Overview

Blackjack is a popular card game where players compete against the dealer to achieve a hand total closer to 21 without exceeding it. The game involves strategic decisions regarding betting, drawing cards, and deciding when to stand. This manual will guide you through the rules and gameplay of Blackjack.

Game Setup

• Players: 2 to No Max
• Minimum Age: 18
• Duration: Varies depending on the number of players and hands played
• Required Items:
  • A standard 52-card deck
  • Chips or tokens for betting

Game Rules

Objective

The primary objective is to beat the dealer by having a hand total closer to 21 without exceeding it.

Card Values

• Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value.
• Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points.
• Aces can be worth 1 or 11 points, depending on which value benefits the hand more.

Betting

1. Place Bets: Each player places their bet in the designated betting area.
2. Dealing: The dealer deals two cards to each player and two to themselves. One of the dealer’s cards remains face down (the “hole” card).

Player Actions

• Hit: Draw an additional card to improve your hand total.
• Stand: Keep your current hand total and end your turn.
• Double Down: Double your initial bet and receive exactly one more card.
• Split: If you have two cards of the same value, you can split them into two separate hands, placing an additional bet equal to the original bet.

Dealer’s Turn

1. The dealer reveals their hole card.
2. The dealer must hit until their hand total is at least 17.
3. If the dealer busts (exceeds 21), all remaining players win.

Winning

• If your hand total is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, you win and are paid 1:1 on your bet.
• If you have a Blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card), you are paid 3:2 on your bet.
• If your hand total exceeds 21, you bust and lose your bet.
• If the dealer’s hand total is closer to 21 than yours, the dealer wins and you lose your bet.
• If both hands have the same total, it’s a push, and your bet is returned.

Example Gameplay

1. Initial Deal: Each player and the dealer receive two cards. One of the dealer’s cards is face up.
2. Player Actions: Each player decides to hit, stand, double down, or split based on their hand total and the dealer’s face-up card.
3. Dealer’s Turn: After all players have completed their actions, the dealer reveals their hole card and draws additional cards as needed.
4. Resolution: The dealer compares hands with each player, and bets are settled accordingly.

Strategy Tips

• Always consider the dealer’s face-up card when making decisions.
• Avoid taking unnecessary risks; a conservative approach often yields better results.
• Practice basic Blackjack strategy to improve your chances of winning.