Blackjack is a popular casino card game that combines strategy and luck. The goal is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s without going over. Here’s a basic breakdown of how to play:

The Basics

• Card Values: Face cards (King, Queen, Jack) are worth 10. Aces can be worth 1 or 11. Numbered cards are worth their face value.
• Hand Total: The goal is to have a hand total as close to 21 as possible. If you go over 21, you “bust” and lose your bet.
• Dealer: The dealer’s hand is dealt face-up and face-down. The face-up card determines their “upcard.”

Gameplay

1. Betting: Place your bet on the designated area on the table.
2. Cards: You and the dealer are dealt two cards each. One of the dealer’s cards is face-up.
3. Your Turn: You have several options:
   • Hit: Draw another card.
   • Stand: Keep your current hand.
   • Double Down: Double your bet and receive one more card.
   • Split: If you have two cards of the same rank, split them into two separate hands.
4. Dealer’s Turn: Once all players have finished their turns, the dealer will reveal their face-down card. If the dealer’s hand is less than 17, they must hit.

Winning

• Higher Hand: If your hand total is closer to 21 than the dealer’s without going over, you win.
• Dealer Bust: If the dealer goes over 21, all remaining players win.
• Push: If both you and the dealer have the same hand total, it’s a tie and your bet is returned.

Basic Strategy

While there are more complex strategies, here are some basic guidelines:

• Hit: If your hand total is 11 or less.
• Stand: If your hand total is 17 or higher.
• Double Down: If your hand total is 11.
• Split: If you have two Aces or two 8s.

Remember, blackjack is a game of both skill and chance. Practice and learn basic strategies to improve your odds.