Modern Rules, Procedures, and Variations
Originally, the rules of blackjack were as varied as the individual casinos that first offered the game. Over the years, as players became more knowledgeable and demanded more consistent and favorable playing odds, the rules as outlined below became generally accepted. These have emerged as the most widely offered rules of the present day, but there are small casinos scattered throughout the world (and even in Las Vegas) that still adopt an assortment of old rules variations and “novelty-type” blackjack games.
Although blackjack is still evolving, virtually no significant rule changes have been applied to the basic game in many years. Some of the now rare and more peculiar playing variations still in existence are mentioned at the end of this chapter. These are included to inform the experienced player rather than to confuse the novice. In any case, it is of vital importance that the rules of whatever game you are playing be perfectly clear from the outset. There is little hope in succeeding at any game without first being entirely familiar with its rules. The skillful player may then use specific rules’ variations to his advantage under certain circumstances, instead of being surprised or financially handicapped by them.
