Blackjack’s popularity grew as much at the kitchen table as at the best online casinos. It was an easy game to learn and to deal. But you have to realize that the game played at the kitchen table is very different from the one found in casinos around the world.

Even if you’ve played the game in a casino after having learned it at home, it’s important to review the basics of the game. While you might know when to hit (want another card) or stand (stick with what you’ve got), the key to winning at blackjack is knowing when to split and double down.

In the UK, blackjack rules are fairly standard. One big difference from other countries is that the dealer does not take a second card until after all the players have acted (making no difference in the odds). Players are only permitted to double on 9,10, and 11. They can split any pair except Fours, Fives and Tens. There is no surrender of any kind in the UK.

THE BIG DEAL
The blackjack table in a casino is generally set up with seven betting spots, although some games have as few as five. A permanent dealer acts for the house.

When you’ve decided upon the game you want to play by examining the sign that announces the minimum and maximum wagers, you will buy your chips. Do not place your money in the betting box (or in some casinos a betting circle) in front of your seat. Some casinos permit cash to play on the first bet, and you may lose your entire stake on one hand. Instead, set it to one side and wait for the dealer to convert it into chips. Start small and place the minimum bet in the box or circle in front of your seat.

The blackjack dealer shuffles the cards, and if he’s dealing more than two decks, he’ll place the shuffled cards in a box known as a “shoe”. After he shuffles, he’ll ask a player to “cut” the deck, by using a yellow card, known as the cut card. The player simply slides the yellow card into the deck at any point.

The dealer divides the deck at the cut point, and takes the cut card and places it about two-thirds the way into the deck. This deck “penetration” varies from casino to casino, and sometimes even from table to table.

The dealer then places the cards into the shoe, or arranges them in his hand (for two or less decks). The dealer will then discard - “burn” - the first card, and check to make sure that all players have their bets in the right place and in the right amount. He begins distributing the cards to the players from the front of the shoe or the top of the deck.

He’ll begin with the player farthest to his left and then proceed to give one card to each player, including the dealer’s “upcard.” He’ll repeat the motion until every player has two cards. He completes the deal by sliding his “hole card” under his upcard.

In some casinos, the players are allowed to handle the cards. In this situation, the players receive their cards face down, and pick them up with their hands. If you’re playing this type of game, do not use two hands to pick the cards up. Pick them up with one hand and hold them over the table . Never remove them from the table or shield them in any manner from the dealer’s view.

In casinos in most other countries, the players’ cards are dealt face up, and the players are prohibited from touching them at all. The dealer has to handle all the cards and chips.