The object of Blackjack is to get a total value of cards as close to 21 as possible without going over and beat the dealer’s total. Blackjack is usually played with 6 standard decks and usually without “wild cards”. Face cards are each worth 10. Aces have a value of either 1 or 11 points; if counting the Ace as 11 would put the hand over 21, count the Ace as 1. Other cards are worth their face value.
Players can place bets by using any of the chip denominations available. When all the players have placed their bets and have chosen the “Deal” option, the game begins. It is not possible to change bets after the game has begun. However, players can increase their bets by choosing options such as “double down”, “splits”, or “insurance”.
Each player will receive 2 cards facing up. The aim of the game is to reach the number 21, or to be closer to 21 than the dealer, who is also a player. Players can opt to receive as many cards as they desire (commonly called “hit”), or they can choose to “stand”, or receive no more cards. Blackjack itself is reached in the event of a player being dealt a 10 or a face card with an ace. Following a Blackjack, the player gets paid 1.5 times his original bet. However, it is also possible that the dealer gets Blackjack. In that case, a tie situation occurs between the player and the dealer, the dealer then becomes a “push” and the player gets his bet back. Another important rule is that dealers are required to hit when they have 16 or less and will stop when they have 17 or more. If the dealer decides to “push”, all players around the table are paid.
Double down - you may double your bet during the game of Blackjack, but only after you've been dealt two cards and if their sum is 9, 10 an 11. If you choose to double down, one more card will be dealt to you. However, one cannot “hit” again after deciding to double down.
Split - splitting offers the option of breaking one hand of cards into two hands. It therefore gives you the chance to win (or lose) twice in the same game. Aces exempt, if you are dealt any pair of cards, you can choose to split the cards into two hands. Player will place a second bet equal in amount to the first and will also be allowed to play both hands on an individual basis. Once you have split your hand into two hands, you may take as many hits on each hand as you want. If a pair of Aces is dealt to you, you are subsequently not ineligible anymore for Blackjack and you can only therefore get a “normal” 21. If the dealer has Blackjack, he wins, but if he reaches 21, it’s a “push”.
Insurance - If the dealer has Ace, you have the option to play "insurance". On the line of insurance indicated on the table you can put maximum one half of your original bet. If the dealer gets Black Jack, "insurance" will be paid at a ratio of 2:1. If the dealer does not get Black Jack, the insurance bet is lost and result of the game is determined at the usual way. The player can not play the "insurance", if the player’s hand is already a Black Jack hand.