The object of blackjack is
to get a total value of cards as close to 21 as possible
without going over and beat the dealer's total. Numbered
cards are worth their face value. Face cards -- Kings, Queens
and Jacks -- are each worth 10. Aces are worth either 1
or 11, whichever is better in the circumstances. If the
total value of your cards exceeds 21, you "bust", which
means you lose. If your total is less than or equal to 21
and the dealer's total is over 21, then the dealer busts
and you win. If neither your total or the dealer's total
exceeds 21, then the higher total wins. In the event of
a tie, no one wins and no one loses. A tie is called a "push".
You start the game by placing your bet. Next the dealer
deals two cards to you and one to himself. Usually these
cards are dealt face-up. Then the dealer gives himself a
second card face-down. This is called the hole card. Now
you have to make a decision: do you take another card ("hit")
or pass to the dealer ("stand" or "stay"). If you hit, the
dealer gives you another card and again asks if you want
to hit or stand. You keep hitting until you are satisfied
with your total or you bust. The dealer must keep taking
cards until he has 17 or more. Here are a few other basic
rules you'll need to know.
Blackjack
If the first two cards dealt to you or the dealer are an
Ace and a ten-count card (10, Jack, Queen or King), that
is "blackjack". If you have blackjack, you win automatically,
unless the dealer also has blackjack, in which case it is
a push (tie). Blackjack pays higher than an ordinary win,
which pays even money. Blackjack pays 3 to 2, meaning you
win 3 dollars for every 2 you bet. Blackjack is sometimes
called "a natural".
Doubling down
After you receive your first two cards, you may have the
option to "double down". This means you can double your
original bet. Most casino only allow you to double down
when the value of the first 2 cards is 9, 10 or 11. If you
double down, the dealer will give you only one more card
and then draw the cards needed to complete his own hand.
