The primary goal is to beat the dealer by having a hand value as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it.
If your hand exceeds 21, you “bust” and lose the game.
You’ll sit at the blackjack table, either in a physical casino or an online platform.
Each player receives two cards face up.
The dealer also gets two cards: one face up (the “upcard”) and one face down (the “hole card”).
Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value.
Face cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings) are each worth 10 points.
Aces can be worth 1 or 11 points, depending on which value benefits you more.
Hit: Request an additional card from the dealer.
Do this when your current hand value is low (e.g., 8-11) and you want to improve it and be cautious not to bust.
Stand: Keep your current hand without taking any more cards.
Choose this option when you’re satisfied with your hand or when you’re close to 21.
Double Down:
Double your initial bet and receive only one more card.
Typically done when you have a strong starting hand (e.g., 9-11) and believe the next card will help you win.
Splitting Pairs:
If your initial two cards are of the same rank (e.g., two 7s), you can split them into separate hands.
Each hand receives an additional card, and you play them independently.
You’ll need to place an additional bet equal to your original wager.
After all players make their decisions, the dealer reveals their hole card. The dealer must follow specific rules: If the dealer’s hand value is 16 or less, they must hit. If the dealer’s hand value is 17 or more, they must stand. Some variations allow the dealer to hit on a “soft 17” (an Ace and a 6).
If your hand value is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, you win.
If the dealer busts, all remaining players win.
If the dealer has a higher hand value, you lose.
Blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card) pays 3:2.
Regular wins pay 1:1.
Hitting: Requesting another card
Standing: Keeping your current hand
Splitting: Separating a pair of cards into two hands
Doubling Down: Doubling your bet and taking one more card