Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo
Introduction
Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo 8 or Better (Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo), a version of Poker for between 2-10 players, is today among the most popular variations of Poker. The game has gained popularity, both in the US and abroad, due to its true Poker feel and highly challenging game play.
A hand of Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo consists of up to five Betting Rounds. Initially, each player places an "Ante" (opening Bet) to "seed" the Pot. Each player is then dealt two initial, private, facedown "Hole Cards" and one, face up "Door Card". Players who remain active (do not Fold), throughout an entire hand of Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo, will receive a total of three facedown cards and four face up cards.
After the fifth and final Betting Round is complete, there is a "Showdown". The players that create the highest and lowest (with no card higher in value than eight) ranking (valued), five card, Poker hands, using any combination of five of their seven total cards, split the Pot 50%-50% (if one player creates both the highest and lowest ranking Poker hands, that player receives the entire Pot).
The Ante
Before the first deal of the cards, each player "Sitting-in" places an initial Ante (opening Bet), in the center of the table, to "seed" the Pot.
The Hole and Door Cards - The First Deal
The Dealer distributes two facedown "Hole Cards" and one face up "Door Card". The cards are dealt in a clockwise fashion, one at a time, starting with the first player to the left of the Dealer.
The First Betting RoundBetting Limit:
1/2 of the Table's Lower Limit Stake
The player with the lowest ranking (valued) Door Card showing, by suit, initiates the first Betting Round. This player is required to Bet no less than the "Bring-in" amount (half of the table's Lower Limit Stake), up to the table's Lower Limit Stake. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each player acting in turn.
"Fourth Street" - The Second Deal
Each active player (has not Folded), is dealt one additional card, face up.
The Second Betting RoundBetting Limit: Lower Limit Stake
The active player with the highest ranking card(s) showing initiates the second Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each player acting in turn.
The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Lower Limit Stake;
In the event that a player is "Showing" a Pair, with their two face up cards, at the beginning of the second Betting Round, players have the option to Bet in multiples of either that table's Lower or Higher Limit Stake. If a player Bets at the table's Higher Limit Stake, all following players are required to continue Betting at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
"Fifth Street" - The Third Deal
Each active player is dealt one additional card, face up.
The Third Betting Round Betting Limit: Higher Limit Stake
The active player with the highest ranking card(s) showing initiates the third Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
"Sixth Street" - The Fourth Deal
Each active player is dealt one additional card, face up.
The Fourth Betting Round Betting Limit: Higher Limit Stake
The active player with the highest ranking card(s) showing initiates the fourth Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
"The River" - The Fifth and Final Deal
Each active player is dealt one additional card, face down.
Occasionally, there are not enough cards in the deck to give each player their own final seventh card, the River, face down. In this case, one card will be placed, face up, in the center of the table. This "Community Boardcard" is shared by all active players.
The Fifth and Final Betting Round Betting Limit: Higher Limit Stake
The active player with the highest valued card(s) showing begins the fifth Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
The Showdown
Once the fifth Betting Round has been completed, there is a "Showdown" (if more than one player remains active - see the Showdown below). In the Showdown, each active player combines any five of their seven total cards, to create:
a. The lowest ranking (valued), five card, Poker hand possible, with no card higher in value than eight ; Or
b. The highest ranking, five card, Poker hand possible; Or
c. Both the highest and lowest ranking Poker hands possible.
The two active players who create the highest and lowest ranking Poker hands split the Pot 50%-50%, minus the "Rake". "All-in" Policy applies to all game Pots.
a. Should one active player create both the highest and lowest ranking Poker hands, that player receives the entire Pot, minus any All-in Pots and the Rake.
b. If there is no qualifying low hand (with no card higher in value than eight), the player with the highest ranking hand receives the entire Pot, minus any All-in Pots and the Rake.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Seven Card Stud Poker (Rules)
Seven Card Stud
Introduction
Seven Card Stud, a version of Poker for between 2-10 players, is today among the most popular variations of Poker. The game has gained popularity, both in the US and abroad, due to its classic Poker style and simple game rules.
A hand of Seven Card Stud consists of up to five Betting Rounds. Initially, each player places an "Ante" (opening Bet) to "seed" the Pot. Each player is then dealt two initial, private, facedown "Hole Cards" and one, face up "Door Card". Players who remain active (do not Fold), throughout an entire hand of Seven Card Stud, will receive a total of three facedown cards and four face up cards.
After the fifth and final Betting Round is complete, there is a "Showdown". The player who creates the highest ranking (valued), five card, Poker hand, using any combination of five of their seven total cards, wins the Pot.
The Blind Bets
Before the first deal of the cards, each player "Sitting-in" places an initial Ante (opening Bet), in the center of the table, to "seed" the Pot.
The Hole and Door Cards - The First Deal
The Dealer distributes two facedown "Hole Cards" and one face up "Door Card". The cards are dealt in a clockwise fashion, one at a time, starting with the first player to the left of the Dealer.
The First Betting Round Betting Limit:
1/2 of the Table's Lower Limit Stake
The player with the lowest ranking (valued) Door Card showing, by suit, initiates the first Betting Round. This player is required to Bet no less than the "Bring-in" amount (half of the table's Lower Limit Stake), up to the table's Lower Limit Stake. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each player acting in turn.
"Fourth Street" - The Second Deal
Each active player (has not Folded), is dealt one additional card, face up.
The Second Betting Round Betting Limit: Lower Limit Stake
The active player with the highest ranking card(s) showing initiates the second Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each player acting in turn.
The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Lower Limit Stake;
In the event that a player is "Showing" a Pair, with their two face up cards, at the beginning of the second Betting Round, players have the option to Bet in multiples of either that table's Lower or Higher Limit Stake. If a player Bets at the table's Higher Limit Stake, all following players are required to continue Betting at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
"Fifth Street" - The Third Deal
Each active player is dealt one additional card, face up.
The Third Betting Round Betting Limit: Higher Limit Stake
The active player with the highest ranking card(s) showing initiates the third Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
"Sixth Street" - The Fourth Deal
Each active player is dealt one additional card, face up.
The Fourth Betting Round Betting Limit: Higher Limit Stake
The active player with the highest ranking card(s) showing initiates the fourth Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
"The River" - The Fifth and Final Deal
Each active player is dealt one additional card, face down.
Occasionally, there are not enough cards in the deck to give each player their own final seventh card, the River, face down. In this case, one card will be placed, face up, in the center of the table. This "Community Boardcard" is shared by all active players.
The Fifth and Final Betting Round Betting Limit: Higher Limit Stake
The active player with the highest ranking card(s) showing initiates the fifth Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
The Showdown
Once the fifth Betting Round has been completed, there is a "Showdown" (if more than one player remains active - see the Showdown below). In the Showdown, each active player combines any five of their seven total cards, to create the highest ranking, five card, Poker hand possible (see the Hand Ranking Chart section of this site). The active player who creates the highest ranking Poker hand wins the Pot, minus the Rake.
Introduction
Seven Card Stud, a version of Poker for between 2-10 players, is today among the most popular variations of Poker. The game has gained popularity, both in the US and abroad, due to its classic Poker style and simple game rules.
A hand of Seven Card Stud consists of up to five Betting Rounds. Initially, each player places an "Ante" (opening Bet) to "seed" the Pot. Each player is then dealt two initial, private, facedown "Hole Cards" and one, face up "Door Card". Players who remain active (do not Fold), throughout an entire hand of Seven Card Stud, will receive a total of three facedown cards and four face up cards.
After the fifth and final Betting Round is complete, there is a "Showdown". The player who creates the highest ranking (valued), five card, Poker hand, using any combination of five of their seven total cards, wins the Pot.
The Blind Bets
Before the first deal of the cards, each player "Sitting-in" places an initial Ante (opening Bet), in the center of the table, to "seed" the Pot.
The Hole and Door Cards - The First Deal
The Dealer distributes two facedown "Hole Cards" and one face up "Door Card". The cards are dealt in a clockwise fashion, one at a time, starting with the first player to the left of the Dealer.
The First Betting Round Betting Limit:
1/2 of the Table's Lower Limit Stake
The player with the lowest ranking (valued) Door Card showing, by suit, initiates the first Betting Round. This player is required to Bet no less than the "Bring-in" amount (half of the table's Lower Limit Stake), up to the table's Lower Limit Stake. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each player acting in turn.
"Fourth Street" - The Second Deal
Each active player (has not Folded), is dealt one additional card, face up.
The Second Betting Round Betting Limit: Lower Limit Stake
The active player with the highest ranking card(s) showing initiates the second Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each player acting in turn.
The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Lower Limit Stake;
In the event that a player is "Showing" a Pair, with their two face up cards, at the beginning of the second Betting Round, players have the option to Bet in multiples of either that table's Lower or Higher Limit Stake. If a player Bets at the table's Higher Limit Stake, all following players are required to continue Betting at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
"Fifth Street" - The Third Deal
Each active player is dealt one additional card, face up.
The Third Betting Round Betting Limit: Higher Limit Stake
The active player with the highest ranking card(s) showing initiates the third Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
"Sixth Street" - The Fourth Deal
Each active player is dealt one additional card, face up.
