There may be no easier casino game to learn and understand than blackjack; all it really requires, at its most basic level, is the ability for the player to be able to count to 21, although preferably not using their fingers. It’s a fun, fast-paced game, but it can become a little repetitive after a while, but that little issue may have been solved with the introduction of the International Blackjack League game. The game is offered at a number of online casinos, including our own Llanbikefest, and is easy to get started in.

Simply select a tournament to play in, keeping in mind that some of them will require you to register in advance, and wait till the game begins. If you are not really sure what’s going on, or have never played IBL before, it may be a good idea to enter into a freeroll tournament, just until you get your feet wet and learn the ropes.

The rules, which at first glance may seem a little convoluted, are actually pretty straightforward. To win the pot, you must have the most chips at the end of the game, but there will be eliminations throughout the game, so bet wisely.

The elimination rounds come on hands that have been pre-determined before the game begins. When that hand arrives, the player with the lowest number of chips is out of the game. If there is more than one player with the same number of chips after that hand, then a sudden death rule will be used, and the player who had the most chips coming into that hand will be safe.

Besides the normal chip betting strategies, IBL gives each player one secret bet per game. Each person can play one hand, all regular bets applying, without anyone else at the table seeing what they are doing. Using that bet could put pressure on other players to make bets that may end up hurting them.

IBL takes the fun of blackjack and adds a competitive twist into the mix, making it all the more exciting for everyone at the table. I may need to get the girls together and take all their chips in tournament play.