Winning Secrets of Online Blackjack Catherine Karayanis http://avaxhome.ws/blogs/ChrisRedfield © 2005 by Thomson Course Technology PTR All rights reserved No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system without written permission from Thomson Course Technology PTR, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review The Thomson Course Technology PTR logo and related trade dress are trademarks of Thomson Course Technology and may not be used without written permission All trademarks are the property of their respective owners Important: Thomson Course Technology PTR cannot provide software support Please contact the appropriate software manufacturer’s technical support line or Web site for assistance Publisher and General Manager, Thomson Course Technology PTR: Stacy L Hiquet Associate Director of Marketing: Sarah O’Donnell Manager of Editorial Services: Heather Talbot Marketing Manager: Kristin Eisenzopf Thomson Course Technology PTR and the author have attempted throughout this book to distinguish proprietary trademarks from descriptive terms by following the capitalization style used by the manufacturer Acquisitions Editor: Mitzi Koontz Information contained in this book has been obtained by Thomson Course Technology PTR from sources believed to be reliable However, because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by our sources, Thomson Course Technology PTR, or others, the Publisher does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, or completeness of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or the results obtained from use of such information Readers should be particularly aware of the fact that the Internet is an ever-changing entity Some facts may have changed since this book went to press Marketing Coordinator: Jordan Casey Educational facilities, companies, and organizations interested in multiple copies or licensing of this book should contact the publisher for quantity discount information Training manuals, CD-ROMs, and portions of this book are also available individually or can be tailored for specific needs ISBN: 1-59200-914-X Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2005924931 Printed in Canada 05 06 07 08 09 WC 10 Thomson Course Technology PTR, a division of Thomson Course Technology 25 Thomson Place Boston, MA 02210 http://www.courseptr.com Senior Editor: Mark Garvey Project Editor and Copyeditor: Kim Benbow Thomson Course Technology PTR Editorial Services Coordinator: Elizabeth Furbish Interior Layout Tech: Scribe Tribe Cover Designer: Mike Tanamachi Indexer: Kelly Talbot Proofreader: Dan Foster To my wonderful husband Dean— the real writer in the family Your love is endless and your talent amazes me Acknowledgments Thanks to Joel Morton, who taught me many winning secrets of blackjack Your knowledge of blackjack, casinos, and Vegas is astounding Thanks to Kim Benbow, Mitzi Koontz, Kristin Eisenzopf, and the rest of the Thomson Course Technology PTR publishing team And as ever, thanks to God and to the Creary and Karayanis families iv About the Author Catherine (Creary) Karayanis has authored four previous books: Introduction to Relational Databases and SQL Programming, Introduction to Unix and Linux Lab Manual, All-in-One Network+ Lab Manual, and MCSE Windows XP Professional Lab Manual She has also written numerous online computing courses and articles Karayanis has been a technical trainer in the corporate educational system, as well as a public and private school teacher She has given workshops in Canada on cross-border employment and has been a professional musician for several years Karayanis has a love for card games—specifically blackjack and poker—and lives only miles from Atlantic City Her favorite casino is the historic Tropicana v Contents Introduction