackjack).
Because not every casino offers 'surrender', and because the type of surrender is very different in most places you should check beforehand what the rules are when it comes to surrender.
Insurance.
In the original deal you are given 2 cards and the dealer shows one card, (the up card).
If the dealer gets an ace you can insure yourself for up to half your original bet.
For example if you bet $100.00 and the dealer has an ace then you can insure yourself for $50.00.
If the dealer then draws a 10 he has blackjack. You then loose our original $100.00 but your insurance will pay 2:1, (or $100), so your insurance will pay for loosing your bet.
The problem with insurance is that you loose it if the dealer does not get a blackjack.
In a cruel twist of fate you could then go on loosing your original bet as well. If the dealer gets an "ace" and draws a "9" the total is "20".
Bust
According to the rules you or the dealer cannot have a total greater than "21". So if you or the dealer get more than 21 it is called a bust.
Technically speaking the dealer cannot bust after you, once your total is greater than "21" then the dealer will win the hand.
If there are more than one players at the table and you bust, (and the other player doesn't bust), then the dealer has to continue playing. If the dealer then bust you still loose this hand this is because you lost first.
Push/ Draw.
This happens when you and the dealer get the same number. In that case you don't win or loose anything. For example if you get a "19" and the dealer gets a "19".
hit.
This term is users by the dealer or the players. "Hit me", is the same as asking for another card.
Variants, Casino own blackjack rules.
Many casino offer variants to the rules, like splitting any 2 cards or doubling on any number of cards.
Some also offer some special case rewards, where you win if something special happens, for example a blackjack with same suit of cards or 21 with 3-7's.
Most of those variants do not actually make a big diference in the outcome of the game, but they do give the impression that the player has a better chance of winning.
Basic strategy
The table bellow indicates what you should do when you are dealt cards.
For example, if you get a total of "16" and the dealer shows a "6" you should stand.
This is of course not a full-proof method, but it is a very good indication of what you should do.
NB: If the other player(s) on the table are not following the same basic rules then this table below becomes fairly useless, but most player will keep following the table regales.
| Your Hand |
Dealer's face-up card |
| |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
A |
| Hard totals |
| 18-20
| S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
| 17
| S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Rs |
| 16 |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
H |
H |
Rh |
Rh |
Rh |
| 15 |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
H |
H |
H |
Rh |
Rh |
| 13-14 |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
H |
H |
H |
H |
H |
| 12 |
H |
H |
S |
S |
S |
H |
H |
H |
H |
H |
| 11 |
D |
D |
D |
D |
D |
D |
D |
D |
D |
D |
| 10 |
D |
D |
D |
D |
D |
D |
D |
D |
H |
H |
| 9 |
H |
D |
D |
D |
D |
H |
H |
H |
H |
H |
| 5-8 |
H |
H |
H |
H |
H |
H |
H |
H |
H |
H |
| Soft totals |
| A,9 |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
| A,8 |
S |
S |
S |
S |
D |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
| A,7 |
D |
D |
D |
D |
D |
S |
S |
H |
H |
H |
| A,6 |
H |
D |
D |
D |
D |
H |
H |
H |
H |
H |
| A,4-5 |
H |
H |
D |
D |
D |
H |
H |
H |
H |
H |
| A,2-3 |
H |
H |
H |
D |
D |
H |
H |
H |
H |
H |
| Pairs |
| A,A |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
| 10,10 |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
| 9,9 |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
S |
SP |
SP |
S |
S |
| 8,8 |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
Rsp |
| 7,7 |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
H |
H |
H |
H |
| 6,6 |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
H |
H |
H |
H |
H |
| 5,5 |
D |
D |
D |
D |
D |
D |
D |
D |
H |
H |
| 4,4 |
H |
H |
H |
SP |
SP |
H |
H |
H |
H |
H |
| 2,2 3,3 |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
SP |
H |
H |
H |
H |
Hard totals = When the total does not include an ace or the ace can no longer be equal to "11"
Soft totals = When the total includes an ace. ("Ace"+"6" is either worth "7" or "17")
S = Stand
H = Hit
D = Double
SP = SPlit
Rh = suRrender if allowed, otherwise hit
Rs = suRrender if allowed, otherwise Stand
Rsp = suRrender if allowed, otherwise SPlit
Fearless Super Bowl XLVI Prediction
2012 - 02 - 05
Photo Courtesy (West Springfield High School)
This year's Superbowl is just a day away, and it's time to make my prediction. I'm obviously qualified to make a prediction because of my extensive background in football. As you can see from the photo above I played football in high school. I'm the one with the circle around his head. No, not a halo. That's something my mother added to point out the kid that most needed a haircut. You can also check-out professional Sports bettor Mark Franco's Super Bowl Picks if you doubt my ability.
As you can see, I'm part of a fairly large crowd. In fact, because of the size of the team I didn't get to play much during games. In fact, this picture is a lot like the actual games we played, because most of the action I saw was from the bench. Bummer!
However, if you are one of the millions of viewers who will be tuning in to Super Bowl XLVI - February 5 at 6:30pm ET on NBC, you might have a bet riding on the game, regardless of what the NFL says about gambling. Legalized sports gambling has been introduced and voted on in several states, but Nevada reigns supreme, having offered bets on every Super Bowl!