The Fourth Betting Round Betting Limit: Higher Limit Stake
The active player with the highest ranking card(s) showing initiates the fourth Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
"The River" - The Fifth and Final Deal
Each active player is dealt one additional card, face down.
Occasionally, there are not enough cards in the deck to give each player their own final seventh card, the River, face down. In this case, one card will be placed, face up, in the center of the table. This "Community Boardcard" is shared by all active players.
The Fifth and Final Betting Round Betting Limit: Higher Limit Stake
The active player with the highest ranking card(s) showing initiates the fifth Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
The Showdown
Once the fifth Betting Round has been completed, there is a "Showdown" (if more than one player remains active - see the Showdown below). In the Showdown, each active player combines any five of their seven total cards, to create the highest ranking, five card, Poker hand possible (see the Hand Ranking Chart section of this site). The active player who creates the highest ranking Poker hand wins the Pot, minus the Rake.
Omaha Hi/Lo Poker - (Rules)
Omaha Hi/Lo
Introduction
Omaha Hi/Lo 8 or Better (Omaha Hi/Lo), a game for between 2-10 players, has gained popularity, both in the US and abroad, due to its highly challenging game play and many facetted game rules.
A hand of Omaha Hi/Lo consists of up to four Betting Rounds. After the placing of the Blind Bets (see The Blind Bets below), each player receives four private, facedown "Pocket Cards". Throughout the hand, five face-up "Community Boardcards" are placed in the center of the table, to be shared by all the players.
After the fourth and final Betting Round is complete, there is a "Showdown". The two players that create the highest and lowest (with no card higher in value than eight) ranking (valued), five card, Poker hands, using any combination of two of their four Pocket Cards and any three of the five Community Boardcards, split the Pot 50%-50% (if one player creates both the highest and lowest ranking Poker hands, that player receives the entire Pot
Omaha Hi/Lo
The Blind Bets
The first player "Sitting-in", in a clockwise fashion to the left of the Dealer, places the "Small Blind" Bet (half the table's Lower Limit Stake - on tables with Stakes higher than $1 the Small Blind is rounded down to the nearest dollar) (see Betting Rounds & Limits below).
The second player Sitting-in, in a clockwise fashion to the left of the Dealer, places the "Big Blind" Bet (equal to the table's Lower Limit Stake).
The Pocket Cards - The First Deal
The Dealer distributes four facedown "Pocket Cards" to each player. The cards are dealt in a clockwise fashion, one at a time, starting with the player to the left of the Big Blind.
The First Betting Round Betting Limit: Lower Limit Stake
The first player to the left of the Big Blind initiates the first Betting Round (see the Betting Rounds & Limits below). The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each player acting in turn. In this Betting Round, each player is required to at least "Call" the Big Blind, in order to remain in the game. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Lower Limit Stake.
"The Flop" - The Second Deal
The Dealer places the first three "Community Boardcards", face-up, in the center of the table. These cards are shared by all the players.
The Second Betting Round Betting Limit: Lower Limit Stake
The first "active" (has not Folded) player to the left of the Dealer initiates the second Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each active player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Lower Limit Stake.
"The Turn" - The Third Deal
The Dealer places a fourth Community Boardcard, face-up, in the center of the table.
The Third Betting Round Betting Limit: Higher Limit Stake
The first active player to the left of the Dealer initiates the third Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each active player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
"The River" - The Fourth & Final Deal
The Dealer places a fifth Community Boardcard, face-up, in the center of the table.
The Fourth and Final Betting Round Betting Limit: Higher Limit Stake
The first active player to the left of the Dealer initiates the fourth Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each active player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Higher Limit Stake
The Showdown
Once the fourth Betting Round has been completed, there is a "Showdown" (if more than one player remains active - see The Showdown below). In the Showdown, each active player combines any combination of two of their four Pocket Cards, and any three of the five
Community Boardcards, to create:
a. The lowest ranking (valued), five card, Poker hand possible, with no card higher in value than eight (see the Poker Hand Ranking Chart section of this site); Or
b. The highest ranking, five card, Poker hand possible; Or
c. Both the highest and lowest ranking Poker hands possible
The two active players who create the highest and lowest ranking Poker hands split the Pot 50%-50%, minus the "Rake"
a. Should one active player create both the highest and lowest ranking Poker hands, that player receives the entire Pot, minus any All-in Pots and the Rake.
b. If there is no qualifying low hand (with no card higher in value than eight), the player with the highest ranking hand receives the entire Pot, minus any All-in Pots and the Rake.
Introduction
Omaha Hi/Lo 8 or Better (Omaha Hi/Lo), a game for between 2-10 players, has gained popularity, both in the US and abroad, due to its highly challenging game play and many facetted game rules.
A hand of Omaha Hi/Lo consists of up to four Betting Rounds. After the placing of the Blind Bets (see The Blind Bets below), each player receives four private, facedown "Pocket Cards". Throughout the hand, five face-up "Community Boardcards" are placed in the center of the table, to be shared by all the players.
After the fourth and final Betting Round is complete, there is a "Showdown". The two players that create the highest and lowest (with no card higher in value than eight) ranking (valued), five card, Poker hands, using any combination of two of their four Pocket Cards and any three of the five Community Boardcards, split the Pot 50%-50% (if one player creates both the highest and lowest ranking Poker hands, that player receives the entire Pot
Omaha Hi/Lo
The Blind Bets
The first player "Sitting-in", in a clockwise fashion to the left of the Dealer, places the "Small Blind" Bet (half the table's Lower Limit Stake - on tables with Stakes higher than $1 the Small Blind is rounded down to the nearest dollar) (see Betting Rounds & Limits below).
The second player Sitting-in, in a clockwise fashion to the left of the Dealer, places the "Big Blind" Bet (equal to the table's Lower Limit Stake).
The Pocket Cards - The First Deal
The Dealer distributes four facedown "Pocket Cards" to each player. The cards are dealt in a clockwise fashion, one at a time, starting with the player to the left of the Big Blind.
The First Betting Round Betting Limit: Lower Limit Stake
The first player to the left of the Big Blind initiates the first Betting Round (see the Betting Rounds & Limits below). The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each player acting in turn. In this Betting Round, each player is required to at least "Call" the Big Blind, in order to remain in the game. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Lower Limit Stake.
"The Flop" - The Second Deal
The Dealer places the first three "Community Boardcards", face-up, in the center of the table. These cards are shared by all the players.
The Second Betting Round Betting Limit: Lower Limit Stake
The first "active" (has not Folded) player to the left of the Dealer initiates the second Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each active player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Lower Limit Stake.
"The Turn" - The Third Deal
The Dealer places a fourth Community Boardcard, face-up, in the center of the table.
The Third Betting Round Betting Limit: Higher Limit Stake
The first active player to the left of the Dealer initiates the third Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each active player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
"The River" - The Fourth & Final Deal
The Dealer places a fifth Community Boardcard, face-up, in the center of the table.
The Fourth and Final Betting Round Betting Limit: Higher Limit Stake
The first active player to the left of the Dealer initiates the fourth Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each active player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Higher Limit Stake
The Showdown
Once the fourth Betting Round has been completed, there is a "Showdown" (if more than one player remains active - see The Showdown below). In the Showdown, each active player combines any combination of two of their four Pocket Cards, and any three of the five
Community Boardcards, to create:
a. The lowest ranking (valued), five card, Poker hand possible, with no card higher in value than eight (see the Poker Hand Ranking Chart section of this site); Or
b. The highest ranking, five card, Poker hand possible; Or
c. Both the highest and lowest ranking Poker hands possible
The two active players who create the highest and lowest ranking Poker hands split the Pot 50%-50%, minus the "Rake"
a. Should one active player create both the highest and lowest ranking Poker hands, that player receives the entire Pot, minus any All-in Pots and the Rake.
b. If there is no qualifying low hand (with no card higher in value than eight), the player with the highest ranking hand receives the entire Pot, minus any All-in Pots and the Rake.
Texas Hold 'em Poker - (Rules)
Texas Hold 'em
Introduction
Texas Hold'em, a version of Poker for between 2-10 players, is today among the most popular variations of Poker. The game has gained popularity, both in the US and abroad, due to its fast paced play and simple game rules. A hand of Texas Hold'em consists of up to four Betting Rounds. After the placing of the Blind Bets (see The Blind Bets below), each player receives two private, facedown "Pocket Card". Throughout the hand, five face-up "Community Boarfcards" are placed in the center of the table, to be shared by all the players.
After the fourth and final Betting Round is complete, there is a "Shutdown". The player who creates the highest ranking (valued), five card, Poker hand, using any combination of their two Pocket Cards and the five Community Boardcards, wins the Pot.
The Blind Bets
The first player "Sitting-in", in a clockwise fashion to the left of the Dealer, places the "Small Blind" Bet (half the table's Lower Limit Stake - on tables with Stakes higher than $1 the Small Blind is rounded down to the nearest dollar) (see Betting Rounds & Limits below);
The second player Sitting-in, in a clockwise fashion to the left of the Dealer, places the "Big Blind" Bet (equal to the table's Lower Limit Stake).
