Thurs. March 18

Let's see, we played war, cribbage and gin rummy in our younger days ... and then pretty much left the world of cards, only to be curious when we read about the players or the game or see movies (hello, David Mamet) about poker, card-counters or card cheats. Fascinating, up to a point, but not to the point where, when late night poker comes on telly after the chat shows, we sit up and go, "Oh, boy, more reasons not to go to sleep!" Our friends who indulge in the cards/gambling world tell us that Blackjack is your best best out there, in a world where, yes, the odds are always with the house. The casino industry is like the insurance industry (in more ways than one). But just look at the extravagant buildings that house casinos (or insurance companies). That money came from somewhere. Who? Look in the mirror. Well, with that sort of caveat, we'll still note something taking place Thursday March 18 at the Boston Center for Adult Education, a class called “Hit, Stand, Double Down: Smart Blackjack." In three hours, John Berube, an experienced casino gambler, promises to teach you "everything you need to know to correctly and confidently play Blackjack from Atlantic City to Las Vegas. Smart Blackjack is designed for players of all levels. It'll cost you $54 to get in and $5 for materials. It goes from 6-9 p.m.

122 Arlington St., 617-267-4430 www.bcae.org