Of all the card games in the casino world, blackjack simultaneously remains one of the most popular and also one of the most misunderstood. That is because while people understand the goal of the game is to beat the dealer they often do not understand how to beat the dealer. Sure, they may say the goal is to reach "21", but this is often not necessary to beat the dealer. So, let's examine the common rules of play.
Cards are all assigned a value. Numerical cards are worth their face value, face cards are worth 10 and aces are worth 1 or 11. Players only play against the dealer and must get a higher total than the dealer to win. Players are dealt two cards face up and the dealer is dealt one card face up and one face down. If you wish to increase your cards 'numerical value you must take a hit – an additional card. The highest number you can reach is 21. (If 21 is acquired by a face card and an ace you have "blackjack" which pays 3 -2 as opposed to 1 -1) If you go over you "break" and the dealer wins. If the dealer goes over 21 the players win. Players can hit or stick at their own discretion but dealers must hit on 16 or below and stick on 17.
Additionally, players can also increase their bets based on situations. If you have two of the same cards you can "split" the hand by doubling your bet, receiving one additional card each and playing two hands. Or, you can double down which means you double your bet but take only one card.