The Pocket Cards - The First Deal
The Dealer distributes two facedown "Pocket Cards" to each player. The cards are dealt in a clockwise fashion, one at a time, starting with the player to the left of the Big Blind.
The First Betting RoundBetting Limit: Lower Limit Stake
The first player to the left of the Big Blind initiates the first Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each player acting in turn. In this Betting Round, each player is required to at least "Call" the Big Blind, in order to remain in the game.The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Lower Limit Stake.
"The Flop" - The Second Deal
The Dealer places the first three "Community Boardcards", face-up, in the center of the table. These cards are shared by all the players at the table.
The Second Betting RoundBetting Limit: Lower Limit Stake
The first "active" (has not Folded) player to the left of the Dealer initiates the second Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each active player acting in turn.
"The Turn" - The Third Deal
The Dealer places a fourth Community Boardcard, face-up, in the center of the table.
The Third Betting Round Betting Limit: Higher Limit Stake
The first active player to the left of the Dealer initiates the third Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each active player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
"The River" - The Fourth & Final Deal
The Dealer places a fifth Community Boardcard, face-up, in the center of the Table.
The Fourth and Final Betting RoundBetting Limit: Higher Limit Stake
The first active player to the left of the Dealer initiates the fourth Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each active player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
The Showdown
Once the fourth Betting Round has been completed, there is a "Showdown" (if more than one player remains active - see The Showdown below). In the Showdown, each active player combines any combination of their two Pocket Cards, and the five Community Boardcards, to create the highest ranking (valued), five card, Poker hand possible .
The active player who creates the highest ranking Poker hand wins the Pot, minus the "Rake".
Introduction
Texas Hold'em, a version of Poker for between 2-10 players, is today among the most popular variations of Poker. The game has gained popularity, both in the US and abroad, due to its fast paced play and simple game rules. A hand of Texas Hold'em consists of up to four Betting Rounds. After the placing of the Blind Bets (see The Blind Bets below), each player receives two private, facedown "Pocket Card". Throughout the hand, five face-up "Community Boarfcards" are placed in the center of the table, to be shared by all the players.
After the fourth and final Betting Round is complete, there is a "Shutdown". The player who creates the highest ranking (valued), five card, Poker hand, using any combination of their two Pocket Cards and the five Community Boardcards, wins the Pot.
The Blind Bets
The first player "Sitting-in", in a clockwise fashion to the left of the Dealer, places the "Small Blind" Bet (half the table's Lower Limit Stake - on tables with Stakes higher than $1 the Small Blind is rounded down to the nearest dollar) (see Betting Rounds & Limits below);
The second player Sitting-in, in a clockwise fashion to the left of the Dealer, places the "Big Blind" Bet (equal to the table's Lower Limit Stake).
The Pocket Cards - The First Deal
The Dealer distributes two facedown "Pocket Cards" to each player. The cards are dealt in a clockwise fashion, one at a time, starting with the player to the left of the Big Blind.
The First Betting RoundBetting Limit: Lower Limit Stake
The first player to the left of the Big Blind initiates the first Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each player acting in turn. In this Betting Round, each player is required to at least "Call" the Big Blind, in order to remain in the game.The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Lower Limit Stake.
"The Flop" - The Second Deal
The Dealer places the first three "Community Boardcards", face-up, in the center of the table. These cards are shared by all the players at the table.
The Second Betting RoundBetting Limit: Lower Limit Stake
The first "active" (has not Folded) player to the left of the Dealer initiates the second Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each active player acting in turn.
"The Turn" - The Third Deal
The Dealer places a fourth Community Boardcard, face-up, in the center of the table.
The Third Betting Round Betting Limit: Higher Limit Stake
The first active player to the left of the Dealer initiates the third Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each active player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
"The River" - The Fourth & Final Deal
The Dealer places a fifth Community Boardcard, face-up, in the center of the Table.
The Fourth and Final Betting RoundBetting Limit: Higher Limit Stake
The first active player to the left of the Dealer initiates the fourth Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each active player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
The Showdown
Once the fourth Betting Round has been completed, there is a "Showdown" (if more than one player remains active - see The Showdown below). In the Showdown, each active player combines any combination of their two Pocket Cards, and the five Community Boardcards, to create the highest ranking (valued), five card, Poker hand possible .
The active player who creates the highest ranking Poker hand wins the Pot, minus the "Rake".
Omaha Hi Poker - (Rules)
Introduction
Omaha Hi, a version of Poker for between 2-10 players, has gained popularity, both in the US and abroad, due to its fast paced play and relatively simple game rules.
A hand of Omaha Hi consists of up to 4 Betting Rounds. After the placing of the Blind Bets (see The Blind Bets below), each player receives four private, facedown "Pocket Cards". Throughout the hand, five face-up "Community Boardcards" are placed in the center of the table, to be shared by all the players.
After the fourth and final Betting Round is complete, there is a "Showdown". The player who creates the highest ranking (valued), five card, Poker hand, using any combination of two of their four Pocket Cards and any three of the five Community Boardcards, wins the Pot.
The Blind Bets
The first player "Sitting-in", in a clockwise fashion to the left of the Dealer, places the "Small Blind" Bet (half the table's Lower Limit Stake - on tables with Stakes higher than $1 the Small Blind is rounded down to the nearest dollar) (see Betting Rounds & Limits below);
The second player Sitting-in, in a clockwise fashion to the left of the Dealer, places the "Big Blind" Bet (equal to the table's Lower Limit Stake).
The Pocket Cards - The First Deal
The Dealer distributes four facedown "Pocket Cards" to each player. The cards are dealt in a clockwise fashion, one at a time, starting with the player to the left of the Big Blind.
The First Betting Round Betting Limit:
Lower Limit Stake
The first player to the left of the Big Blind initiates the first Betting Round (see the Betting Rounds & Limits below). The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each player acting in turn. In this Betting Round, each player is required to at least "Call" the Big Blind, in order to remain in the game. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Lower Limit Stake.
"The Flop" - The Second Deal
The Dealer places the first three "Community Boardcards", face-up, in the center of the table. These cards are shared by all the players.
The Second Betting Round Betting Limit: Lower Limit Stake
The first "active" (has not Folded) player to the left of the Dealer begins the second Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each active player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Lower Limit Stake.
"The Turn" - The Third Deal
The Dealer places a fourth Community Boardcard, face-up, in the center of the table.
The Third Betting Round Betting Limit: Higher Limit Stake
The first active player to the left of the Dealer begins the third Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each active player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
"The River" - The Fourth & Final Deal
The Dealer places a fifth Community Boardcard, face-up, in the center of the table.
The Fourth and Final Betting Round Betting Limit: Higher Limit Stake
The first active player to the left of the Dealer begins the fourth Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each active player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
The Showdown
Once the fourth Betting Round has been completed, there is a "Showdown" (if more than one player remains active - see The Showdown below). In the Showdown, each active player combines any combination of two of their four Pocket Cards, and any three of the five Community Boardcards, to create the highest ranking (valued), five card, Poker hand possible
Omaha Hi, a version of Poker for between 2-10 players, has gained popularity, both in the US and abroad, due to its fast paced play and relatively simple game rules.
A hand of Omaha Hi consists of up to 4 Betting Rounds. After the placing of the Blind Bets (see The Blind Bets below), each player receives four private, facedown "Pocket Cards". Throughout the hand, five face-up "Community Boardcards" are placed in the center of the table, to be shared by all the players.
After the fourth and final Betting Round is complete, there is a "Showdown". The player who creates the highest ranking (valued), five card, Poker hand, using any combination of two of their four Pocket Cards and any three of the five Community Boardcards, wins the Pot.
The Blind Bets
The first player "Sitting-in", in a clockwise fashion to the left of the Dealer, places the "Small Blind" Bet (half the table's Lower Limit Stake - on tables with Stakes higher than $1 the Small Blind is rounded down to the nearest dollar) (see Betting Rounds & Limits below);
The second player Sitting-in, in a clockwise fashion to the left of the Dealer, places the "Big Blind" Bet (equal to the table's Lower Limit Stake).
The Pocket Cards - The First Deal
The Dealer distributes four facedown "Pocket Cards" to each player. The cards are dealt in a clockwise fashion, one at a time, starting with the player to the left of the Big Blind.
The First Betting Round Betting Limit:
Lower Limit Stake
The first player to the left of the Big Blind initiates the first Betting Round (see the Betting Rounds & Limits below). The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each player acting in turn. In this Betting Round, each player is required to at least "Call" the Big Blind, in order to remain in the game. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Lower Limit Stake.
"The Flop" - The Second Deal
The Dealer places the first three "Community Boardcards", face-up, in the center of the table. These cards are shared by all the players.
The Second Betting Round Betting Limit: Lower Limit Stake
The first "active" (has not Folded) player to the left of the Dealer begins the second Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each active player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Lower Limit Stake.
"The Turn" - The Third Deal
The Dealer places a fourth Community Boardcard, face-up, in the center of the table.
