Aim of the Game

Blackjack is known by a few different names, namely "pontoon" or "twenty-one". The name "twenty-one" simply tells us the main object of the game. This is to get 21 points, or as close to 21 points as possible, without getting more than 21 points.

Useful Information for Blackjack Players

Classic blackjack is plaed with one deck of cards but in a casino, it could be played with 1, 2, 4, 6 or 8 decks.

The game is played against the dealer/the house. After initial betting, before which only one of the dealer's cards is shown, the dealer plays according to strict rules, so the cards are played openly as it cannot affect the game in any way if the players see the dealer's cards and vice versa.

Cards are usually dealt face up. If the game is being played with only a single or double deck of cards, the cards may be dealt face down or one card face up and the next card face down.

There are a number of variations of blackjack, but all follow the same basic guidelines. If there are specific house rules for a casino, they will be displayed at the blackjack table.

Blackjack is a mixture of skill and luck, so it is important to really understand the game before playing.

Blackjack Rules and Terminology

- Bets are placed in the designated areas on the blackjack table.

- After bets have been placed, the each player is dealt two cards. The dealer is also given two cards at this time. One of the dealer's cards faces up, and the other faces down. An insurance bet may be placed at this time. Experts suggest to place this bet only if the dealer has turned up an ace, as the player is betting on the chance that the dealer will have an exact total of 21.

- Hit: The player shows the dealer that they want another card. Cards are drawn one at a time. If the player goes "bust" (reaches a total of over 21), they hand in their cards for that round and have lost the hand.

- Stand: The player chooses to stay with the number of cards they have been dealt.

- Pair Splitting: If the player is dealt two cards of the same number or picture, they may split them apart and play two hands. A second, equal bet needs to be placed