Online blackjack tournaments... they're new, fun and a great way to muscle in and make some dimes! Much like the early days of online poker, skill levels are not yet where they should be, so skilled players can generate a profit in the long run. These 'gravy days' won't last forever though, so it's high-time to get in on the action.

Golden-Palace.com has recently started to offer blackjack tournaments. You’ll find schedule tournaments as well as sit and go’s, head’s up, and shoot out tournaments for play money or real money on their site.

Downloading the blackjack tournament software was a piece of cake. As a new sign up I received a bonus "doubledown promotion" which allows me to receive a bonus of $25 in my account if I achieve 3,125 action points by February 2007. You accrue action points when you play for real money on the site (the greater the buy-in, the more action points you will earn). Action points can be redeemed for gifts (on giveanything.com) or they can be used to play in free roll tournaments for real cash.

I played a few tournaments. The min betting limit was $5 up to $500 with 10 hands being played. You can visit the lobby to check out the listing of tournaments and then you can either click on observe (where you will get to see a tournament in play) or click Join Table to join in on the action. (PS: There were a lot of novice players on the free play tournaments).

It’s easy to click from free play to real money tab. There are tabs on the page that allow you to just click and switch from one to another. The Help tab is also extremely helpful as it explains all the rules and protocols for playing. I highly recommend that you take advantage of the Help Tab before you start playing.

The tournament rules allow surrender and the dealer stands on soft 17. There is a time limit to make your betting and playing decision so keep your eye on the timer when it’s your turn to play.

The graphics and sound effects were good. The site provides 24 hour customer support and it’s easy to transfer money into and out the site using Neteller or other third part service. (Note: Since the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, they are not accepting US players).

Overall I had a positive experience playing and practicing my tournament skills on their site. Check them out when you are in the mood to play some tournament blackjack.

Golden Palace, Blackjack Tournaments...