The Third Betting Round Betting Limit: Higher Limit Stake
The first active player to the left of the Dealer begins the third Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each active player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
"The River" - The Fourth & Final Deal
The Dealer places a fifth Community Boardcard, face-up, in the center of the table.
The Fourth and Final Betting Round Betting Limit: Higher Limit Stake
The first active player to the left of the Dealer begins the fourth Betting Round. The Betting Round then proceeds, in a clockwise fashion, around the table, with each active player acting in turn. The Betting in this Round is set at the table's Higher Limit Stake.
The Showdown
Once the fourth Betting Round has been completed, there is a "Showdown" (if more than one player remains active - see The Showdown below). In the Showdown, each active player combines any combination of two of their four Pocket Cards, and any three of the five Community Boardcards, to create the highest ranking (valued), five card, Poker hand possible
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Seven-Card Stud Poker - Game Rules
Seven Card Stud Strategy
General Strategy:
Seven Card Stud is a HIGH card game. More winning hands are decided by the highest pair of two pair or just the highest pair, than by straights, flushes and other big hands. So if you start with a straight or flush draw, it should have at least two high cards or at least one card that is higher than anything up on the board. These draw hands and low pair starting hands need to improve or turn a high pair quickly to justify continued play. Any time your high hand is beaten on the board, fold, unless you think you still have the best draw hand. Fast play early high hands ( that could win without improvement) to thin out the competition. Slow play draw hands to keep other players in to increase the pot odds in case you hit.
Definitions:
HIGH TRIPS - (AAA down to 101010). Fast play these. Your opponents will put you on a high pair.
LOW TRIPS - (999 down to 222). Slow play until your 5th street bet. Keep 'em guessing.
HIGH PAIR - (AA, KK, QQ, JJ, 1010). Fast play these, split or concealed, if they are not overcarded on the board. Try to narrow the field and play fast until threatened by a higher hand.
LOW PAIR/ High Kicker - Slow play split or concealed low pairs with a kicker that is higher than any upcard on the board. Fold this hand if two or more of your key cards are dead. Check-fold if you don't get trips or two pair on the next card.
CONCEALED LOW PAIR/ No High Kicker - Slow play for trips on 4th street. Fold if one or both of your pair cards are dead. Check-fold if you don't make trips or two pair on the next card.
HIGH OVERCARDS - Two or three high cards that are higher than anything on the board. Slow play and check-fold if they don't make a high pair on the next card.
HIGH 3 CARD FLUSH - (2h 10h Kh). Must have at least two high cards. Fold if three or more cards of your suit are dead. Slow play and check-fold if you don't make a four card flush or a high pair on the next card.
HIGH 3 CARD STRAIGHT - (9 10 J ) to Q K A). Slow play and check-fold if you don't make a four card straight or a high pair on the next card.
ANY 3 CARDS TO A STRAIGHT FLUSH - (5d 7d 9d). Fold if four or more of your key straight and flush cards are dead. Slow play and check-fold if you don't make any four cards to a straight or a four card flush.
General Strategy:
Seven Card Stud is a HIGH card game. More winning hands are decided by the highest pair of two pair or just the highest pair, than by straights, flushes and other big hands. So if you start with a straight or flush draw, it should have at least two high cards or at least one card that is higher than anything up on the board. These draw hands and low pair starting hands need to improve or turn a high pair quickly to justify continued play. Any time your high hand is beaten on the board, fold, unless you think you still have the best draw hand. Fast play early high hands ( that could win without improvement) to thin out the competition. Slow play draw hands to keep other players in to increase the pot odds in case you hit.
Definitions:
HIGH CARDS - 10 thru A .
LOW CARDS - 2 thru 9
SPLIT PAIR - Starting hand with one of your pair cards down and the other up.
CONCEALED PAIR - Starting hand with both of your pair cards in the hole and your side card kicker up.
DOOR CARD - The exposed upcard of a starting hand.
DEAD CARDS - Cards that have been revealed and no longer in the deck.
FAST PLAY - Bet, raise and re-raise to get as many other players out as possible.
SLOW PLAY - Just check and call along to keep other players in the game and increase the pot odds.
CHECK-FOLD - Check when you can and fold if you are bet into. Gladly accept all free cards offered.
Playable Starting Hands:HIGH TRIPS - (AAA down to 101010). Fast play these. Your opponents will put you on a high pair.
LOW TRIPS - (999 down to 222). Slow play until your 5th street bet. Keep 'em guessing.
HIGH PAIR - (AA, KK, QQ, JJ, 1010). Fast play these, split or concealed, if they are not overcarded on the board. Try to narrow the field and play fast until threatened by a higher hand.
LOW PAIR/ High Kicker - Slow play split or concealed low pairs with a kicker that is higher than any upcard on the board. Fold this hand if two or more of your key cards are dead. Check-fold if you don't get trips or two pair on the next card.
CONCEALED LOW PAIR/ No High Kicker - Slow play for trips on 4th street. Fold if one or both of your pair cards are dead. Check-fold if you don't make trips or two pair on the next card.
HIGH OVERCARDS - Two or three high cards that are higher than anything on the board. Slow play and check-fold if they don't make a high pair on the next card.
HIGH 3 CARD FLUSH - (2h 10h Kh). Must have at least two high cards. Fold if three or more cards of your suit are dead. Slow play and check-fold if you don't make a four card flush or a high pair on the next card.
HIGH 3 CARD STRAIGHT - (9 10 J ) to Q K A). Slow play and check-fold if you don't make a four card straight or a high pair on the next card.
ANY 3 CARDS TO A STRAIGHT FLUSH - (5d 7d 9d). Fold if four or more of your key straight and flush cards are dead. Slow play and check-fold if you don't make any four cards to a straight or a four card flush.
Strategy Tips:
When you start with a high pair, fast play to eliminate as many players as possible.Slow play starting draw hands like three to a straight or a flush. You want to keep other players in to build the pot odds.Slow play starting trips until the fifth card. You want some players around with this powerful starting hand.Usually don't begin with a small pair unless they are concealed or your sidecard can beat the board.Don't play three to a low straight or a low flush.Watch the board closely for key cards that can seriously diminish your chances of making a good hand and for opponents hands that look dangerous. Play cautiously and fold out early if it looks like the tide is turning against you.Beware of the paired door card. If an opponent is playing a pair in his starting hand, and pairs his door card (first upcard), the odds are two out of three that the door card is part of his pair. A paired door card presents a strong possibility that the holder has a dangerous set of trips.Unless you are playing a strong draw hand, usually fold if your complete hand is beaten on the board by an opponent's upcards. Try to find reasons to fold both your starting hands and those that develop on the later streets. Look for a dead card in the denomination that you need and for two or three dead cards in the suit that you are drawing to. Look for too much strong competition developing for the winning hand. When you can't find reasons to fold, you can then proceed aggressively.. Beware of multiple "check-arounds" on 7th St. - Straight and flush draws often hit on the last card and there is usually so little in the pot that yor last card pair of Aces etc. is not a very good bet. Study your opponents, especially when you are not playing hands and can pay careful attention. Do they find more hands to play than they fold? Do they bluff? Can they be bluffed? Do they have any "tells" (give away mannerisms) that disclose information about their hands etc.Get caught bluffing once in a while. It is a way to vary your play and not be too predictable. You win pots that you don't deserve when your bluff works. You lose a few chips when it doesn't work but it will get you calls from weaker hands down the line when you are really strong and need the action.The first four cards are the major key to winning at Seven Card Stud games. If your starting hands develop according to plan, you can be a strong favorite to win. If they don't, you get out early and escape the expensive second best experience. The three card starting hands recommended above are those with the best chance of producing a dominant four card hand. Good four card hands that are carefully played don't always win but they win a lot more than the others.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Poker Online
Introduction
There are well over 1000 online casinos, many of which offer bonuses to entice you to 'play' their games.
My aim is to show you how to obtain and withdraw the best bonuses on offer simply by playing 'perfect' Blackjack.
Even if you have never played Blackjack before, I will make it so simple even a child could follow the instructions.
By playing 'perfect' Blackjack we reduce the casinos advantage to 0.5%, and this is all we need to profit from casino
bonuses.
Just the 15 casinos recommended in this guide offer a total of .4600 in bonuses, and there are plenty more on offer.
Follow this guide carefully now and you will gain the best part of $200 profit from the first casino you play.
Remember to use the casinos and links provided in this guide - these have been carefully researched to ensure you
play for the easiest-to-withdraw bonuses first and the links ensure you are offered the correct bonuses.
You may be playing for £ Sterling or $ US Dollars depending on the casino - we simply claim the largest bonus on
offer whatever currency it is. The casinos make it easy for you to play in another currency so this is not a problem.
The System/Your First $200
To show you how simple the system is, I will take you step by step through the process of getting your first $200 bonus. Once you have the bonus in your casino account (in a few minutes time) we will then play 'perfect' Blackjack in 'practice' mode before fulfilling the casino terms and conditions which allow you to withdraw your original deposit plus bonus/profit...
