Several simple guidelines will help you play Blackjack more pleasurably and effectively, whether in real-world casinos or on the Internet.

• Practice: Look for widely available free Internet practice sessions, offered by many casinos and at other general-interest sites featuring games. Play as long as you need to feel comfortable with how the game works (see also How to Play, The Table, and The Rules).
• Know the Odds: Know what the house edge is, to give yourself a better advantage (see Beating the Odds).
• Have a Strategy: Before you begin to play, always have a plan that could help you maximize your winnings or minimize your losses (see Strategy).
• Look for Bonuses: Just as real-world casinos have perks and players’ clubs that benefit their regular customers, so, too, do online casinos offer bonuses to players. Be aware, however, that some bonuses may not be as good as they first appear. Always read the legal fine print before you commit.