The Jack of All Casinos

Why “21” Still Reigns as King

There are people out there, believe it or not, who have never seen the 1997 megahit Titanic.

An elder neighbor of mine has lived through seven decades without consuming a single peanut, be it Planters, a runner, or any other kind.

And a 30-something relative of mine has yet to fill out a personal check, not for rent, a wedding gift, or even a utility bill.

Yes, for those among us living in exile, there is indeed a thing called blackjack, and it was created by the gaming gods in 18^th century France to the delight of casino owners and gamblers alike.

Of all the offerings at your favorite gaming den, blackjack is certainly the most recognizable, a basic yet captivating endeavor that grabs ahold of patrons and doesn’t let go until you bank, bust, or bail. Advanced games like craps or Texas Hold ‘em may be considered delicacies, but blackjack is every casino’s bread and butter.

Blackjack, for those living on Saturn, is also known as “21”, a game in which your array of cards must top the dealer’s hand while not exceeding a total of 21 (with all face cards equaling 10 and aces representing either a 1 or 11).

Most blackjack tables house a maximum seven players, each one initially dealt a pair of cards, face up. When finished, the dealer drops him- or herself two cards, face down.

As the dealer flips over to reveal one card, the second card remains a mystery.

And lest the games begin...

The ultimate hand, of course, is called blackjack, which means an instant game over for either the player or dealer. Any combination of a face card (or 10) and an ace (or 11) becomes an automatic win for the player, or unfortunately, the dealer.

In the case of a player blackjack, the winnings return one and a half times what they initially wagered. For instance, hitting blackjack on a $50 wager would notch a $75 score for the player.

If you and the dealer both tally a blackjack, the hand is a push and you neither sink nor soar.

Otherwise, in a clockwise rotation, the dealer begins with the player furthermost to the right, also known as the first base slot. He or she, depending on the total of their two cards, can opt to “hit” or “stand” (interchangeable with “stay”).

Any total shy of ten would obviously warrant a “hit”, while a hand of eighteen (perhaps a King and an 8) would garner a “stand”. A player can “hit” as many times as desired to inch closer to the limit of 21 without surpassing it.

Thus, the game becomes a tightrope walk between aggressive and conservative decisions, mainly based upon what dealer’s card shows. Where things turn dicey is when a player lands within the 14 or 15 range, where a “hit” can certainly elevate the suspense but potentially culminate in disaster.

Once business is settled with the first base player. The dealer moves on the shortstops in the middle of the table, eventually concluding with the third base player, also known as the anchor, in the final chair.

The dealer then reveals its second card – and a riveting fate awaits. Note that the dealer is required to hit on a hand of 16 or less, while standing on a hand of 17 or greater.

As such, seasoned blackjack players understand the importance of each position upon the table. A “hit” or “stand” by a particular player can trigger a chain reaction, not to mention a host of seething stares from neighboring players.

“You took my queen.” “I needed that Ace.” “If you had stayed, the dealer would have bust.”

For novices, bypass the positional protocols – and the intimidation factor – and lock in on your primary mission: winning the hand and drubbing the dealer.

Blackjack also offers such options as “splitting” your first two cards, assuming they are of the same kind (like two 9’s) and proceeding to play each one as a separate hand.

You may also “double down” on your two dealt cards (perfect for say, a 7 and a 4), dropping another wager on the dot to initiate one final card (hopefully a face card). If the hand is a winner, your payout is now double the initial wager.