Rules of Blackjack Blackjack is one of the most popular and widely played casino games in the world. The objective of the game is to have a hand with a total value as close to 21 as possible without going over. In this article, we will explore the basic rules of blackjack. To begin, each player is dealt two cards face-up, and the dealer receives one card face-up and one card face-down. The cards have their own numerical value: all numbered cards are worth their face value, face cards (King, Queen, Jack) are worth 10, and the Ace can be worth 1 or 11. Players have several options when it comes to playing their hand. They can choose to hit, which means they request an additional card to be dealt. They can also choose to stand, meaning they are satisfied with their current hand and do not want any more cards. Another option is to double down, where the player doubles their original bet and is dealt one more card. If a player's initial two cards have the same value, they can choose to split them into two separate hands. This requires an additional bet equal to the original, and each hand is then played out independently. Splitting can increase the chances of winning if played strategically. The goal is to get a hand value of 21, or as close to it as possible without going over. If a player's hand exceeds 21, they go bust and automatically lose their bet. The same rule applies to the dealer. If the dealer's hand exceeds 21, all remaining players win. Once all players have either stood or bust, it's time for the dealer to reveal their face-down card. The dealer must continue hitting until their hand reaches a value of 17 or higher. If the dealer goes bust, all remaining players win their bets. However, if the dealer's hand is higher than the players who haven't gone bust, those players lose. It is important to note that blackjack offers advantageous rules to players who employ basic strategy. This strategy recommends the best move or decision for every possible hand combination, based on mathematical probabilities. In conclusion, knowing the basic rules of blackjack is essential if you want to enjoy and potentially profit from playing this popular casino game. While luck plays a significant role, understanding when to hit, stand, or double down can increase your chances of winning. Remember, the goal is to get as close to 21 without going over and beat the dealer's hand. Good luck at the tables!