xv Chapter Online Blackjack Basics Object of the Online Game Creating Your Account Buying Your Virtual Chips Value of Cards Varieties of Online Blackjack Games Betting Dealing Standing and Hitting Splitting Pairs Doubling Down Insurance Rebetting 10 Cashing Out 10 Conclusion 11 Chapter Getting Started with Online Blackjack 12 How to Play Blackjack Online 12 Your Computer 12 Computer Specifications 13 Internet Connection 13 Crashing and Disconnecting 14 Virus Protection 14 Computer Worms 15 Trojan Horses 15 Spyware and Adware 16 Firewall 16 vi Contents Download and Install the Casino Software 17 Play or “Fun” Money Games 20 Real Money Games 20 Personal Information Safety 21 Identity Theft 21 Banking Security 22 Legal Issues 22 State Laws 26 WTO and Online Gambling 26 Blackjack and Taxes 27 Conclusion 31 Chapter Choosing an Online Casino 32 Where to Play 32 Awards and Reputation 33 Software 33 User Environment 34 Game Types 36 Play Type 36 Customer Service and Support 37 Security 38 Licensing 39 Deposit/Payment Options 39 Payouts 43 Bonuses/Promotions 43 Inside an Online Casino Operation 44 Golden Palace 45 Casino-well 47 32Red Casino 49 Fortune Room 51 Carnival Casino 53 River Belle Casino 55 vii Contents Casino King 57 Casino-on-Net 59 Grand Online Casino 61 Spin Palace Casino 63 InterCasino 65 Conclusion 67 Chapter Playing the Classic Game 68 Rules the Dealer Lives By 68 Betting 69 Hit or Stand 71 Hard Hitting 72 Soft Hitting 73 Splitting Pairs 73 Resplitting 76 Doubling Down 78 Hard Double Downs 78 Soft Double Downs 79 Doubling after Splitting 79 Insurance 80 Surrender 82 Conclusion 83 Chapter Concepts and Strategy 84 Basic Strategy 84 What about Card Counting? 85 Online Blackjack Strategy 86 Beginner Mistakes 87 Practice Exercises 89 Basic Rules of Online Blackjack Games 91 Microgaming Original Software 91 Microgaming Viper Software 92 viii Contents Cryptologic Software 98 Playtech Software 101 Looking to Make a Profit 102 Conclusion 103 Chapter Online Variations of the Classic Game 104 Pontoon 105 Double Exposure (Face-Up 21, Dealer Disclosure) 107 Blackjack Switch 109 Bonus Blackjack 111 Triple 7s Blackjack 113 MatchPlay 21 115 Super 21 and Super Fun 21 118 Blackjack Pro 120 Triple Shot 122 Extreme 21 122 Conclusion 126 Chapter International Variations of the Classic Game 127 European Blackjack 127 Caribbean 21 129 Bets, Lies and Audiotape: A Caribbean 21 Controversy 131 Spanish 21 134 Progressive Blackjack Games 136 Conclusion 139 Chapter Advice for the Online Blackjack Player 140 Make Good Decisions 140 Set a Win Limit (and Log Off When You Reach It) 141 Minimizing Losses and Maximizing Gains 143 Know Your “Dealer” 143 Play Your Game 144 ix Index casinos (continued) Queen’s Club Casino, 281 Racetrack Casino, 281 Reef Club Casino, 281 River Belle Casino, 55-56 RiverNile Casino, 282 Roxy Palace Casino, 282 Royal City Casino, 282 Royal Dice Casino, 282-283 Royal Plaza Casino, 283 Royal Towers Casino, 283 Royal Vegas Casino, 283 Ruby Fortune Casino, 283-284 rules.See rules Sands of the Carribbean Casino, 284 Sci-Fi Casino, 284 seal of approval, 33, 38-39 security.See security Shark Casino, 284 Shogun Casino, 284-285 Showdown Casino, 285 Silver Dollar Casino, 285 Silver Vegas Casino, 285 software.See software Speedbet Casino, 286 Spin Palace Casino, 63-64 Spy Kings Casino, 285-286 Stanley Casino, 286 Star Luck Casino, 286 Sterling House Casino, 287 strategy.See strategy Strike It Lucky Casino, 287 Sun Palace Casino, 287 Sun Vegas Casino, 287-288 Sunset Casino, 288 Super Slots Casino, 288 Super Vegas Casino, 288 taxes.See taxes technical support, 37-38 tipping, 168-169, 216 Treasure Tomb Casino, 288-289 Trident Lounge Casino, 289 304 Twin Aces Casino, 289 UK Casino Club, 289 USA Casino, 289-290 user envirnonment, 34-36 Vegas Country