Step One - Visit the first casino
You need to visit the first casino, which has been specially chosen as being the easiest casino to profit from, and open your account. Your bonus will be immediately added to your account.
Step Two - Download the casino software
A pop up window usually asks if you want to 'Click OK to download our free Casino while browsing the site' - select OK and download the casino software (only takes a minute or two) and use the 'Open' option. If the pop-up does not appear then click 'Download Now' on the website.
Once the software has downloaded, then install the software to your computer.
Step Three - Open you account and obtain bonus
You could withdraw your original $200 at this stage and just play with the bonus but I would not encourage this. To be able to withdraw the bonus the casinos terms and conditions require us to give them a certain amount of 'action'. In this case to withdraw a $200 bonus you need to give the casino $4000 of 'action' (20 x bonus). By 'action' we mean turnover, or total stakes, so if you bet $1 at Blackjack, win or lose, you have given the casino $1 of action.
This is why it is important we play 'perfect' Blackjack to lower the casinos advantage to 0.5%. We are not trying to gain a profit, instead we are simply trying to keep most of the bonus. With a casino advantage of only 0.5%, we can play $2000 of Blackjack and lose, on average, only $10.
To illustrate this, below is a screen dump of my own actual deposit history from the first casino you will play. I have obscured the ID numbers for obvious reasons. You can see I deposited 200 ($) on 17 April 2005 at 20:18 using my English £ credit card. You can also see the casino immediately gave me a $200 bonus 24 seconds later...
I spent about 2 hours meeting the casinos 'action' requirement. Then, you can see below, the following evening the casino processed my withdrawal request, refunding one amount to my credit card (the initial deposit) and they posted me a bankers draft for the 'profit'. You can see I withdrew a total of $398.50 - a profit of $198.50. I lost only $1.50 of the $200 bonus by playing 'perfect' Blackjack.
(The amount refunded to my credit card was not an exact $200 because of currency fluctuations as I paid in £ sterling -they could refund up to the amount paid in £ sterling via the credit card)
Step Four - Learning to Play Perfect Blackjack
For those of you who have not played before, read of the rules of Blackjack.
There are well over 1000 online casinos, many of which offer bonuses to entice you to 'play' their games.
My aim is to show you how to obtain and withdraw the best bonuses on offer simply by playing 'perfect' Blackjack.
Even if you have never played Blackjack before, I will make it so simple even a child could follow the instructions.
By playing 'perfect' Blackjack we reduce the casinos advantage to 0.5%, and this is all we need to profit from casino
bonuses.
Just the 15 casinos recommended in this guide offer a total of .4600 in bonuses, and there are plenty more on offer.
Follow this guide carefully now and you will gain the best part of $200 profit from the first casino you play.
Remember to use the casinos and links provided in this guide - these have been carefully researched to ensure you
play for the easiest-to-withdraw bonuses first and the links ensure you are offered the correct bonuses.
You may be playing for £ Sterling or $ US Dollars depending on the casino - we simply claim the largest bonus on
offer whatever currency it is. The casinos make it easy for you to play in another currency so this is not a problem.
The System/Your First $200
To show you how simple the system is, I will take you step by step through the process of getting your first $200 bonus. Once you have the bonus in your casino account (in a few minutes time) we will then play 'perfect' Blackjack in 'practice' mode before fulfilling the casino terms and conditions which allow you to withdraw your original deposit plus bonus/profit...
Step One - Visit the first casino
You need to visit the first casino, which has been specially chosen as being the easiest casino to profit from, and open your account. Your bonus will be immediately added to your account.
Step Two - Download the casino software
A pop up window usually asks if you want to 'Click OK to download our free Casino while browsing the site' - select OK and download the casino software (only takes a minute or two) and use the 'Open' option. If the pop-up does not appear then click 'Download Now' on the website.
Once the software has downloaded, then install the software to your computer.
Step Three - Open you account and obtain bonus
Click on 'Money Play' when you run the software. You will then need to register to obtain a user name and password. Then 'log-in' and you will see the casino lobby. Click on 'Cashier' (bottom left of the screen) to make your deposit. The casino will double your initial deposit (up to $200). Therefore I recommend depositing $200. If you are based in the UK and use your credit or debit card (recommended) then you will automatically be charged the £ Sterling equivalent.
You will instantly see your balance instantly double. If you deposited $200 you will see your balance is now $400.You could withdraw your original $200 at this stage and just play with the bonus but I would not encourage this. To be able to withdraw the bonus the casinos terms and conditions require us to give them a certain amount of 'action'. In this case to withdraw a $200 bonus you need to give the casino $4000 of 'action' (20 x bonus). By 'action' we mean turnover, or total stakes, so if you bet $1 at Blackjack, win or lose, you have given the casino $1 of action.
This is why it is important we play 'perfect' Blackjack to lower the casinos advantage to 0.5%. We are not trying to gain a profit, instead we are simply trying to keep most of the bonus. With a casino advantage of only 0.5%, we can play $2000 of Blackjack and lose, on average, only $10.
To illustrate this, below is a screen dump of my own actual deposit history from the first casino you will play. I have obscured the ID numbers for obvious reasons. You can see I deposited 200 ($) on 17 April 2005 at 20:18 using my English £ credit card. You can also see the casino immediately gave me a $200 bonus 24 seconds later...
I spent about 2 hours meeting the casinos 'action' requirement. Then, you can see below, the following evening the casino processed my withdrawal request, refunding one amount to my credit card (the initial deposit) and they posted me a bankers draft for the 'profit'. You can see I withdrew a total of $398.50 - a profit of $198.50. I lost only $1.50 of the $200 bonus by playing 'perfect' Blackjack.(The amount refunded to my credit card was not an exact $200 because of currency fluctuations as I paid in £ sterling -they could refund up to the amount paid in £ sterling via the credit card)
Step Four - Learning to Play Perfect Blackjack
For those of you who have not played before, read of the rules of Blackjack.
Perfect Blackjack Table - print this page.
Step Five - Practice Mode
Open the casino software and enter practice mode. Open Blackjack and select a 'private' table (so you do not getdistracted with other players). Select the table with the lowest minimum bet. We will normally play Blackjackmultihand asthis will enable you to fulfill the casinos 'action' requirement quicker. At the first casino you can play three handssimultaneously. Our golden rules are:
1 Select a private table.
2 Play multi-hand wherever possible, and;
3 Always bet the lowest unit available (in this case $1).
Now practice playing perfect Blackjack until you get used to playing with the casino software and get used to using the Perfect Blackjack Table.
Step Six - Play for Real
Before playing for real you will need to be ready to keep a tally of every $ or . you wager to enable you to know when you have met the casinos wager requirement.
Print a few copies of the Logging Sheet which is conveniently supplied on the next page. This enables you to record key information before/while you play. You will see from the Example Logging Sheet (on the page after) that it allows you to note the name of the casino you are playing at, together with your account details, and deposit and bonus details. You should also check and record the 'action' requirement i.e. how much you need to bet in order to withdraw any bonus.
The main part of the form allows you to tally each unit you bet. Say for example you are playing multi-hand Blackjack at Casino on Net. This means you are playing 3 hands at a time. Every time you start new hands you will record 'III' on the tally. Each box on the form allows you to tally to 5 so each pair of boxes counts to 10. You can easily see at any point in time where you are in relation to the 'action' requirement.
Remember to add a 'I' to your tally each time you 'Double' or 'Split' a hand as such actions count towards your total as you are putting an extra $1 down each time.
Now you are ready to play out the 'action' requirement that will allow you to withdraw your bonus. Enter the 'play for real' or 'money play' mode at the casino and simply play perfect Blackjack, logging every $ or . you put on the table. Keep playing until you have met the 'action' requirement.
Remember, on average you will lose only 0.5% per hand, so on average after playing through $2000 you should only lose $10. However this is an 'average' not a fact, so sometimes you will do better or worse than this. Do not worry about this because we are dealing in averages. You will make healthy profits at 80% of the casinos you play. Sometimes you will lose but overall you will make a lot of money. If, while playing, you are losing more than average, you can chase losses using a staking plan outlined later in this guide but I do not recommend this.
The first recommended Casino has been specially chosen as the easiest to take a bonus from, as it has extremely fair software, and the lowest action requirement to bonus ratio.
Step Seven - Reaching the 'Action' requirement
When you have met the casinos action requirement I suggest stopping and immediately commence the withdrawal process to obtain your full balance and then move on to the next casino.
You may however want to aim for a higher profit using a staking system explained later in the guide.
Step Eight - Getting your money
If you go the the cashier function in the casino you will be able to request a 'cashout'. If you deposited using a credit or debit card, then it is likely the casino will refund your original deposit to the card. You will have a choice as to the method by which you receive the profit.
Get hold of your money and move on to the next casino!
