Most people assume that playing Blackjack is all about scoring 21. This is not the case when playing in a casino. Your only objective is to beat the dealer, it doesn't matter whether you hand is worth 21 or 12, as long as you win. All wins pay evens except Blackjack, which pays 3/2 (1.5:1).

Your main weapon is the fact that, in most casino rules, the dealer must hit on 16 or below and the dealer must stand on 17 or above. Armed with this knowledge it is possible to formulate a strategy based the value of the dealer's open card.

Let's use an example: You have been dealt an 8 and a 5. The dealer's open card is a 5. You may think that a hand of 13 is no good to you but you'd be wrong! Don't forget that the dealer must hit on all scores of 16 or less and 16 is now the maximum score the dealer can have. You stand, the dealer turns over his card to reveal a 10. He has a hand worth 15, normally enough to beat you but because of the casino rules, he has to hit. He hits and draws a 10, he busts and you win with a hand worth 13.

Played properly, Blackjack can realise very high percentage returns.

We've included this simple strategy guide for you. Before you go wagering for real, why not Play Blackjack for Free!

Key H = Hit S = Stand D = Double Down P = Split H/P = Split if allowed to double after a split, otherwise hit H/R = Surrender if allowed, otherwise hit