Casino, 290 Vegas Joker Casino, 290 Vegas Palms Casino, 290-291 Vegas Red Casino, 291 Vegas Slot Casino, 291 Vegas Towers Casino, 291 Vegas USA Casino, 291-292 Venetian Gold Casino, 292 Victor Chandler Casino, 292 VIP Casino, 292 VIP Casinos, 292-293 Virtual City Casino, 293 Wall Street Casino, 293 Wild Jack Casino, 293 William Hill Casino, 293-294 Windows Casino, 294 Yukon Gold Casino, 294 Zodiac Casino, 294 Casino-well, 47-49 CDs, 37 CentralCoin, 42 Challenge Casino, 257-258 characteristics of gambling addiction, 176 chat rooms, 33 chatting.See talking checking accounts, 22, 43 Cherry Casino, 258 chips.See also betting balance, buying, 3, 165-166 clearing, choosing casinos, 32, 44 bonuses, 188-189 odds, 187 promotions, 188-189 reputations, 33 strategy, 184-185 Index payment companies, 189 software, 186 Web browsers, 200-203 Cinema Casino, 258 Cirrus Casino, 258 Citadel, 41 City Club Casino, 259 clearing chips, Club Player Casino, 259 clubs.See casinos Colosseum Casino, 259 comp points, 43-44, 188-189 companies (payment) 1-PAY, 41 900Pay, 41-42 bank drafts, 43 bonuses, 43-44 CentralCoin, 42 checking accounts, 43 choosing, 189 Citadel, 41 credit cards, 40 fast payouts, 43 FirePay, 42 MoneyBookers, 42-43 myCitadel, 41 NETELLER, 39-41 overview, 39-40 PayDirect, 39 payout rates, 43 PayPal, 23, 25, 39 PaySpark, 42 promotions, 43-44 wire transfers, 43 compulsive gambling.See gambling addiction computers connecting, 13-14 crashes, 14 disconnecting, 14 games (strategy), 204-205 hardware specifications, 13-14 modems, 13-14 overview, 12-13 security.See security software requirements, 13 concentration (strategy), 199 Connect To Casino, 259-260 connecting (computers), 13-14 Cool Cat Casino, 260 counting cards Cryptologic casinos, 85 definition, 4, 246 strategy, 85 Cowboy Casino, 260 crashes (computers), 14 Crazy Vegas Casino, 260 creating accounts, credit cards, 20-21, 40 Crown Vegas Casino, 260-261 Cryptologic, 35 counting cards, 85 multi-player blackjack rules, 98-99 multi-split blackjack rules, 99-100 single-deck blackjack rules, 98-99 standard blackjack rules, 98-99 strategy cards multi-deck blackjack, 244 single-deck blackjack, 243 Crystal Palace Casino, 261 customer service, 37-38 D Dealer Disclosure (Double Exposure) Microgaming strategy card, 234 rules, 107-108 dealers.See also casinos through 6, hitting, 88 9, 10, Ace, standing, 88 10, standing, 88 Aces, 9-10 busting, odds, 74 etiquette, 170 myths, 213-214, 220-221 rules, 68-69 strategy, 143-144, 213-214, 220-221 tipping, 168-169, 216 305 Index dealing overview, decks cards.See cards new (strategy), 221 number of (casino odds), 81 dedication (strategy), 144-145, 205 definitions card counters, 4, 246 doubling down, 8, 246 gambling addiction, 175-176 hard hands, 3, 247 hitting, 7, 247 hole cards, 7, 247 insurance, 9-10, 247 naturals, 6, 247 rebetting, 10-11, 247 soft hands, 3, 247 splitting, 8, 247 standing, 7, 247 terminology, 246-247 tournaments, 162 denial gambling addiction, 175-176, 222 myths, 210, 217, 222 strategy, 210, 217, 222 deposits.See payment Desert Dollar Casino, 261 design (casinos), 34-36 deuces through (dealers, hitting), 88 strategy, 212 developing skills, 145-146 Diamond Club Casino, 261 Diamond Deal Casino, 261-262 disconnecting computers, 14 documentation.See record keeping Donahue, Brian, 131-134 Double Exposure Microgaming strategy card, 234 rules, 107-108 doubling down betting, 8-9, 166 306 definition, 8, 246 etiquette, 166 hand signals, 167-168 overview, 8-9 strategy, 78-81, 224 hard doubling down, 78 soft doubling down, 79 splitting, 79-81 practice exercises, 90 downloading software, 17-20, 36-37 drinking etiquette, 169-170 myths, 209-210 strategy, 209-210 E early surrendering, 82-83 eCOGRA (e-commerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance), 38-39, 