The winner of a round in blackjack requires the points in their cards to beat the dealer's points without going over 21 points.
What cards are worth:
- Numbered cards - face value
- Face cards (Kings, Queens and Jacks) - 10
- Aces - 1 or 11, whatever benefits you more
Your bet must be placed first. The dealer then gets one card and you get two. The dealer gets another card that is face-down. The dealer will then ask if you want to get a hit, take another card, or pass entirely.
After choosing to take a hit, the dealer gives you another card and asks if you want to take another hit or stand.
When your cards are between 12 to 16, you've got good odds to hit if the dealer's face up card is greater than seven. If your points total 17 or more, it's wise to stand.
If the dealer's face up card is higher than seven, your odds are good if you hit on a total of 12 to 16. Standing at 17 points or more is a wise decision. When your cards go over 21 points, you lose the game. Neither a winner or loser is declared if it's a tie.
You win if your point total is less than or equal to 21 and the dealer busts. The higher hand wins when no one's total is over 21. Bettering the dealer wins you even money.
Splitting pairs
Cards of the same value in your first two cards, like a pair of fours, lets you split your hand.
Choosing to split the cards will require you to put down another bet that's equal to your original bet. Then, you can treat them as two separate hands.
When you split Aces, getting 21 won't be considered blackjack and each hand will only receive one more card.
Doubling down
Doubling down means you're allowed to double your first bet. After getting your first two cards, you're allowed to do this. After choosing this, the dealer will give you one more card and he'll draw the cards he needs to finish his hand.
Blackjack
A blackjack is achieved when you or the dealer receives an Ace and a card worth 10 points as your first two cards. Payoffs for blackjack are three to two.
Insurance
When the dealer's face-up card is an Ace in some casinos, you'll be asked if you want insurance. This will cost half of your original bet. If the dealer gets blackjack, an insurance bet pays two to one that is equal to what you lost on the original bet.
