A typical blackjack tournament consists of several rounds of play, with tables of 6 or so players competing against each other in each round. The format is usually an elimination format, where only 1 or 2 players at each table will advance to the next round of play.

Each round consists of a set number of hands. All players begin the round with a equal amount of chips. At the end of the round, the player or players with the highest bankroll will advance. Rounds are usually between 20 and 50 hands each. Each player must play each hand with a bet in the allowed range. Some tournaments are played with real money chips, while others are played with non-negotiable tournament chips issued to the players.

Rather than the dealer always dealing to the first chair (first base) first, a button is placed on the table in front of a player, who serves as first base on this hand. The button then moves consecutively around the table with each passing hand. This gives each player the opportunity to play as first base and third base in turn. More importantly, since players must bet in turn starting at the button, the disadvantage of betting and playing before the other players moves around the table.

Most tournaments consist of 3 to 5. A typical format might be 2 of 6 advance, 1 of 6 advance, then the finals. This format with 6 players at the final table would allow for 108 entries at 18 first round tables. Often in smaller tournaments, the first round will be split up into several qualifying rounds, so that if you do not advance, you can re-enter for another first round seat.

Sometimes the objective of blackjack is described this way:

The objective of blackjack is to draw cards totaling closer to 21 than the dealer draws, without going over 21 (busting).

But the following definition is more correct:

The objective of blackjack is to beat the dealer's hand by either:

• having a total that exceeds the dealer's total
• by not going over 21 when the dealer does.

So, you are not trying to get close to 21. All you have to do is to Beat the dealer.

"To bust" means to go over 21. The house edge in the black jack comes from the rule that the player must act first and if you have more than 21 on you hand - you automatically lose regardless if the dealer busts or not.

Blackjack is usually played with one, two or up to eight decks of cards. The cards are dealt out of a special box that is called a shoe.

The cards are dealt face up to the player and you are not allowed to touch your cards. The basic play for either game is the same.

Card Values

Blackjack is usually played with one, two or up to eight decks of 52 cards. Card suits have no meaning in blackjack.

The total of any hand is the sum of the card values in the hand according to the table above. The cards from 2 to 10 count their face value. Any Picture cards count as 10.

As for the ace, it can be counted as either a 1 or 11. That depends on whether the total of your hand goes over 21. If you have 6, 7 and ace, the last counts as 1, and the total of your hand is 14. Otherwise it counts as 11.

"Hard Hand" is a hand that does not have an ace.

"Soft Hand" is a hand that have an ace.

Blackjack Table

Blackjack is dealt on a semicircle shaped table. Each player (from 5 to 7 ) has his own seat in front of his betting circle, the area where the bets are placed.

The Play

The player puts his bet in the betting circle if front of his space. Only chips put in the betting circle count as your bet.

After all bets are made, the cards are dealt clockwise from a shoe. Each player gets two cards face up. The dealer also takes two cards, one face up (the up card) and one face down (the hole card).

After the cards are dealt the dealer will ask each player to make their decision. The player to the left of the dealer acts first.

You have to make your decision about how to play your hand based on the dealer's up card and the two cards that you were dealt.

Play Options

Blackjack

If you get the blackjack (an Ace and a ten-value card that is 21) you will be paid 3 to 2. But if the dealer also get 21 it is a push and you will not be paid.

If only the dealer has blackjack all players will lose.

Hitting

This means you want to draw another card. To signal the dealer for a hit you will tap the table in front of you or make a beckoning motion with your hand. If you wish another card after the first you would motion in the same manner.