184-185 El Casino, 262 elimination tournaments, 153 ending hands (hand signals), 168 English Harbor Casino, 262 entry fees (tournaments), 153-155 etiquette alcohol, 169-170 basic, 164-165 betting, 166 chatting, 171-172 chips, buying, 165-166 dealers, 168-170, 216 doubling down, 166 drinking, 169-170 hand signals, 167-168 harrassment, 172 preparation, 171 smoking, 170 splitting, 166 strategy, 164-165, 198 strategy cards, 170 talking, 169-172 time.See time Index tipping, 168-169, 216 watching, 169 European Blackjack Microgaming rules, 92-93, 127-128 strategy card, 238 Playtech rules, 101-102 exercises, 89-90 Extreme 21 rules, 122, 125 F Face-Up 21 (Double Exposure) Microgaming strategy card, 234 rules, 107-108 Fairdice (Project Fairdice), 38-39 family (gambling addiction), 178-182 FAQs, 37 fast payouts, 43 fear (strategy), 194-195 federal laws, 22-27 finding tournaments, 158-159 FirePay, 42 firewalls, 16-17 First Web Casino, 262 Flamingo Club Casino, 262-263 Flash Web site, 13 focus (strategy), 144-145, 184, 193, 199, 221-22 folding (surrendering) early surrendering, 82-83 late surrendering, 82-83 odds, 191 strategy, 82-83, 87, 191 Fortune Junction Casino, 263 Fortune Room Casino, 51-52 friends (gambling addiction), 178-182 fun games.See practice G GA.See Gamblers Anonymous Gala International Casino, 263 Gam-Anon.See also Gamblers Anonymous goals, 179-180 relationships, 178-182 Web site, 178-179 Gamblers Anonymous.See also Gam-Anon gambling addiction 12-step programs, 176-177 binges, 176 characteristics, 176 definition, 175-176 denial, 175-176 interventions, 175 warning signs, 174-175 organization guidelines, 177-178 Web site, 173 gambling addiction 12-step programs, 176-177 binges, 176 characteristics, 176 definition, 175-176 denial, 175-176, 222 interventions, 175 overview, 173-174 relationships, 178-182 stages of grief, 217 warning signs, 174-175 Gambling Law U.S Web site, 26 games fun.See practice hacking, 131-134 legal issues.See legal issues money, 20-21 multi-hand blackjack.See multi-hand blackjack online, 36 practice, 20, 186, 204-205 private groups, types, 36-37 varieties, 3-5 GAO (General Accounting Office) Web site, 26 Geisha Lounge Casino, 263 Gem Lobby Casino, 263-264 General Accounting Office (GAO) Web site, 26 Giant Vegas Casino, 264 Global Player, 264 307 Index glossary, 246-247 goals (Gam-Anon), 179-180 Gold Club Casino, 264 Gold Key Casino, 264-265 Golden Dealer Casino, 265 Golden Nile Casino, 265 Golden Palace Casino, 45-47 Golden Reef Casino, 265-266 Golden Riviera Casino, 266 Golden Spur Casino, 266 Golden Tiger Casino, 266 Goldgate Casino, 265 Good As Gold Casino, 267 Grand Banks Casino, 267 Grand Hotel Casino, 267 Grand Online Casino, 61-62 groups (private), guidelines (Gamblers Anonymous), 177-178 H hacking, 131-134 Hampton Casino, 131-134, 267 hand signals, 167-168 hard doubling down (strategy), 78 hard hands, 3, 247 hard hitting (strategy), 72-73 hard totals (strategy cards), 86 hardware specifications, 13-14 harrassment (etiquette), 172 Harrods Casino, 268 Havana Club Casino, 268 high rollers, 219 hitting definition, 7, 247 hand signals, 167 splitting.See splitting strategy, 71-73, 222-224 12 through 16, 88 16 or less, 87 dealers through 6, 88 hard hitting, 72-73 number of cards, 89 308 practice exercises, 89 soft hitting, 73 hole cards, 7, 247 I identity theft, 21-22 installing software, 17-20 insurance betting, 9-10 definition, 9-10, 247 hand signals, 167 myths, 211-212 strategy, 80-82, 89, 191-192, 211-212 insurance betting strategy, 71 intelligence, 218-219 InterCasino, 65-67, 159-163 international variations overview, 127 interventions (gambling addiction), 175 IRS, 27-31 casinos, 33 record keeping, 148, 216 iVegas Casino, 268 J Jackpot City, 268-269 Jackpot Palace, 269 Jackpot Wheel, 269 Jackpots in a Flash