Objective

The object of blackjack is to obtain a total value of cards greater than the dealer, without going over 21 (busting). If you bust, you lose. If the dealer busts (and you don't), then you win. If neither of you busts, then the higher hand wins. In the case of a tie, neither side wins or loses, this is called a push.

Equipment

Blackjack is player with a standard 52-card-deck of playing cards. The cards are equal to their face-value, except for face cards which equal 10, and the ace which equals 1 or 11, at the player's option.

The Start

The game of blackjack begins with a bet. The minimum bet at most casinos is five dollars, although it varies from table to table. If the player wins, he wins an amount equal to his bet. If the player loses, he loses his bet.

After all the players have made their bets, the deal begins. Each player is dealt two cards, either face-up or face-down, depending on which type of table it is. The dealer always receives one card face-up and one face-down (the hole card).

Blackjack!

A natural, or blackjack occurs when the player's first two cards are an ace and any 10-valued card. If the dealer does not also have a blackjack, this is an automatic win for the player and pays off at 3/2 to 1. This means the player would win $15 ($10 + $5) off a $10 bet. If the dealer has blackjack and the player does not, the player automatically loses. If both the player and dealer have blackjack, the hand is a push.

Insurance

If the dealer's up-card is an ace, players have the option to take insurance against a potential dealer blackajck before play proceeds. An insurance bet may be made up to one-half of the player's initial bet. Insurance pays off 2 to 1 if the dealer's hole card is a 10-valued card. For example, if the player made an initial bet of $10 and the dealer's up-card is an ace, the player can make an insurance bet of $5. If the dealer has blackjack, the player would lose his initial bet of $10, but win $10 ($5 x 2) off the insurance bet. If the dealer does not have blackjack, then the player loses the $5 insurance bet.

Player Options

Stand

If the player is satisfied with the total value of his first two cards then he can stand. The player's turn is then over and play shifts to the dealer.

Hit

If the player is not satisfied with the total value of his first two cards then he can hit. The player then receives another card from the dealer. If the player busts, he loses and the hand is over. If not, the player again has the choice to either hit or stand.

Double Down

In certain situations the player can double his initial bet after receiving his first two cards. However, after doubling down the player will receive one card and one card only. If the player does not bust and his total is higher than the dealer or the dealer busts, then the player wins twice his original bet. Some casinos will allow players to double down on any two cards, while others will only allow doubling on 9, 10 and 11. You must check the rules at each table you play.

Split Pairs

If the first two cards of the player's hand have the same point value, the player can split his pair into two new hands. The player must then make another wager equal to the amount of his original bet. Another card is dealt to form a new hand along with one of the original cards. That hand is played to completion and then one more card is dealt to the remaining original card. The final hand is then played like normal. Some casinos allow doubling after a split, whereas others do not.

A special case arises, however, when a player splits aces. In most casinos, the player will only receive one additional card along with each ace. If the additional card is a ten, the player only wins equal money on his original bet (not 3/2 to 1) if he goes on to beat the dealer. This is because the 21 is not a natural.

Surrender

Probably the least known option available to the blackjack player is surrendering your hand. If the casino allows it, the player may surrender any hand less than 21 and lose only half his original bet. Some casinos will only allow the player to surrender on the first two cards (early surrender), while others will allow it on any number of cards (late surrender).

Dealer Options

Unlike the player, the dealer has no options. He must play his hand according to a strict set of rules. If the dealer's total is less than 17, he must hit. If he has 17 or more, he must stand. Depending on the house rules, the dealer either hits or stands on a soft 17 (a hand totaling 17, which includes an ace that is being counted as 11).

Showdown

After all the hands are played, the round is over and the winners are paid off. If the dealer busted, all players who did not bust are paid off at even money. If the dealer does not bust, players with a total greater than the dealer are paid off at even money. In the event of a push, no money changes hands.