Blackjack

Blackjack is a fast, social casino classic where players compete only against the dealer, not each other. The goal is simple: build a hand closer to 21 than the dealer without busting. With quick decisions, flexible Aces, and a mix of luck and strategy, it’s one of the easiest card games to learn - and one of the most replayable.

The Pack

52 cards, no jokers

In casinos, multiple decks are often shuffled together and dealt from a dealing shoe.

Object of the Game

To beat the dealer, getting as close to 21 without going over.

Card Values/scoring

• Face Cards = 10

• Ace = 1 or 11

• Number Cards = Pip Value

Setup

Each player places an initial bet before cards are dealt.

Players receive two cards face‑up.

The dealer receives one card face‑up and one face‑down (the “hole” card).

Players Turn

EVALUATE YOUR HAND

Add your two card values together

CHOOSE YOUR ACTION

• Hit: Take another card to add to your total

• Stand/Stay: Keep your current total. End your turn.

• Double Down: Double your bet, take one final card, then stand.

• Split: If you have a pair, split into two hands by placing a second bet equal to your first.

Dealer's Turn

Dealer reveals the hole card.

Dealer must hit until reaching 17 or higher.

If the dealer busts (goes over 21), all remaining players win.

PAYOUTS

• Win: Paid 1:1.

• Blackjack (Ace + 10‑value card): Paid 3:2.

• Push (tie): Your bet is returned.

• Lose: Dealer collects your bet.

Insurance

Insurance is an optional side bet offered only when the dealer’s face‑up card is an Ace.

You may place an insurance bet equal to half your original wager.

This bet pays 2:1 only if the dealer’s hidden card is a 10‑value card, giving them blackjack.

The outcome of your insurance bet is separate from the outcome of your main hand.

Strategy Tips

• Stand on 12-16 when the dealer shows 2-6. The dealer is more likely to bust.

• Hit 12-16 when the dealer shows 7-Ace. You need to improve your hand.

• Always split Aces and 8s. Aces give you two strong starts; 8s get you out of a weak 16.

• Never split 10s. A 20 is already a winning hand.

• Double down on 10 or 11. These give you the best chance to win with one card.

• Avoid insurance. Over time, the bet loses more than it wins.