Casino, 269 Jamaica Bay Casino, 269-270 Java Web site, 13 Jungle Palace Casino, 270 Jupiter Club Casino, 270 K keeping records.See record keeping King Neptune’s Casino, 270 Kiwi Casino, 270-271 L Las Vegas Downtown Blackjack strategy card, 232 Las Vegas Strip Blackjack strategy card, 231 Las Vegas USA Casino, 271 Index Lasseters Casino, 271 late surrendering, 82-83 laws.See legal issues layout (casinos), 34-36 Lazy Joker Casino, 271 legal issues federal laws, 22-27 payment, 131-134 state laws, 25-27 taxes, 27-31 Web sites, 26 WTO, 26-27 legislation.See legal issues less than 16, hitting, 87 licenses (casinos), 39 logs.See record keeping loss limits, 70, 141-143, 190 luck, 203, 211, 213 Lucky Chance Casino, 271-272 Lucky Coin Casino, 272 Lucky Emperor Casino, 272 Lucky Nugget Casino, 272 Lucky Pyramid Casino, 272-273 M Macromedia Flash Web site, 13 magazines, online, 33 Magic Box Casino, 273 Magic Oasis Casino, 273 mantras (strategy), 184 Mapau Casino, 273 MatchPlay 21 rules, 115-117 Megasport Casino, 273-274 message boards/newsgroups casinos, 33 RGB (Rec.Gambling.Blackjack), 149-150 Metro Casino, 274 Miami Paradise Casino, 274 Microgaming, 34-35 Atlantic City Blackjack rules, 96-97 European Blackjack rules, 92-93, 127-128 multi-hand blackjack rules, 92-93 standard rules, 91 strategy cards Atlantic City Blackjack, 230 Bonus Blackjack, 233 Double Exposure, 234 European Blackjack, 238 Las Vegas Downtown Blackjack, 232 Las Vegas Strip Blackjack, 231 multi-hand blackjack, 228 single-hand blackjack, 226-227 Spanish 21, 235 Super Fun 21 Blackjack, 236 Triple 7s Blackjack, 237 Triple 7s Progressive Blackjack rules, 139 Vegas Downtown Blackjack rules, 95-96 Vegas Strip Blackjack rules, 93-94 Viper rules, 92-97 Millionaire Casino, 274 modems, 13-14 Monaco Gold Casino, 274-275 money betting.See betting games, 20-21 MoneyBookers, 42-43 Monte Casino, 275 motivation (strategy), 184 multi-deck blackjack Boss Media strategy card, 242 Cryptologic strategy card, 244 strategy, 206 multi-hand blackjack Microgaming rules, 92-93 strategy card, 228 myths, 212-213 overview, Playtech strategy card, 229 strategy, 212-213 multi-player blackjack (Cryptologic rules), 98-99 multi-split blackjack (Cryptologic rules), 99-100 Mummy’s Gold Casino, 275 Music Hall Casino, 275 309 Index myCitadel, 41 myths 2s, 212 alcohol, 209-210 bargaining, 217 dealers, 213-214, 220-221 denial, 210, 217, 222 drinking, 209-210 high rollers, 219 insurance, 211-212 intelligence, 218-219 luck, 211, 213 multi-hand blackjack, 212-213 new decks/tables, 221 players, 211-212, 220 prestige, 217-218 psychology, 214-219 stages of grief, 217 standing, soft 18, 219-220 streaks, 211 talking, 220 tipping, 216 winning, 208-209 N naturals, 6, 247 negative progression strategy, 71 NETELLER, 39-41 new decks/tables, 221 New York Casino, 276 newsgroups.See message boards/newsgroups non-elimination tournaments, 153 Nostalgia Casino, 276 number of cards (hitting strategy), 89 number of decks casino odds, 81 strategy, 206 O odds.See also strategy casinos choosing, 187 310 number of decks, 81 rules, 187 dealers busting, 74 rules, 69 resplitting, 77 strategy, 187, 191, 203 surrendering, 191 Omni Casino, 276 online casinos.See casinos online magazines, 33 OPA (Online Players Association), 33, 39 Orbital Casino, 276-277 origin, blackjack, 1, P pairs.See splitting; standing Palace of Chance Casino, 277 PayDirect, 39 payment companies 1-PAY, 41 900Pay, 41-42 bank drafts, 43 bonuses, 43-44 CentralCoin, 42 checking accounts, 43 choosing, 189 Citadel, 41 credit cards, 40 fast payouts, 43 FirePay, 42 MoneyBookers, 42-43 myCitadel, 41 NETELLER, 39-41 overview, 39-40 PayDirect, 39 payout rates, 43 PayPal, 23, 25, 39 PaySpark, 42 promotions, 43-44 wire transfers, 43 legal issues, 131-134 Index record keeping, 198 security, 33 