Blackjack is usually played with 4 to 6 decks of 52 cards.
Cards 2 to 10 have their face value, while figures (Jacks, Queens & Kings) are worth 10, and Aces count as 1 or 11 depending on how the player chooses to use them.
Gameplay:
Player places a bet → Players receive 2 open cards → Call "Hit" for more cards or "Stand" to stop.
Each participant tries to beat the dealer by getting a hand as close to 21 as possible without exceeding 21.
Ace & a figure gives Blackjack (the best hand).
Payouts:
Blackjack winning hands generally pay 1:1, also called "Evens" or "Even Money".
If the player's hand is higher than the dealer's, the player wins.
Player Options After Initial Two Cards:
Hit: Request an additional card to increase hand value. You can hit multiple times until you stand or bust.
Stand: Keep your current hand and end your turn.
Double Down: Double the original bet and receive one more card, then must stand. Available after the first two cards.
Split: If the first two cards are a pair, you can split into two hands, each with its own bet, and play them separately.
Insurance: If the dealer's 1st card is an Ace, you can bet half of your original stake. If the dealer has Blackjack, the payout is 2:1; if not, your money is returned.
Dealer Rules:
After all players have acted, the dealer reveals their hand.
The dealer must hit until reaching 17 or higher, following standard rules.
Game Outcome:
Compare player hand vs. dealer hand:
If the player is closer to 21 without busting → player wins and receives a payout equal to the original bet.
If the dealer is closer or the player busts → dealer wins; the player loses the bet.
Special Terms:
Bust: Hand exceeding 21. Example: hand of 18 → hit → get 5 → Bust (23) → lose bet.
Push: Player hand equals dealer hand → tie, original bet returned with no additional win or loss.