If blackjack is your game, then, sure, you should play blackjack online and in casinos, because it's fun and, with a little luck, you can even walk away with your pockets substantially lined. But if you're looking to jack up the excitement level, you should definitely consider playing in a blackjack tournament. The higher level of competition will get your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping - it's the most exciting way to play blackjack.

A typical blackjack tournament (also known as a multi-player blackjack game) comprises a few rounds of play with tables of five to six players. Each round consists of somewhere between fifteen and thirty hands.

Each player in the tournament starts with the same number of chips. At the end of each round, the leading players from each table -that is, the players with the most chips - get to advance to the next round. The other players are eliminated from the tournament.

In normal, non-tournament blackjack play, the deal always starts with the player in the left-most position opposite the dealer. In tournament play, however, the starting position rotates with each hand. This is an important difference.

The best part about playing in a tournament is the potential prize money. Each player pays to participate and the prize money usually consists of all the entry fees put together. This is a much bigger incentive than playing at a regular, non-tournament blackjack table. Casinos really promote tournament play and many even guarantee a minimum top prize (even if all the tables are not full). Casinos also treat blackjack tournament players in a special way - with good room rates and comped food - adding to the allure of multi-player blackjack.

Ultra-conservative play is not the way to win a blackjack tournament. You should keep your eye on the other players — their bet size and their playing style — and bet accordingly (in a way that will give you the edge). And, of course, the basic blackjack strategy is a building block of good tournament play — don't leave home without it.

Even if you're armed with a good strategy, seating position is an important factor in blackjack tournament success. Although most tournaments assign seats arbitrarily, leaving you with no choice in the matter, when you do find yourself able to choose a seat it helps to choose wisely. Even though the "button" rotates (i.e., the first player to be dealt changes in each round), your position relative to other players can make a difference in the long run. And even when you can't choose your seat, taking advantage of where the button is vis-a-vis your position is also important. Being "on the button" is a disadvantage because being first to play gives you no time to think and consider what your competitors have done. That is why the button rotates - so no one will be at a permanent disadvantage. A cool head and insight into your fellow blackjack players' style is what will leave you at the head of the pack.

Land-based blackjack tournaments are way more common than online blackjack tournaments, but that will change soon. All good things come to those who wait and if you've been waiting for online blackjack tournaments, All Jackpots Online Casino is the site you should be watching. All Jackpots' online blackjack tournaments will work pretty much the same way as the casino tournaments you're used to - registrations fees and eliminations rounds, etc. The big advantage, though, is that you can compete in tournaments from the comfort of your own home, and, when the dust settles, you'll have the same big bucks in your pocket as if you traveled thousands of miles in order to play. When it comes to blackjack tournament positioning, the seat in front of your computer is the one you should be looking for.