How to play Blackjack

Objective

Finish closer to 21 than the dealer, or remain in the hand when the dealer busts.

Setup

1. 1

   Choose a dealer and assign values: number cards at face value, faces at 10, aces at 1 or 11.

2. 2

   Deal two cards to each player and two to the dealer, normally with one dealer card exposed.

How play works

1. 1

   Players may hit, stand, double, or split when the house rules allow.

2. 2

   After all players act, the dealer reveals and draws to the stated threshold, commonly standing on 17.

Scoring and winning

1. 1

   A natural blackjack normally pays more than an ordinary win.

2. 2

   A player bust loses immediately. Equal totals push unless the rules say otherwise.

Rules to settle before play

1. 1

   Dealer behavior and soft-17 rules must be fixed in advance.

2. 2

   This guide describes common play, not casino-specific wagering rules.