Other Useful Background Information
Casino Terms and Conditions
Before playing in any other casino, it is important to check the terms and conditions attaching to any bonuses. Such terms will dictate how much 'action' you need to give the casino before being allowed to withdraw the bonus. In addition, the casino may also restrict the games you can play or the types of bets you can make to count towards the 'action' requirement. For example,
some casinos exclude whole games (like roulette and sometimes Blackjack) while others exclude bets such as evens-bets a roulette. By doing this they are trying to push you into 'riskier' bets. Obviously we looking for casinos that allow you to play Blackjack and have the 'action' credited against bonus withdrawal requirements. Check this before depositing funds.
Casinos include in their bonus terms and conditions the wager or 'action' requirement in order to withdraw the bonus. Usually this is expressed as a multiple of the bonus/initial deposit. For example, the casino may state "To cash out the bonus you must wager a minimum of 10 times the bonus." This basically means that to cash out a $200 bonus you will need to give the casino $2000 of action first.
Basically, the advice is to read the 'cash out' policy of the casino and any special bonus 'terms and conditions' before playing to ensure things have not changed.
Ensure you fully understand the wager requirements for withdrawing both your original deposit and any bonus. The aim is to play 'risk free' with the casinos own money without putting your capital at risk. Check the terms very carefully. If you are not sure, contact the casinos customer services to obtain a satisfactory explanation of the condition you are unsure about before you
deposit funds with them. With most casinos you will get a quick courteous reply. If you are unsatisfied with the response - DO NOT use the casino.
Types of Bonus
Many casinos offer more than one type of bonus. It is worth revisiting casinos that offer monthly bonuses (free cash every month!). Many of the casinos you open accounts with will email you details of any repeat offers. Watch out for bonuses like the following:
Bonus on Initial Deposit: This usually take the form of a 'cash-match' deal e.g. deposit $200 and the casino adds $200 to your account.
Deposit Method Bonus: Some casinos offer a small bonus if you deposit funds by a particular method such as Neteller rather than using a credit card. It is a good idea to have an account with Neteller as most casinos accept this deposit method, many offer extra bonuses for using Neteller, and it is also usually the quickest withdrawal method.
Introductory Bonus: Added when you first open an account. Usually quite small but worth having!
Regular/Monthly Bonus: Many casinos offer repeat bonuses each month to entice you back!
Many casinos credit bonuses automatically, and immediately when you make your deposit. You will need to check the terms and conditions though. Some bonuses are credited automatically but after a delay of 24/48 hours. Some bonuses need to be claimed by email or via the casino website within a timescale. Before playing, ensure you have received your bonus. Remember we ideally want to play with the casinos money, not our own.
The worst kind of bonus is only credited once you have given the casino some 'action' based on your deposit. This obviously carries some risk, but once you get used to playing perfect games of Blackjack you will have the confidence to play for such bonuses.
When depositing money at casinos it is worth bearing in mind any 'deposit' bonus offers. You also need to consider any fees for your chosen deposit/withdrawal method from casinos and how quickly you can get your money.
As mentioned above 'Neteller' is favoured by many casinos as a deposit method and is actually good for players as it usually represents the quickest way to deposit and withdraw funds. It is well worth registering to use Neteller at www. neteller.com - you will use it a lot with casinos. You can deposit using credit/debit cards and bank accounts and withdraw by bank transfer (depends where you live) and using an ATM card.
Download or Instant Play?
Most casinos offer a choice of either downloading the casino software to your hard-drive or playing instantly - usually using Flash technology. Always download the software where available. You will find this plays better and some casinos make the download a requirement of the bonus offer. You may have to download 'Multi-Hand' Blackjack as an optional extra but these downloads are usually fairly quick anyway. If you are on a slow internet connection and therefore do not wish to download software you will find many casinos will be happy to send you a CD containing the software on request.
Hard to Remove Bonuses
Some casinos offer bonuses that would not normally qualify for this system because they are impossible to withdraw. The casino may state that you cannot withdraw the bonus ever (but you can withdraw the profits on it). You may also need to give the casino the full bonus amount in action before making a withdrawal.
Playing perfect games of Blackjack is no use, because on average you will lose 0.5% and be left with no profit if you cannot ever withdraw the bonus. There are however, a couple of strategies you can employ to try and make a profit. With both strategies keep a tally of the bets you have made so you know when you have met the 'action' requirement.
One the the strategies listed below involves using the 'martingale' system. Do not use this strategy if you are playing for 'removable' bonuses - you do not need to take the risk because you will make a profit just playing perfect games of Blackjack.
People use the 'martingale' system at roulette, betting on the evens bets like black/red. It can also be used at Blackjack. With this system you normally aim to gain 1 unit per round. So you bet $1 say, and lose. Then you bet $2. If you win, you win $2 and this compensate you the $1 you lost and still gives you $1 profit - great. So as long as you have enough money, you are
bound to win sometime - this is true.
The big problem with this system is you need to stay lucky and not have a long losing streak. You would need a huge amount of money to stay in the game , all in pursuit of $1. For example, if you lose 10 consecutive bets, you will have bet $1,$2,$4,$8,$16,$32,$64,$128,$256 and $512 totaling $1023 - your next bet is $1024 and you may lose that! Even if you have lots of money the casinos have table limits on each game - if you hit the table limit, you are stuck. A long losing streak WILL happen at some time and completely wipe out your bank. For this reason the 'Martingale' is also known as the 'gamblers ruin' and is best avoided unless playing in very short bursts. It is better to accept a small loss and move on rather than go bust! Don't get sucked in when you do not need to.
Hard to Remove Bonuses: Strategy One - (play single hand)
One option is to place a very high bet - i.e. Bet the full bonus amount on black or red at roulette or preferably on a single hand of Blackjack (if allowed towards the 'action' requirement AND within table limits). You will either win immediately or you will lose the bonus.(You may not be able to 'split' or 'double' or 'surrender' when you use this strategy). If you win, simply play perfect games of Blackjack with the minimum stake until you have met the 'action' requirement then withdraw.
Take the view that you are initially placing a high wager on a bet that is close to 50/50. Sometimes you will win (and win big) and other times you will lose. On average you will win more than you lose and very quickly. There are plenty of casinos offering very high bonuses that you cannot withdraw.
For example, Golden Palace currently offer 300% bonus. You deposit $100, they give you $300 - so you have $400 to play with.
Play Blackjack (single hand) and bet the maximum you can. If you win, great you will win $300. If you lost you have only lost $100. Move to another casino with similar bonuses and repeat. On average you will win more than you lose, winning around $300 when you are successful and losing only $100 when you lose.
Hard to Remove Bonuses: Strategy Two - (very aggressive - play single-hand)
Although we said earlier that the 'martingale' is a risky strategy that can only lead to ruin eventually, it can be used in short bursts if you are facing above average losses on the normal system if you are prepared to take the risk or when trying to make a profit on hard to remove bonuses. Go back to the standard system as soon as you are back on track.
Simply play Blackjack, single hand, with the minimum unit possible, say $1. If you lose then bet $1 on the second hand. If you lose again then bet $2 on the 3rd hand. If you win go back to $1 and start again. If you lose then continue with the martingale until you win (or go bust).
The sequence is $1, $2, $4, $8, $16, $32, $64, $128 etc.
By betting in this sequence, you are never accepting a loss, and ensuring that you need to lose 8 consecutive hands to go bust based on a $400 bank. Otherwise you should make a healthy profit.
By the time you have played out the 'action' requirement you should have made a decent profit (remember to keep a tally!!) You will only lose if you have lost 8 consecutive hands. Make sure you play single hand blackjack (if you play multi-hand and the dealer gets a Blackjack this could mean losing 3 on one hand!).
Other Staking Plans
The Stop-Loss System
You have reached the casinos action requirement and would like to try for some extra profit. The first thing you need to decide to how much you are prepared to lose (say $20). So say for example your balance is $400 you set a stop-loss of $380. You continue to play a perfect game of Blackjack but no longer need to tally each wager.
If you win a hand your balance may increase to $403 (playing 3 hand Multi-Blackjack). Raise your stop loss to ($403-$20) =$383. Now continue to play, increasing your stop-loss if your balance increases beyond $403. If you lose money and reach your stop-loss figure then stop playing and cash in.
This will give you the chance to make some extra money - with no limit to the amount you can gain. Of course your losses are limited to $20 (or whatever figure you choose).
A more aggressive Stop-Loss system
With this system, your stakes increase when you win, and decrease when you lose. You still set a stop-loss figure so you losses will be limited and profits can be huge if you enjoy a winning streak.
You need 4 numbers to start with:
Target Balance: I suggest $50 above your current balance.
StopLoss- The minimum balance you are prepared to drop to - I suggest 10-20% below your balance.
Minimum bet: The higher minimum you set, the higher the risk.
Aggression level: 4= safe, 3 =medium risk and 2=high risk. This number equates to the fraction of your balance above the stoploss you are going to put on the next bet, therefore an aggression level of 3 means you will bet 1/3 of your balance above the stop-loss on the next bet.
The system is fairly simple: your next stake is always (current balance - stoploss) / aggression level.
Let us see an example:
Your balance is $200. You set a target of $250, a stoploss of $180 and a minimum bet of $3. You decide on a aggression level of 3.