strategy, 198, 102-103 tournaments, 162-163 payout rates, 43 PayPal, 23, 25, 39 PaySpark, 42 Peach Casino, 277 personal checks, 22, 43 personal information (security), 21 Pharaoh’s Casino, 277 Phoenician Casino, 277-278 Piggs Peak Casino, 278 Pink Lady Casino, 278 Pirateofc21, 131-134 Planet Luck Casino, 278 Platinum Play Casino, 279 Play and Deal Casino, 279 players, strategy, 189-190, 193-194, 211-212, 220 Player’s Club Casino, 279 PlayGate Casino, 279 Playtech, 34-35 Blackjack Pro rules, 120-121 Blackjack Surrender rules, 186 European Blackjack rules, 101-102 strategy cards Blackjack Pro, 239 Blackjack Switch, 240 multi-hand blackjack, 229 single-hand blackjack, 229 poker, blackjack comparison, Pontoon rules, 105-106 Portofino Casino, 280 position, tournament seats, 155-157 positive progression strategy, 71 Powerbet Casino, 280 practice betting, 5-6 games, 20, 186, 204-205 strategy, 144-146, 183-184, 186, 204-205 practice exercises, 89-90 preparation (etiquette), 171 prestige (myths), 217-218 Prestige Casino, 280 Prism Casino, 280 private groups, prizes bonuses, 43-44, 188-189 tournaments, 153-155 problem gambling.See gambling addiction profit, 102-103, 143 programs gambling addiction 12-step programs, 176-177 software.See software progression strategies, 71 progressive games, rules, 136-139 Project Fairdice, 38-39 promotions, 43-44, 188-189 psychology, 214-219 Q Queen of Gold Casino, 281 Queen’s Club Casino, 281 quitting strategy, 148-149, 195-196 R Racetrack Casino, 281 ranking (tournaments), 161 RealTime Gaming Caribbean 21 rules, 129-134 strategy cards, 245 rebetting, 10-11, 247 Rec.Gambling.Blackjack (RGB), 149-150 record keeping payment strategy, 198 strategy, 147-148, 216 taxes, 148, 216 tournaments, 162 Reef Club Casino, 281 registering (tournaments), 157, 160, 162 relationships (gambling addiction), 178-182 reputations (casinos), 33 requirements, software, 13 311 Index resplitting odds, 77 pairs, strategy, 76-78 RGB (Rec.Gambling.Blackjack), 149-150 River Belle Casino, 55-56 RiverNile Casino, 282 Roxy Palace Casino, 282 Royal City Casino, 282 Royal Dice Casino, 282-283 Royal Plaza Casino, 283 Royal Towers Casino, 283 Royal Vegas Casino, 283 Ruby Fortune Casino, 283-284 rules Blackjack Pro, 120-121 Blackjack Switch, 109-110 Bonus Blackjack, 111-112 Cryptologic multi-player blackjack, 98-99 multi-split blackjack, 99-100 single-deck blackjack, 98-99 standard blackjack, 98-99 dealers, 68-69 Double Exposure, 107-108 etiquette.See etiquette Extreme 21, 122, 125 InterCasino tournaments, 159-163 MatchPlay 21, 115-117 Microgaming Atlantic City Blackjack, 96-97 European Blackjack, 92-93, 127-128 multi-hand blackjack, 92-93 Triple 7s Progressive Blackjack, 139 Vegas Downtown Blackjack, 95-96 Vegas Strip Blackjack, 93-94 Microgaming standard, 91 Microgaming Viper, 92-97 odds, 187 Playtech Blackjack Surrender, 186 European Blackjack, 101-102 312 Pontoon, 105-106 progressive games, 136-139 RealTime Gaming Caribbean 21, 129-134 Spanish 21, 134-137 splitting, 76 strategy, 197-198 Super 21, 118-119 Super Fun 21, 118-119 Triple 7s Blackjack, 113-114 Triple Shot, 122-124 S Sands of the Carribbean Casino, 284 Sci-Fi Casino, 284 screen captures (tournaments), 163 seal of approval, 33-34, 38-39 seats strategy, 189-190 tournament positions, 155-157 security account transfers, 22 accounts, adware, 16 bank accounts, 22 blacklists, 34 checking accounts, 22 credit cards, 20-21 downloading software, eCOGRA, 38-39, 184-185 firewalls, 16-17 identity theft, 21-22 legal issues federal laws, 22-27 state laws, 25-27 taxes, 27-31 Web sites, 26 WTO, 26-27 payment, 33 personal information, 21 Project Fairdice, 38-39 seal of approval, 33-34, 88-89 software, downloading, Index spam, 18 spyware, 16 strategy, 143-144 tournaments, 163 trojan horses, 15 viruses, 14-15, 18, 