Blackjack (aka 21)

📌 Quick Info

  • Name of the Game: Blackjack (also called 21)
  • Number of Players: 1 to 7 players + 1 dealer
  • Decks Required: 1 to 8 Standard 52-card decks (depends on casino or house rule)

🎯 Objective

To beat the dealer by getting a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over.

🛠️ What You Need

  • 1 or more decks of 52 playing cards
  • Chips or counters for betting (optional for casual play)
  • Designated space for each player and the dealer

🔄 How to Play – Step by Step

▶️ 1. Initial Deal

  1. Each player places a bet (optional at home).
  2. Dealer gives 2 cards to each player (face-up).
  3. Dealer receives 1 card face-up and 1 face-down (called the “hole card”).

▶️ 2. Card Values

  • Number cards: face value
  • Face cards (J, Q, K): 10 points
  • Ace: 1 or 11 points (whichever benefits the hand)

▶️ 3. Player Turns

Each player chooses one of the following actions:

  • Hit: Take another card
  • Stand: End your turn, keep current total
  • Double Down: Double your bet, take only one more card
  • Split: If your first two cards are the same value, split into two hands (requires extra bet)
  • Surrender: Give up your hand and lose half your bet (optional rule)

▶️ 4. Dealer’s Turn

  • Dealer reveals the hidden card.
  • Dealer must hit until their total is 17 or more.
  • If dealer goes over 21, all remaining players win.

▶️ 5. Compare Hands

  • If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s — you win.
  • If your hand is equal — it’s a “push” (tie).
  • If your hand is lower than dealer’s or over 21 — you lose.

🧠 Example Game

  • Your hand: 10♦, 7♣ = 17
  • 6♠
  • You decide to Stand.
  • Dealer reveals hole card = 10♥ → Total = 16 → Dealer hits and draws 8♣ → Busts at 24 → You win!

📜 Basic Strategy Rules

  • Always stand on 17 or higher (unless soft total).
  • Always hit on 11 or lower.
  • Split: Always split Aces and 8s; never split 5s or 10s.
  • Double down: Often on 10 or 11 if dealer has weak card (e.g., 4, 5, 6).

⚙️ Optional / House Rules

  • Number of decks: Can range from 1 (Single Deck Blackjack) to 8 decks in casinos.
  • Blackjack payout: Usually 3:2 (e.g., ₹100 bet wins ₹150); some tables pay 6:5.
  • Surrender: Some rules allow early or late surrender.
  • Insurance: Side bet offered if dealer’s face-up card is an Ace.

📚 History & Origin

  • Originated in French casinos in the 1700s as “Vingt-et-Un” (Twenty-One).
  • Gained popularity in America when bonus payouts were offered for a Black Jack (A♣ and J♠).
  • Today, Blackjack is the most widely played casino banking game in the world.
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