(Balance - StopLoss) / Aggression = Stake OutcomeStake 1 (200-180) / 3 = $6 WinStake 2. (206-180) / 3 = $8 LoseStake 3. (198 -180) / 3 = $6 WinStake 4 .(204 -180) / 3 = $8 WinStake 5 .(212 -180) / 3 = $10
WinStake 6. (222 -180) / 3 = $14 WinStake 7. (236 -180) / 3 = $18 Win
This winning streak takes you to a balance of $254. You have reached your target. Now you start the system again, deciding on a new target, stoploss, minimum bet and aggression level and play on until you either hit your new stop loss or decide to cash in.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Mathematical method of count for Black Jack
The following one is a method that provides between 3 % 6 % of advantage to a player who executes it as it stems against the Banking.
To learn this method, it is essential that they are learned and I practised the basic rules, after which it is possible to apply the method.
Let's see first the basic rules or ' of gold ' that any player of Black Jack must apply, using the method of count or not. Already, in if same, these simple rules will give him a substantial advantage of playing against a merely intuitive way.
Basic strategies Black Jack (Golden rules)
- If the cards of the player add 12 or more (the first 2 cards)
If the open card of the Banking proves to be 7 or more, he asks for card if his cards totalize 12 to 16. Stand firm if his cards totalize 17 or more. Stand firm if his cards totalize 12 to 16 and the open card of the Banking proves to be 2 to 6 (2,3,4,5 or 6).
- If the cards of the player (the first 2 cards) totalize 9
If the open card of the Banking proves to be 8 or less (8,7,6,5,4,3 or 2), duplicate (if the casino allows it), but ask for another card.
- If the cards of the player (the first 2 cards) totalize 10.
If the open card of the Banking proves to be 9 or less (9,8,7,6,5,4,3, or 2), duplicate (if the casino allows it) or ask for another card - If the cards of the player (the first 2 cards) add 11
Always duplicate.
- Always open the game with pairs of experts or of 8
- never open the game with pairs of 4, 5 or 10
- If it has a pair of 2 or of 3 and the open card of the Banking proves to be 2 to 6 (2,3,4,5 or 6), always open the game
- If it has a pair of 6 or of 7 and the open card of the Banking proves to be 2 to 7, (2,3,4,5,6 or 7) always opens
- If it has a pair of 9 and the open card of the Banking proves to be 2 to 9 (2,3,4,5,6,7,8 or 9), always open
When he learns these basic strategies (without never breaking them) it is a time to learn
SYSTEM OF COUNT OF CARDS
This method is not accepted by the casinos, therefore not of indications of which it is using it (noting down something, he allowing to see that it does mental accounts, etc.)
East method is not easy, but is a sure way of winning, and well it deserves the time required and I struggle to learn it.
It needs from itself to begin with $ 100 or more, but you must be a teacher of the basic strategies, but it will not be able to apply it (I did not try it if it does not fulfill this requisite).
The count is a mathematical formula that it determines when the sabot is rich in 10's, that is when the possibilities of winning are significant for the player. This is because, although the 10 are good for the player and the Banking, the player can duplicate his bet in certain moves, it achieves that 1,5 times pay to him if big sack Black Jack, it can open pairs and can insure oneself. The banking cannot do that. You must begin the count with a new sabot, immediately after the knob mixes. The count begins in zero.
For every card which this value between 2 and 6 (2,3,4,5 and 6) you must add 1 to the account. For every card which this value between 10 and Grasp (10, J, Q, K and Grasp) you must reduce 1 to the account.
The 7 and 8 do not count (there are 0).
When it has passed more or less 3/4 you depart from the sabot and the account of print, it is the moment to do bet more discharges. If it gives denial, keep on counting until of positive or it should mix a new sabot, in whose case was beginning again.
While he hopes that this should happen, should play the minimal bets or, should spend hands for high place to count better (if the casino allows him to be seated and not to play)
If the positive account is +2 you will have to double the bet that you had doing. If the positive account is +3 you will have to treble the bet that you had doing and this way successively, for ej: if it is +10 multiplies x10 the initial bet.
It is quite. It is really simple in his concept, but difficult to acquire the mental practice necessary to carry out it.
You bet on Insurances
If, in any moment during the whole sabot, they offer him insurance and the account is positive, accept the insurance.
If it is negative, push it back.
Other considerations
Never drink alcohol while it plays.
If you lose the account, leave the table or wait for the next sabot.
Practise in his house with only one mallet.
The count must give zero later that have showed themselves all the cards.
Practise in the casino; be a spectator while it obtains the mental speed needed to carry the count out.
When it plays, try always to sit down in the last place, this way it will have more time to carry the count out.
I hope that they should enjoy the method, which is really mathematical and sure, there is nothing magic.
To learn this method, it is essential that they are learned and I practised the basic rules, after which it is possible to apply the method.
Let's see first the basic rules or ' of gold ' that any player of Black Jack must apply, using the method of count or not. Already, in if same, these simple rules will give him a substantial advantage of playing against a merely intuitive way.
Basic strategies Black Jack (Golden rules)
- If the cards of the player add 12 or more (the first 2 cards)
If the open card of the Banking proves to be 7 or more, he asks for card if his cards totalize 12 to 16. Stand firm if his cards totalize 17 or more. Stand firm if his cards totalize 12 to 16 and the open card of the Banking proves to be 2 to 6 (2,3,4,5 or 6).
- If the cards of the player (the first 2 cards) totalize 9
If the open card of the Banking proves to be 8 or less (8,7,6,5,4,3 or 2), duplicate (if the casino allows it), but ask for another card.
- If the cards of the player (the first 2 cards) totalize 10.
If the open card of the Banking proves to be 9 or less (9,8,7,6,5,4,3, or 2), duplicate (if the casino allows it) or ask for another card - If the cards of the player (the first 2 cards) add 11
Always duplicate.
- Always open the game with pairs of experts or of 8
- never open the game with pairs of 4, 5 or 10
- If it has a pair of 2 or of 3 and the open card of the Banking proves to be 2 to 6 (2,3,4,5 or 6), always open the game
- If it has a pair of 6 or of 7 and the open card of the Banking proves to be 2 to 7, (2,3,4,5,6 or 7) always opens
- If it has a pair of 9 and the open card of the Banking proves to be 2 to 9 (2,3,4,5,6,7,8 or 9), always open
When he learns these basic strategies (without never breaking them) it is a time to learn
SYSTEM OF COUNT OF CARDS
This method is not accepted by the casinos, therefore not of indications of which it is using it (noting down something, he allowing to see that it does mental accounts, etc.)
East method is not easy, but is a sure way of winning, and well it deserves the time required and I struggle to learn it.
It needs from itself to begin with $ 100 or more, but you must be a teacher of the basic strategies, but it will not be able to apply it (I did not try it if it does not fulfill this requisite).
The count is a mathematical formula that it determines when the sabot is rich in 10's, that is when the possibilities of winning are significant for the player. This is because, although the 10 are good for the player and the Banking, the player can duplicate his bet in certain moves, it achieves that 1,5 times pay to him if big sack Black Jack, it can open pairs and can insure oneself. The banking cannot do that. You must begin the count with a new sabot, immediately after the knob mixes. The count begins in zero.
For every card which this value between 2 and 6 (2,3,4,5 and 6) you must add 1 to the account. For every card which this value between 10 and Grasp (10, J, Q, K and Grasp) you must reduce 1 to the account.
The 7 and 8 do not count (there are 0).
When it has passed more or less 3/4 you depart from the sabot and the account of print, it is the moment to do bet more discharges. If it gives denial, keep on counting until of positive or it should mix a new sabot, in whose case was beginning again.
While he hopes that this should happen, should play the minimal bets or, should spend hands for high place to count better (if the casino allows him to be seated and not to play)
If the positive account is +2 you will have to double the bet that you had doing. If the positive account is +3 you will have to treble the bet that you had doing and this way successively, for ej: if it is +10 multiplies x10 the initial bet.
It is quite. It is really simple in his concept, but difficult to acquire the mental practice necessary to carry out it.
You bet on Insurances
If, in any moment during the whole sabot, they offer him insurance and the account is positive, accept the insurance.
If it is negative, push it back.
Other considerations
Never drink alcohol while it plays.
If you lose the account, leave the table or wait for the next sabot.
Practise in his house with only one mallet.
The count must give zero later that have showed themselves all the cards.
Practise in the casino; be a spectator while it obtains the mental speed needed to carry the count out.
When it plays, try always to sit down in the last place, this way it will have more time to carry the count out.
I hope that they should enjoy the method, which is really mathematical and sure, there is nothing magic.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Blackjack
RULES
In Blackjack, the player and the dealer are each dealt two cards. The object for both player and dealer is to try to get their hand as close to or equal to 21 without going over. Between the dealer and the player, the hand that gets closest to twenty-one without going over wins the bet. If the first two cards dealt in a hand equal 21 the hand is referred to as "Blackjack" or a "Natural". In Blackjack, you are competing only against the dealer, not against the other players. If either player or dealer goes over 21, they have busted and automatically lose.
