Twenty-one, an auspicious symbol to many aspects of modern life; a landmark number, an important number, and the landmark number to beating the odds in modern competitive gaming's most popular game.

The automaton that is blackjack surfaced nearly four centuries ago, but, in its modern form, came to the fore in the 1960s, with the discovery of the practice of card-counting and its subsequent publicity and exploitation by those who frequently play casino blackjack.

Blackjack, simply put, is the quest to 21, and the untold riches which beyond that lie. But, in journey to that landmark, many fall by the wayside, casualties of a game deceptive in its simplicity.

There are, however, a number of cunningly effective secrets available for possible increased blackjack success.

To Hit or to Stand

A popular strategy in blackjack is the 'when to hit and when to stand' policy. Many players adopt a personal policy of hitting for more cards at a certain numerical result, and standing at another. A common technique is to hit at 16 or less and stand at 17 or more. This allows for the player to possibly anticipate the dealer's hand, betting on the fact that, on most occasions, the dealers hand will be at the disadvantage.

Taking the Hit

If a total is lower than 10, a hit is a must. This may seem obvious, but for many players, the concept of the 'hit' is unsettling to say the least. The risk of coming up short and subsequently overshooting seems less attractive than standing and possibly winning by number.

Standing Ground

Obviously, 14 to 16, or 17 to 21, with a dealer showing a lower card, a stand is the course to take, and therein lies the gamble and the reason bettors Play Casino blackjack. There's something deliciously dangerous about laying commodity on the line while balancing a steadfast faith that hinges on the difference between a mere six numbers.

Watching the Dealer

The rules of modern blackjack allow the bettor to see the dealer's face-up card. This means that if the face-up card were, say, a 10, the player has the opportunity to anticipate a high number and adjust their 'hit' or 'stand' status, by assuming that whatever their result, the dealer could possibly beat it with the face-down card. Obviously, this may not mean much, especially when faced with the game's towering tradition of uncertainty, but watching the dealer hand may very well provide staggering advantage against the house, after all the cards have been dealt.

In today's gaming circles, blackjack reigns supreme, no matter the platform. It could be due to the fact that the objective of the game represents a landmark number in human tradition, but it's most likely because of the basic mystery of the game. Blackjack is a game that can be manipulated by player intervention, but for most, the concept is beyond the realm of understanding. The above tips, however, lay claim to the evidence that blackjack can be conquered, and not only by the most quick-witted of players, leading one to believe that this, perhaps, could be another reason for its popularity: the mystery can be solved.