Ever wanted to go to a casino, and bet against your Neopet? Well, you can’t do that. But, Jubjub Blackjack is probably the next best thing. While the art is definitely less than impressive, it’s a pretty easy game to learn. The goal of Jubjub Blackjack is to draw cards, and reach 21, or get closer to 21 than your Neopet. If you go over, you bust, which means you are out of the game, and you lose your winnings.

Before beginning your game, you are shown a preview of the back of your Neopet’s cards, and your cards. Below this, you are able to place a bet—up to 400 neopoints—and start your game. (fun fact: If your active Neopet is a Jubjub, you are able to bet an extra 100 neopoints!)

After choosing the amount you’d like to bet, and dealing yourself in, you are given the option to either hit, stick, or double.

If you click hit, you pick up another card. You may keep doing this until you’re comfortable enough to stick, or you bust.

Clicking stick, means you don’t want to pick up any more cards, and are comfortable with the number you are currently at.

And finally, double means you’d like to double your bet, and pick up another card. This can be pretty risky, so it’s recommended that you only do this if you are confident that you won’t bust. I typically do not double unless I get a face card, or a 9. While you may win double, you may also lose double.

Once you end your turn, your Neopet can choose to pick up cards until they are satisfied with their number.

Regarding what each card means, numbers 2-9 are fairly obvious. A 2 is 2, 9 is 9, etc.

On the other hand, Jacks, Kings, and Queens are all worth 10. The Ace, however, can be worth either 11 or 1.

Now, you’re probably wondering, “Alright, already. Tell me how to win the game! I’ve gotta win the neopoints jackpot so I can buy my mom a new house!” WELL, my sweet reader, the answer to that is one simple word: Blackjack. Best way to get a blackjack? Get 21 with only two cards. I know, I know. It sounds impossible. But it’s really not. Unless your Neopet happens to get a blackjack as well (which would make it a draw), you automatically win. There ya go, easiest 20 seconds of your life. And it’s all thanks to our friend, and sponsor, Lady Luck.

If you manage to get 21 with more than two cards, this would not be considered a blackjack. It’s still a pretty impressive feat, but not an automatic win. If neither of the players make it to 21, the person who is closest will win the hand. Remember that it’s a good idea to stick if you’ve reached 17 or over. It’s more likely for you to get a high card than a low card at this point, so your chances of reaching 21 are not worth the risk. However, if you are a super dare-devil who has won the favor of Lady Luck, it could turn out well for you. That’s the beauty of chance. If you win the hand, you will receive double what your bet is after any doubles (Option 3) are added.

Another thing that could happen, is both of the players could get the same number. As mentioned above, this would be a draw. A draw isn’t a bad or a good thing. No one wins, and no one loses. You’ll just go back to your original bet, and try again. Unfortunately, if your Neopet wins the hand, that means you lose/bust. Even though he may be your closest friend, and most trustworthy companion, he will take your neopoints, and you will never see a dime of it. If you play it safe, and are lucky, your Neopet might not rob you blind.

 Note: Much to the disappointment of many players, this game does not offer a trophy. The Casino of Neopia does not advocate bragging about gambling, therefore, decided that this would be a bad idea.

That’s all there is to know about Jubjub Blackjack. Just remember that outsmarting your Neopet is very addictive. Oh, and so is gambling, I guess.