The aim of the game is to accumulate a higher point total than the dealer without going over 21. You calculate your score by adding the values of your individual cards.

The cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value; J, Q, and K are worth 10 points each; and the Ace is worth either 1 or 11 points (player's choice).

 

At the start of a blackjack game, the player and the dealer receive two cards each. The player's cards are normally dealt face up, while the dealer has one face down (called the hole card) and one face up.
The best possible blackjack hand is an opening deal of an ace with any ten-point card. This is called a "blackjack", or a natural 21, and the player holding this automatically wins unless the dealer also has a blackjack. If a player and the dealer each have a blackjack, the result is a push for that player. The payment is 1.5 times the bet.

 

After the cards have been dealt, the game goes on. First, the player can choose to split (if the player has two of the same cards) or double. When splitting, the player continues with 2 hands with the same bet as for the first hand. The maximum number of splits is 2.  When the player doubles, one more card is dealt. Then the player can keep his hand as it is (stand) or take more cards from the deck (hit), one at a time, until either the player judges that the hand is strong enough to go up against the dealer's hand and stands, or until it goes over 21, in which case the player immediately loses (busts). In most places, the player can take as many cards as they like, as long as they don't bust.

 

When the player has finished their actions (either decided to stand or busted), the dealer turns over his hidden hole card.

• If the dealer has a natural 21 (blackjack) with his two cards, he won't take any more cards.

• If the dealer doesn't have a natural, he hits (takes more cards) or stands depending on the value of the hand.

Contrary to the player, though, the dealer's action is completely dictated by the rules. The dealer must hit if the value of the hand is lower than 17, otherwise t,he dealer will stand.

 

If the dealer goes bust, the player wins. If the player has higher point totals than the dealer he wins, while players with lower totals than the dealer lose. If the player has the same total as the dealer the result is a push: the stake is returned to them and neither win nor lose.

If the player has a blackjack win, a bet plus a bonus amount, which is equal to half their original wager. A blackjack hand beats any other hand, including those with a total value of 21 but with more cards.
As described above, if the dealer has a blackjack, players with blackjack make a push, while all other players lose.