Card/Hand Values
Each card has a value that contributes to the total value of a hand. Aces can be counted as either 1 or 11, face cards (Jacks, Queens, and Kings) are counted as 10, and all other cards are counted as their face value (a 2 is worth 2, a 3 is worth 3 and so on). So, if you have a hand containing a 5 and a King, your hand is worth 15. An Ace and a 2 are worth either 3 or 13, and a 4, 5, and a Jack is worth 19.
Because an Ace can be counted as either a 1 or 11 a hand that includes an Ace is called a 'soft hand'. Whenever a hand is dealt that contains an Ace (before any more cards are dealt to that hand) the hand is a 'soft hand'. If a hand does not contain an Ace or if the Ace cannot be counted as 11 without making the hand value go over 21 the hand is referred to as a 'hard hand'.
Playing the Game
Once the original hand of two cards is dealt, the player has several options. The player can 'Hit' (take another card), 'Stand' (stay with the current hand), 'Split' (split a pair into two independent hands),' Double' (double your initial wager and take one and only one more card), 'Surrender' (surrender half of your wager instead of playing out the hand), or take 'Insurance' (a side bet allowed when the dealer has an Ace to protect the player against a dealer Blackjack). Not all casino Blackjack games offer the 'double', 'surrender', or 'insurance' options. The decision on which option to choose can be influenced by your hand value, the value of the dealer's face card, the number of decks in the game and even which cards have been played since the last shuffle of the stack.
The Dealer's Hand
The dealer does not have the freedom to make decisions. They must follow the openly declared rules of the casino or the table at which they are dealing. The most common rule is "Dealer must draw to 16 and stand on all 17's". This means that the dealer is required to 'Hit' his hand until it totals at least 17 (soft or hard). Some casinos play under the "Dealer hits soft 17's" rule in which the dealer hits his hand until it totals a hard 17 or higher or a soft 18 or higher.
Some online casinos have 'Blackjack Checkers', others don't. Where no checker is available, if the dealer is dealt an Ace as a first card, play continues until the end of the hand - you do not know if the dealer has a Blackjack or not. Where a checker is available you will be given the option to 'Insure' you hand against the dealer having a Blackjack. Insurance is a side-bet that pays 2 to 1 if the dealer has a Blackjack.
Pay Out
A blackjack or natural pays the player 3 to 2. If the player succeeds in getting closer to 21 than the dealer (without going over) the casino pays the player 1 to 1 on the original wager. Insurance (if offered and taken) pays 2 to 1. If the player's hand equals the dealer's hand the turn is referred to as a "push" and the player’s wager is returned. If the player goes over 21 (bust) or the dealer's hand is closer to 21 without going over, the wager is lost. Since the player always plays out their hand before the dealer does, the casino wins if both dealer and player bust because the player's wager is taken as soon as they exceed 21. end of rules To play 'perfect' Blackjack, you should first print out the Perfect Blackjack Table shown on the next page to make things easy for you. Keep this by your side when you play. Playing perfect Blackjack simply means making the correct choices on every hand based on mathematical probability. By following the Perfect Blackjack Table, you will make the correct choices every time. The table is also shown on the next page. To use it, you must find the cards you have been dealt down the left column (Your Hand). For example, if you have been dealt a 5 and a 6, then you need to find '11' down this column. Then, you look at the card the dealer has been dealt - you can see from the guide that if you have '11' then you should 'Double' if the dealer has anything from 2 to 10. If the dealer has an Ace then you should 'Hit'. Remember all 'face' cards (Jack, Queen and King) count as 10.
The guide always works like this: Find your cards, find the dealers card on the same row, then read the 'Action' to follow. You will notice that playing a perfect game of Blackjack means that you never take the 'Insurance' option. The top part of the table gives you actions for 'hard' hands. The middle section gives you actions for 'soft' hands (hands which include an Ace that can be counted as 1 or 11).
The bottom section tells you what to do if you have a 'pair' e.g. two 6's.
Examples
If you are dealt a Queen and a 2, against a dealers 3, you should look up 12 in the table.
This tells you to HIT. You then receive an Ace, you now have a hard 13. So look up 13 in the hard hands section and you should now STAND against the dealers 3. If you are dealt and Ace and a 2, then you HIT and get another 2, look up 'A - 4' on the table because you still have a 'Soft' hand. After 'splitting' a hand treats each of the new hands as being separate.
RULES
In Blackjack, the player and the dealer are each dealt two cards. The object for both player and dealer is to try to get their hand as close to or equal to 21 without going over. Between the dealer and the player, the hand that gets closest to twenty-one without going over wins the bet. If the first two cards dealt in a hand equal 21 the hand is referred to as "Blackjack" or a "Natural". In Blackjack, you are competing only against the dealer, not against the other players. If either player or dealer goes over 21, they have busted and automatically lose.
Card/Hand Values
Each card has a value that contributes to the total value of a hand. Aces can be counted as either 1 or 11, face cards (Jacks, Queens, and Kings) are counted as 10, and all other cards are counted as their face value (a 2 is worth 2, a 3 is worth 3 and so on). So, if you have a hand containing a 5 and a King, your hand is worth 15. An Ace and a 2 are worth either 3 or 13, and a 4, 5, and a Jack is worth 19.
Because an Ace can be counted as either a 1 or 11 a hand that includes an Ace is called a 'soft hand'. Whenever a hand is dealt that contains an Ace (before any more cards are dealt to that hand) the hand is a 'soft hand'. If a hand does not contain an Ace or if the Ace cannot be counted as 11 without making the hand value go over 21 the hand is referred to as a 'hard hand'.
Playing the Game
Once the original hand of two cards is dealt, the player has several options. The player can 'Hit' (take another card), 'Stand' (stay with the current hand), 'Split' (split a pair into two independent hands),' Double' (double your initial wager and take one and only one more card), 'Surrender' (surrender half of your wager instead of playing out the hand), or take 'Insurance' (a side bet allowed when the dealer has an Ace to protect the player against a dealer Blackjack). Not all casino Blackjack games offer the 'double', 'surrender', or 'insurance' options. The decision on which option to choose can be influenced by your hand value, the value of the dealer's face card, the number of decks in the game and even which cards have been played since the last shuffle of the stack.
The Dealer's Hand
The dealer does not have the freedom to make decisions. They must follow the openly declared rules of the casino or the table at which they are dealing. The most common rule is "Dealer must draw to 16 and stand on all 17's". This means that the dealer is required to 'Hit' his hand until it totals at least 17 (soft or hard). Some casinos play under the "Dealer hits soft 17's" rule in which the dealer hits his hand until it totals a hard 17 or higher or a soft 18 or higher.
Some online casinos have 'Blackjack Checkers', others don't. Where no checker is available, if the dealer is dealt an Ace as a first card, play continues until the end of the hand - you do not know if the dealer has a Blackjack or not. Where a checker is available you will be given the option to 'Insure' you hand against the dealer having a Blackjack. Insurance is a side-bet that pays 2 to 1 if the dealer has a Blackjack.
Pay Out
A blackjack or natural pays the player 3 to 2. If the player succeeds in getting closer to 21 than the dealer (without going over) the casino pays the player 1 to 1 on the original wager. Insurance (if offered and taken) pays 2 to 1. If the player's hand equals the dealer's hand the turn is referred to as a "push" and the player’s wager is returned. If the player goes over 21 (bust) or the dealer's hand is closer to 21 without going over, the wager is lost. Since the player always plays out their hand before the dealer does, the casino wins if both dealer and player bust because the player's wager is taken as soon as they exceed 21. end of rules To play 'perfect' Blackjack, you should first print out the Perfect Blackjack Table shown on the next page to make things easy for you. Keep this by your side when you play. Playing perfect Blackjack simply means making the correct choices on every hand based on mathematical probability. By following the Perfect Blackjack Table, you will make the correct choices every time. The table is also shown on the next page. To use it, you must find the cards you have been dealt down the left column (Your Hand). For example, if you have been dealt a 5 and a 6, then you need to find '11' down this column. Then, you look at the card the dealer has been dealt - you can see from the guide that if you have '11' then you should 'Double' if the dealer has anything from 2 to 10. If the dealer has an Ace then you should 'Hit'. Remember all 'face' cards (Jack, Queen and King) count as 10.
The guide always works like this: Find your cards, find the dealers card on the same row, then read the 'Action' to follow. You will notice that playing a perfect game of Blackjack means that you never take the 'Insurance' option. The top part of the table gives you actions for 'hard' hands. The middle section gives you actions for 'soft' hands (hands which include an Ace that can be counted as 1 or 11).
The bottom section tells you what to do if you have a 'pair' e.g. two 6's.
Examples
If you are dealt a Queen and a 2, against a dealers 3, you should look up 12 in the table.
This tells you to HIT. You then receive an Ace, you now have a hard 13. So look up 13 in the hard hands section and you should now STAND against the dealers 3. If you are dealt and Ace and a 2, then you HIT and get another 2, look up 'A - 4' on the table because you still have a 'Soft' hand. After 'splitting' a hand treats each of the new hands as being separate.
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