Sunday the Patriots will try to avenge their loss to the Giants just a few years ago in the Super Bowl. This year's contest will shape up much the same. The Patriots are on a long wining streak and the Giants struggled early in the year but are peaking at the right time. The Giants averaged 25 points per game and the Patriots gave up 22 points per game, I expect the Giants to score 23.
The Patriots averaged 32 points per game and the Giants gave up 25 points per game, so I give the Patriots a 28 point start. In addition, I give the Patriots a point for the longer streak and a point for the better road record. They also get 4 more points because they won 13 games this year to the Giants 9. I expect the score to be Patriots 34 - Giants 23.
Super Bowl Parties at Casinos
Now for the important stuff - like where to watch the game. Obviously we can't all make it to Indianapolis to see the game in person. However, aside from your best buddy's house (or the guy with the huge TV and great snacks), most casinos this weekend will have some kind of a Super Bowl party. Expect there to be crowds in many locations! And, remember to call ahead to your favorite casino and find out when the doors open, and what the fees are. Call the concierge desk or the player's club to find out.
My best advice is to show up around the time they open the doors and stake out a good table or seat, then leave your buddy in charge and hit the slots.
Fearless Super Bowl XLVI Prediction originally appeared on About.com Casino Gambling on Saturday, February 4th, 2012 at 15:28:12.
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Ghostbusters Slots Haunt Casinos
2012 - 02 - 03
Photo Courtesy (IGT)
Well, I never know who to call, so I'm telling our readers here, the new Ghostbusters slots are paranormal. That's good.
The new IGT slots first haunted the Vegas Strip at the end of September on a 30-day exclusive run at MGM properties. That engagement still allowed other properties to capture the slots for their own use well before Halloween. The games have been popular as part of IGT's new Center Stage Duo model, two machines sharing a 55-inch overhead LCD screen with loud MEGAfx Surround Chairs.
The slots play much like the new Batman: The Dark Knight machines, which are often combined as a group, sitting directly behind the Ghostbusters slots. The penny machines take up to 250 credits and offer plenty of Bonus screens, each of which prompts a film clip from the movie and a chance to win a nice bonus,
On the Ghostbusters game, bonuses include Ballroom Busters ("Don't look directly at the trap!") where you get five proton shots to blow up the ballroom, Stay Puft free games, Are You Psychic, and the best: Paranormal Pick, where five levels of Paranormal Pick Bonuses allow players to select phantasm clouds for a chance to win the progressive jackpot.
If you remember the movie you'll probably love the slots. They are a lot more fun than Betty Boop or Bewitched.
Ghostbusters Slots Haunt Casinos originally appeared on About.com Casino Gambling on Thursday, February 2nd, 2012 at 15:53:34.
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Yeah? What's Your Problem?
2012 - 01 - 30
Did you ever hear a really obnoxious store clerk asking somebody what their problem was? I was in a major department store and heard a buyer complaining about a sweater she had purchased. After she got it home she found some off-color spots on one of the arms, brought it back, and the salesperson treated her like she was a criminal. It made me want to skip my purchase and never go back!
Now granted, in a casino you don't always get to go home with your money, or a purchase, but sometimes you win - and you get treated pretty well. If you have a problem in your local casino resort there should always be somebody who is willing to speak with you. Any casino dispute, from a misunderstanding about taking a card at blackjack to waiting too long in valet can be an annoyance. And, if you want to talk to somebody, do it!
Nobody in the casino and resort industry wants to hear complaints - and that's why they work so hard to avoid them, by offering guests the best service they can. However, when something goes wrong, you can always talk to the pit boss, slot supervisor, restaurant manager, or even the casino manager. In almost every instance they will be cordial and happy to try and help. Unfortunately, when dealing with gambling issues, the answer is often "no," but that does not mean you can't ask!
One of the funniest complaints I ever heard centered on the game of Omaha high-low (eight or better ) split. A guy that claimed he played a lot of Texas Hold'em got into the lively Omaha-Eight game and made a great hand. Unfortunately, at Hold'em you can play your hand with one of your own cards, both cards, or even play the board, but in an Omaha game you have to use two cards and only two cards.
Anyway, the new player didn't understand that in Omaha high-low you can use any two of your four cards for the "high" hand and any two of your four cards for the "low" hand. The disagreement got to the point where not only was the poker room manager called in, but even players from other tables were weighing-in with their own disparaging comments about the noise, the disruption, and the newbie. So, the lesson is, make sure you understand the game you are playing - before sitting down - and when you have a dispute, don't be afraid to ask for help. But please, don't scream and cry when the players, the dealer, the supervisor, the poker manager, and finally the casino manager explain why you are wrong.
It's not a shoe store, sometimes the customer isn't right! Don't be afraid to ask, but take your answer with a grain of salt and go back to your game, they aren't all out to cheat you, honest!
Yeah? What's Your Problem? originally appeared on About.com Casino Gambling on Sunday, January 29th, 2012 at 15:08:30.
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