The object of the game is to beat the dealer by having a total of points under or equal to 21 that is greater than the total of points that the dealer has. The player may sit on any score under 21 but will lose immediately if over 21. The dealer must draw if 16 or under and must stand if 17 or over without being over 21. If the dealer is greater than 21 then the dealer busts and all remaining players win.

Each casino seems to have its variation of the rules in the areas of surrender, splitting, doubling etc. What is below are the fundamental rules employed by all casinos. If they change these then they usually change the name of the game. Be aware that they only ever change the fundamental rules to increase their edge. BlackJack Counter strongly advises giving these games a big miss.

Rules

Cards TWO to NINE are worth their face value of 2 to 9. Cards TEN to KING are worth 10.ACES are worth either 1 or 11 depending on which value gives the best result.

A hand with an ace is called a soft hand while one without is called a hard hand.

A card is dealt to each seat that has a bet and then one card face up to the dealer.

A second card is dealt to the player and if Nevada Style is being played then a second card is dealt to the dealer face down. If the first card is an ace or ten the dealer then has a look at the second card and if a BLACKJACK is declared no more cards are dealt.

If the London Style is being played the dealer only receives a second card after all players have finished.

After players have received their second card they should do the following.

Blackjack

If an ACE and a 10 or PICTURE have been dealt then that is called a BLACKJACK and no more cards are dealt to that hand. Unless the dealer also has a blackjack you will receive 1½ times your bet. If the dealer also has a blackjack then you do not win nor lose. This is a tie and is usually called a PUSH but may be called a STAND OFF in non USA casinos.

If a blackjack has not been dealt then following questions must be asked to determine the correct actions.

Basic Strategy

1. Surrender

If early surrender is available and the cards match the table shown then surrender the hand for a loss of half a bet..

2. Splitting

If the first two cards are equal and splitting is recommended then do so. Another bet equal to the first one must be placed.

After you split a third card is dealt. If it is the same as the first two then split again and another card will be dealt onto the first card.

If a pair of aces were initially received then they may only be allowed one split and after the split will usually only receive one card each and then stand.

3. Double Down

The first two cards (or the first set of cards after a split if doubling after splitting is allowed) are examined for a doubling opportunity. Local rules will dictate if doubling is possible for soft and hard hands or just hard hands.

If doubling is recommended then another bet equal to the first one must be placed and one card only is dealt.

4. Stand

Finally look at the stand tables to determine whether standing is advisable or another card is required.

Usually to indicate a stand wave your hand horizontally; for another card move your fingers towards yourself.

If you receive another card and your hand becomes more than 21 it is called a bust and you lose immediately. Otherwise you wait for the dealer to finish before the result is known.

The Result

After ALL players have finished receiving cards the dealer reveals the down card if Nevada Style or receives a second card if London Style and draws cards until they total 17 or better. If the dealer's cards exceeds 21 then the dealer busts and all remaining players are paid out.

Otherwise dealer and player scores are compared. If the player has a better score then they win; if the dealer has the better score the player loses; and if the scores are the same then the player neither wins nor loses.