The objective in blackjack is direct and simple: beat the dealer. With the 1962 best-selling book Beat the Dealer, by Edward O. Thorpe, the art of counting cards was introduced to the general public, changing the face of blackjack forever. Later, the analysis from this pivotal research was introduced into sophisticated software systems, refining it, categorizing it, and eventually simplifying it into easy-to-read, easy-to-understand strategy charts.

Blackjack can be played with one to eight decks of cards. The idea behind beating the dealer is to hold a hand with a higher value than the dealer's without busting, or going over 21. The dealer is always favored in blackjack, and therefore it is up to the player to strategically play a hand without busting. If both you and the dealer bust, you are the only one risking a bet.

Normally the dealer has a pre-set requirement on their hand, such as standing on all 17s or hitting on a soft 17. In the former, the dealer must take a hit, an additional card, until the total value reaches 17 or higher. In the latter, the dealer is required to hit on a soft 17, and then to stand on a soft 18 and higher or a hard 17 and higher.

A soft hand, normally containing an ace that is counted either one or 11, allows for a hit without going over 21. A hard hand has an ace that can only be counted as one without busting. Understanding these conditions will help you plan the perfect blackjack strategy. With VIPcasinos, you can practice for free with our "fun" mode. Then, once you've mastered your blackjack technique, jump up to real mode and get ready to win!