Card Values:

• Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value.
• Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points each.
• An Ace can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on which value is more advantageous for the player’s hand.

Starting the Game:

• Players place their bets before any cards are dealt.
• The dealer deals two cards to each player and one card to themselves. All cards are dealt face-up in some variants, while in others, the dealer’s second card remains face-down until the end of the hand.

Playing Your Hand:

• After receiving their initial two cards, players have several options:
  • Hit: Draw an additional card to improve the hand.
  • Stand: Decline any more cards and play the hand as it is.
  • Double Down: Double the original bet after receiving the first two cards, taking only one more card.
  • Split: If the first two cards are of the same rank, the player can split them into two separate hands and place an additional bet.
  • Surrender: Some casinos allow players to surrender, forfeiting half their bet and ending the hand.

Dealer’s Play:

• The dealer plays their hand according to specific rules, usually hitting until they reach a certain total (often 17 or higher) and then standing.

Winning and Losing:

• If the player’s hand total exceeds 21, they bust and automatically lose their bet.
• If the player’s hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s without exceeding 21, they win and are paid even money (1:1) on their bet.
• If the player and the dealer have the same hand value, it results in a push, and the player’s bet is returned.
• If the player gets a natural blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card) and the dealer doesn’t, the player wins and is paid 3:2 on their bet.