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Playing Blackjack – Don't Be Deceived by its Seeming Simplicity

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world, simply because it seems so simple. After all, what could be easier than hitting twenty-one on a hand of the game? However, this seeming simplicity is deceptive, and has led to many a player losing their shirt at the blackjack tables.

In blackjack, players are initially dealt two cards. If one player’s cards add up to twenty-one or a value close to twenty-one such nineteen or twenty, then he wins. If not then the players may ask for additional cards until a player reaches twenty-one or close to it or exceeds twenty-one (in which case the player is ‘busted’ and is out of the round).

In casino play, the players play against the dealer. They first place their bets in the betting box and then receive their first two cards. A player wins if he gets a higher total than the dealer but without exceeding twenty-one. The king, queen and jack cards are worth ten; the ace may be either one or eleven, depending on the player’s choice. A player may ask to receive additional cards or stay with his hand; then, the dealer plays his hand. If a player busts, he is out; if the dealer busts, he loses to the players still in the game. If no one busts, then the winner is the player with the highest card count. If a player’s card count ties with that of the dealer, his hand is considered a ‘push’ and his bet is returned.

There are four moves a player can make in a round: he can ask to be hit, meaning be dealt another card; stand or stay, meaning he will take no more cards and stay with his hand; double-down, in which a player, after receiving his first two cards, can double his initial bet but can receive only one more card from the dealer; and split a pair, in which a player with two cards of the same value can split them into two separate bets. The dealer then deals two more cards to make two hands. Some casinos may also allow a player to surrender, in which a player may give up half his bet and not play his hand.

The basic strategy for playing blackjack is a bit complicated, since the player decides his next move based on his current hand, the dealer’s face up card (during play, one of the dealer’s two cards is face up). For example, if you have a hand of 16 and the dealer’s face up card is between 2 to 6, then you should stand. If the dealer’s face card is higher, then you should hit or surrender, if the casino offers that option. You can download such strategy tables online and study them carefully before you play. They do not guarantee 100% success but they will certainly help improve your odds of winning.

Highlights of Cheltenham Betting 2011

During Cheltenham Betting 2011, punters may wonder the best strategy that might work and lead them to winning tons of pounds. Many consider those special offers and free bets their winning scheme yet you may also want to take into account the aid of competitive odds table, statistics as well as previews and commentaries. These will all play a big role in making big wins over the four day horse racing celebration.

As one of the most highly anticipated events every year, the Cheltenham Betting 2011 seizes the excitement of everyone. Each paying customer does their own prediction and takes chance in placing their bets over their premeditated wins.

This four day celebration features several thrilling races that are witnessed by British and Irish punters. Some of them have placed their bets based on statistics and odds comparison while others rely on latest previews offered. It is safe as well to first check the form of all the competing horses and riders to ascertain the chances of winning. Each of the categories in the event will offer its strong odds for the paying customers to take advantage.

Day one of the horse racing celebration initially highlights Supreme Novices Hurdle. This grade 1 hurdle race features a two mile run of aged four horses and older. Supreme Novices Hurdle was previously called Gloucestershire Hurdle with two to three split categories. Next in line is the Arkle Challenge Trophy which features aged five horses and older. This race is intended for novice chasers alone and considered to be one of the most awaited racing event for day one. Few other races that are due to be staged on the opening are Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle, Stewart Family Spinal Research Handicap Chase, David Nicholson Mares Only Hurdle, Cross Country Chase and Centenary Novices Chase.

Second day highlights 7 races on the card. It will commence with National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup run over four mile distance. Neptune Novices’ Hurdle over 2 mile distance is next on the row. Third race for the day is the RSA Chase followed by Queen Mother Champion Chase. Coral Cup follows still over two mile distance run. Last on the list is the Champion Bumper, previously known as Festival Bumper.

Day three kicks off with Jewson Novice Chase followed by Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle. Ryanair Chase, which is next on the roll, highlights aged five horses and older over a two mile run. Next is Ladbrokes World Hurdle over a three mile distance. Last two races are the Byrne Group Plate and Kim Muir Challenge Cup.

As Cheltenham Betting 2011 comes to an end, fourth day features the biggest races of the event. The day starts with Triumph Hurdle staging a two mile run for aged four horses and older. Another big race to conquer the field is Foxhunter Steeple Chase Challenge Cup featuring amateur jockeys in town.

Cheltenham festival is the time of the year where horse racing enthusiasts can double their money. Cheltenham Betting 2011 can be very exciting most especially if you know the right approach.