20 Web browsers, 201-202 worms, 15 self-analysis, 147-148 sessions, time between, 148-149 Shark Casino, 284 Shockwave Web site, 13 Shogun Casino, 284-285 shortcuts, 183 Showdown Casino, 285 signals, hand, 167-168 Silver Dollar Casino, 285 Silver Vegas Casino, 285 single-deck blackjack Boss Media strategy card, 241 Cryptologic rules, 98-99 strategy card, 243 strategy, 206 single-hand blackjack strategy cards Microgaming, 226-227 Playtech, 229 skills, developing, 145-146 smoking etiquette, 170 soft 17, standing strategy, 88 soft 18, standing strategy, 88, 219-220 soft doubling down (strategy), 79 soft hands, 3, 247 soft hitting (strategy), 73 soft totals (strategy cards), 87 software choosing, 186 Cryptologic.See Cryptologic downloading, 1, 17-20, 36-37 installing, 17-20 Microgaming.See Microgaming overview, 33-34 Playtech.See Playtech Project Fairdice, 38-39 requirements, 13 security.See security spam, 18 Spanish 21 Microgaming strategy card, 235 rules, 134-137 speed.See time Speedbet Casino, 286 Spin Palace Casino, 63-64 splitting betting, 166 definition, 8, 247 etiquette, 166 hand signals, 167-168 overview, resplitting, 8, 76-78 rules, 76 strategy, 73-78, 223-225 doubling down, 79-81 pair of 8s, 88 pair of 10s, 89 pair of Aces, 88 practice exercises, 90 resplitting, 76-78 spouses (gambling addiction), 178-182 Spy Kings Casino, 285-286 spyware, 16 stages of grief (gambling addiction), 217 standard blackjack Cryptologic rules, 98-99 Microgaming rules, 91 standing definition, 7, 247 hand signals, 167 strategy, 71-73, 222-224 17 through 21, 87 dealers 9, 10, Ace, 88 dealers 10, 88 pair of 8s, 88 practice exercises, 89 soft 17, 88 soft 18, 88, 219-220 313 Index Stanley Casino, 286 Star Luck Casino, 286 state laws, 25-27 statistics.See odds staying.See standing Sterling House Casino, 287 strategy.See also odds 2s, 212 alcohol, 209-210 attitude, 194-195, 199-200, 206 bargaining, 217 basic, 84-87 betting, 69-71, 190 aggressively, 146-147 bankroll, 140-141, 143 breaking even, 143 insurance betting, 71 loss limits, 70, 141-143, 190 negative progression, 71 positive progression, 71 profit, 143 win limits, 70, 141-143, 190, 200 bonuses, 188-189 casinos, 143-144 choosing, 184-185 rules, 197-198 chatting, 204 computer games, 204-205 concentration, 199 counting cards, 85 dealers, 69, 143-144, 213-214, 220-221 dedication, 144-145, 205 denial, 210, 217, 222 developing skills, 145-146 doubling down, 78-81, 224 hard doubling down, 78 practice exercises, 90 soft doubling down, 79 splitting, 79-81 drinking, 209-210 etiquette, 164-165, 198 fear, 194-195 314 focus, 144-145, 184, 193, 199, 221-22 high rollers, 219 hitting, 71-73, 222-224 12 through 16, 88 16 or less, 87 dealers through 6, 88 hard hitting, 72-73 number of cards, 89 practice exercises, 89 soft hitting, 73 insurance, 80-82, 89, 191-192, 211-212 intelligence, 218-219 luck, 203, 211, 213 mantras, 184 motivation, 184 multi-deck blackjack, 206 multi-hand blackjack, 212-213 new decks/tables, 221 number of decks, 206 odds, 187, 191, 203 payment, 102-103, 198 players, 189-190, 193-194, 211-212, 220 practice, 144-145, 183-184, 186, 204-205 prestige, 217-218 profit, 102-103 promotions, 188-189 psychology, 214-219 quitting, 148-149, 195-196 record keeping, 147-148, 216 seats, 189-190 security, 143-144 self-analysis, 147-148 shortcuts, 183 single-deck blackjack, 206 splitting, 73-78, 223-225 doubling down, 79-81 pair of 8s, 88 pair of 10s, 89 pair of Aces, 88 practice exercises, 90 resplitting, 76-78 stages of grief, 217 Index standing, 71-73, 222-224 17 through 21, 87 dealers 9, 10, Ace, 88 dealers 10, 88 pair of 8s, 88 practice exercises, 89 soft 17, 88 soft 18, 88, 219-220 strategy cards.See strategy cards streaks, 211 strengths, 145-146 surrendering, 82-83, 87, 191 talking, 193-194, 204, 220 time, 207 time