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Black Jack
First, it's important to know how many decks the game is played with. Blackjack could be played with 1,2,4, or 8 decks. Single deck blackjack (live version) is becoming a thing of the past. Most games are dealt from a shoe, which means they are 4 or 8 deck games. The more decks involved, the lower your changes of winning consistently. You can still win at shoe games, but you want to play at single deck or double deck games if possible. There are still many double deck games around. If you play online, it's important to ask so you know how many decks they are using.
The game starts with the dealer dealing two cards in a clockwise fashion starting with the player on his or her left. One card is dealt to each player at a time. The dealer will show one of his or her cards. This is called an up-card. Once the dealing is complete, the first player to the left of the dealer is first to act. The dealer will always be the last to act-this gives casinos the edge. If you are brand-new to the game, imagine that the dealer has an 8,9 or 10 under his up-card. Once you get the feel of the game, it's time to move onto more advanced card techniques.
When it is your turn, you have a few options. You could hit, which means to request another card. You could stand, which means to stay where you are and pass. You could double down, which means to double your bet and take one last card. This option can only be performed if you have not taken a hit yet. You can also double for less if you like. If your first two cards match-like two 8's-you can split them and make two hands, which also means you double your wager.
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