Blackjack is typically played with one to eight standard 52-card decks.
Each player is dealt two cards face up, while the dealer receives one card face up and one card face down (the hole card).
Gameplay:
Card Values: In Blackjack, cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value, face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are each worth 10 points, and Aces can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on which value benefits the hand the most without busting (exceeding 21).
Player Decisions:
Hit: Players can request additional cards (hit) to increase their hand total.
Stand: Players can choose to keep their current hand total and not receive any additional cards (stand).
Double Down: Players can double their initial bet and receive only one additional card.
Split: If a player’s initial two cards are of the same rank, they can split them into two separate hands, each with its own bet. Additional cards are dealt to each split card to form new hands.
Surrender: Some variations of Blackjack allow players to surrender their hand and forfeit half of their bet before taking any additional action if they feel their hand is weak.
Dealer’s Turn:
After all players have completed their actions, the dealer reveals their hole card.
The dealer must hit until their hand value reaches 17 or higher, at which point they must stand.
Winning and Losing:
If a player’s hand total exceeds 21, they bust and lose their bet.
If the player’s hand total is closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand total without exceeding 21, the player wins and is paid even money on their bet.
If the player’s hand total is the same as the dealer’s hand total, it’s a push, and the player’s bet is returned.
If the dealer busts, all remaining players win and are paid even money on their bets.
If the player has Blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card) and the dealer does not, the player wins and is paid 3:2 on their bet.
Additional Notes:
Blackjack is a game of skill and strategy, with players making decisions based on their hand total and the dealer’s visible card.
There are various strategies and systems used by players to maximize their chances of winning, including basic strategy charts and card counting techniques.
Blackjack is one of the most popular table games in casinos worldwide and is also available in many online casinos.