Blackjack is usually played with 4 to 6 decks of 52 cards.
Cards 2 to 10 have the same value as their number.
Figures (Jacks, Queens & Kings) are worth 10, and the Ace counts 1 or 11, depending on how the player will use it.
Gameplay:
Player places a bet → Players get 2 open cards → Call Hit for more cards, Stand to stop.
Each participant attempts to beat the dealer by getting a count as close to 21 as possible, without going over 21.
Ace & a Figure gives Blackjack (best hand).
Blackjack winning hands generally pay 1:1, also known as “Evens” or “Even Money”.
If the count is bigger than the dealer's, then the player wins.
Player Options after Initial Two Cards:
Hit: Request an additional card from the dealer to increase the hand value. Players can hit as many times as they like until they stand or their hand exceeds 21 (bust).
Stand: Choose not to receive any more cards and hold the current hand value. This ends the player’s turn.
Double Down: Double the original bet and receive one more card, after which the player must stand. Available after the first two cards.
Split: If the first two cards are a pair (e.g., two 8s), players can split the pair into two separate hands, each with its own bet, and then play each hand separately.
Insurance: In certain game variants, when the dealer's 1st card is an Ace, you can bet half of your original stake and receive a 2:1 payout if the dealer ends with Blackjack. If the dealer has Blackjack, you get your money back.
Dealer Rules:
After all players have made their decisions, the dealer reveals their whole hand.
The dealer must follow specific rules for hitting or standing, usually hitting until reaching a total of 17 or higher.
Outcome of the Game:
If the player's hand is closer to 21 than the dealer's hand without exceeding 21, the player wins and receives a payout equal to their original bet.
If the dealer's hand is closer to 21 or the player busts, the dealer wins, and the player loses their bet.
Special Terms:
Bust: A hand that exceeds 21. Example: Player has 18, hits, receives 5, totaling 23 → Bust, loses bet.
Push: Occurs when the player's total equals the dealer's total, resulting in a tie. The player's initial bet is returned.