Blackjack is also known as “21” and is a card game where you play against the dealer. Everyone at the table is first dealt two cards face up. The object of this game is to get to 21 by adding the cards together. Face cards are counted as ten points. You can count an ace as either 1 point or 11 points, whatever works best with your hand. All other cards are counted as the value shown on the card.
Once you get your first two cards, you have two basic options. You can “hit” which means get another card. You can hit as many times as it takes to get to 21 without going over. Or you can “stand” which means you stay with the cards you were dealt and do not receive more cards. There are also a few extra possibilities you can use for certain hands. You can “double down” which means you double your bet and get only one more card. If you are dealt two cards of the same value, you can “split” the cards and make two hands.
The dealer has to take “hits” until they total at least 17 or more points. You win if your cards total 21 or you beat the dealer with a score that is less than 21. If the player and dealer have 21, this is called a “push” and you don’t win or lose. A true Blackjack is when your first two cards equal 21. This hand beats all other combinations of cards that equal 21 (unless the dealer also draws 21 in the first two cards). A two-card 21 on a split hand is not a Blackjack.
This is a very basic description of Blackjack. Make sure you learn all the rules before playing by visiting the Responsible Gambling Resource Centre located at both casinos or asking casino staff.
