How to Play BlackJack

In Blackjack, you compete against the dealer (the house), by yourself or along with other players. The goal is to reach a total of 21 without going over. Everyone is dealt two cards. You may hit (draw more cards) as desired. A bust (over 21) means you lose the hand. You win if your total beats the dealer's without busting.

Blackjack uses a shoe with several decks. Players place their bets before the deal; bets can't change afterward. But you can increase via double down, split, or insurance.

Each player gets two cards face up. The dealer gets one face up (upcard) and one face down (hole card). Players go first: hit, stand, double down, split (if pair), or insurance (if dealer ace up). Blackjack (Ace + 10-value card) pays 3:2 immediately, unless dealer also has it (push).

After players finish, dealer reveals hole card, hits on 16 or less (stands on 17+). Dealer bust pays all non-busted players.

Double Down

After initial cards, double down to double bet and get one more card only. Can't hit further. Allowed on any two cards or post-split.

Split

Dealt a pair? Split into two hands with matching bet. Play each separately (Aces get one card only). No blackjack on split Aces; counts as 21, loses to dealer blackjack.

Insurance

Dealer ace up? Take insurance (half original bet). Pays 2:1 if dealer blackjack. Else, lose insurance, continue hand.

Push

Player and dealer same total? Push - bet returned.

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