Blackjack

The goal

Blackjack is a turn-based game with each player individually competing against the Dealer’s hand. The aim is to make a hand that is higher than the Dealer’s – without going over 21.

How to play

1. All players make an initial wager then receive two cards face up. The Dealer receives one.
2. If your first two cards are an Ace and a picture card (or a 10), you have a Blackjack and will automatically be paid 3:2 on your bet, so long as the Dealer doesn’t also get a Blackjack on their turn.
3. If you have any other combination, you now have several choices:
   • — Draw extra cards (hit)
   • — Keep your current total (stand)
   • — Double
   • — Split
   • — Take insurance (if the Dealer has an Ace)

Hit or stand

1. The standard Blackjack play involves either hitting or standing.

Remember, your aim is to get as close to 21 as possible but not over! Try to pay attention to which cards have already been played when deciding to hit or stand.

1. Players must hit on 11 or less and may hit any number of times. If your total goes above 21 you “bust” and lose your bet. Otherwise, stand when you think your total can beat the Dealer’s.

Double

1. Instead of hitting, you may double down on your initial bet and receive just one extra card. You must then stand.

Split

1. If you draw two cards of the same value, you can match your original bet and split the pair, thereby having two separate hands.
2. If you choose to split Aces, only one additional card will be dealt to each. If a 10-point card is dealt to either Ace the hand is treated as 21, but not a Blackjack.

Insurance

1. Whenever the first card dealt to the Dealer is an Ace, you may place an insurance bet in case the Dealer makes Blackjack. If the Dealer’s next card is worth 10, this bet pays 2:1.

Winning and losing

1. Once all wagers have been made and players have either gone bust or chosen to stand, the Dealer receives their second card. The Dealer must hit on 16 or less and must stand on a 17 or above.
2. At the end of the Dealer’s turn you win if:
   • — you didn’t bust and have a higher score than the Dealer
   • or
   • — the Dealer went over 21
3. And lose if:
   • — you drew over 21
   • or
   • — the Dealer’s total is closer to 21 than yours
4. If you both have an equal score this is called a standoff and neither wins or loses.
5. Bets are always paid even money, unless you’ve been dealt a Blackjack hand, which is paid 3:2 (ie $10 pays $15).

Pairs

A single 11:1 payout for any pair dealt to a player on their initial deal.