Blackjack is a card game where you play against the dealer with the goal of getting as close to 21 as possible – without going over.
You start by placing your bet, after which both you and the dealer receive two cards. Your cards are dealt face up, while the dealer typically has one face-up card and one hidden card.
The cards have the following values: face cards count as 10, aces count as 1 or 11, and the remaining cards have their face value. You then decide how to play your hand. You can take another card (hit), stand, double your bet (double), or split if you have two cards of the same value.
The goal is to have a hand closer to 21 than the dealer. Once all players have finished, the dealer reveals their hidden card and draws additional cards according to fixed rules (typically the dealer must draw until reaching at least 17).
If your hand is higher than the dealer’s without exceeding 21, you win. If you go over 21, you automatically lose. If you get 21 with your first two cards (an ace and a 10-value card), you have blackjack and usually receive a bonus payout.
Blackjack is easy to learn and allows you to make decisions along the way that can influence your chances in the game.