Introduction
Blackjack is one of the most popular card games in the world, both in physical casinos and online. Known for its blend of skill, strategy, and luck, it’s a game where players compete against the dealer rather than each other. The objective is simple: get a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over, while beating the dealer’s hand.
How to play
Understand the basics
- Card values:
- Number cards (2-10): Worth their face value.
- Face cards (Jack, Queen, King): Worth 10 points each.
- Ace: Worth 1 or 11 points, depending on what benefits your hand most.
- Goal: Achieve a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s, without exceeding 21 (busting).
The Deal
- You’re dealt two cards face-up.
- The dealer gets two cards: one face-up (the “upcard”) and one face-down (the “hole card”).
- Check your hand’s total value.
Your Turn – Player Options
- Based on your cards and the dealer’s upcard, you can choose from these actions:
- Hit: Take another card to increase your hand’s value.
- Stand: Keep your current hand and end your turn.
- Double: Double your bet, take one more card, and then stand (usually allowed on your first two cards).
Dealer’s Turn
- After you stand or finish your actions, the dealer reveals their hole card.
- The dealer must follow strict rules: typically, they hit on 16 or less and stand on 17 or higher.
Determine the outcome
- Win: Your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, or the dealer busts (goes over 21).
- Lose: Your hand exceeds 21 (bust), or the dealer’s hand is closer to 21.
- Push: You and the dealer have the same total (a tie), and your bet is returned.
- Blackjack: If your first two cards are an Ace and a 10-value card (e.g., Ace + King), you get a “natural blackjack.” This usually pays 3:2, unless the dealer also has blackjack (resulting in a push).