between sessions, 148-149 tipping, 216 tournaments, 157-158 toys, 204-205 weaknesses, 145-146 Web browsers, 200-203 win limits, 70, 141-143, 190, 200 winning, 102-103, 208-209 strategy cards, 196 Boss Media multi-deck blackjack, 242 single-deck blackjack, 241 Cryptologic multi-deck blackjack, 244 single-deck blackjack, 243 etiquette, 170 hard totals, 86 Microgaming Atlantic City Blackjack, 230 Bonus Blackjack, 233 Double Exposure, 234 European Blackjack, 238 Las Vegas Downtown Blackjack, 232 Las Vegas Strip Blackjack, 231 multi-hand blackjack, 228 single-hand blackjack, 226-227 Spanish 21, 235 Super Fun 21 Blackjack, 236 Triple 7s Blackjack, 237 Playtech Blackjack Pro, 239 Blackjack Switch, 240 multi-hand blackjack, 229 single-hand blackjack, 229 RealTime Gaming, 245 soft totals, 87 streaks (strategy), 211 strengths (strategy), 145-146 Strike It Lucky Casino, 287 Sun Microsystems Web site, 13 Sun Palace Casino, 287 Sun Vegas Casino, 287-288 Sunset Casino, 288 Super 21 rules, 118-119 Super Fun 21 Microgaming strategy card, 236 rules, 118-119 Super Slots Casino, 288 Super Vegas Casino, 288 support groups.See Gam-Anon; Gamblers Anonymous surrendering early surrendering, 82-83 late surrendering, 82-83 odds, 191 strategy, 82-83, 87, 191 T tables, new, 221 talking etiquette, 169-172 myths, 220 strategy, 193-194, 204, 220 taxes, 27-31 casinos, 33 record keeping, 148, 216 technical support, 37-38 terminology, definitions, 246-247 Three-Way Action, Triple Shot comparison, 122 315 Index time between sessions, 148-149 etiquette, 171 strategy, 207 tournaments, 152, 160 tipping dealers, 168-169, 216 toking.See tipping tournaments awards, 161 beginning, 160 betting, 156-158 definitions, 162 elimination, 153 entry fees, 153-155 finding, 158-159 InterCasino rules, 159-163 non-elimination, 153 overview, 151-152 payment, 162-163 prizes, 153-155 ranking, 161 record keeping, 162 registering, 157, 160, 162 screen captures, 163 seats, 155-157 security, 163 strategy, 157-158 time, 152, 160 types, 152-153 toys (strategy), 204-205 tracking.See record keeping Treasure Tomb Casino, 288-289 Trident Lounge Casino, 289 Triple 7s Blackjack Microgaming strategy card, 237 Progressive Blackjack rules, 139 rules, 113-114 Triple Shot rules, 122-124 Three-Way Action comparison, 122 trojan horses, 15 Twin Aces Casino, 289 316 types games, 3-5, 36-37, 104, 127 tournaments, 152-153 U U.S General Accounting Office Web site, 26 UK Casino Club, 289 USA Casino, 289-290 user envirnonment, 34-36 V values (cards), variations/varieties.See types Vegas Country Casino, 290 Vegas Downtown Blackjack (Microgaming rules), 95-96 Vegas Joker Casino, 290 Vegas Palms Casino, 290-291 Vegas Red Casino, 291 Vegas Slot Casino, 291 Vegas Strip Blackjack (Microgaming rules), 93-94 Vegas Towers Casino, 291 Vegas USA Casino, 291-292 Venetian Gold Casino, 292 Victor Chandler Casino, 292 VIP Casino, 292 VIP Casinos, 292-293 Viper Microgaming rules, 92-97 Virtual City Casino, 293 viruses, 14-15, 18, 20 W-Z Wall Street Casino, 293 warning signs (gambling addiction), 174-175 watching, etiquette, 169 weaknesses, strategy, 145-146 Web browsers, 200-203 Web sites BlackjackTournaments.com, 158-159 casinos.See casinos Gam-Anon, 178-179 Gamblers Anonymous, 173 Index Gambling Law U.S., 26 Java, 13 Macromedia Flash, 13 online magazines, 33 Online Players Association, 33 Project Fairdice, 39 Shockwave, 13 U.S General Accounting Office, 26 Wild Jack Casino, 293 William Hill Casino, 293-294 win limits, 70, 141-143, 190, 200 Windows Casino, 294 winning hand signals, 168 myths, 208-209 strategy, 102-103, 208-209 wire transfers, 43 World Trade Organization (WTO), 26-27 worms, 15 WTO (World Trade Organization), 26-27 Yukon Gold Casino, 294 Zodiac Casino, 294 317 Dating? 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