This will enable you to make an informed choice of how much to bet and when against your nearest competitor. Observationīecause you are competing against the other players, always keep a note of their number of chips, as discussed at Automatic Poker. Players need to be knowledgeable of the odds and combinations that determine whether to play a hand or to stick with their original two cards and when it is advantageous to split their hand or double down. Knowledge of the basic rules of blackjack is a must for success in tournament play.