If the player ties with the dealer, the original bet is returned to the player. If the player scored higher than the dealer, they win. If the dealer reaches a valid hand, the cards are totalled and each player’s hand is compared to the dealer’s. If the dealer’s hand exceeds 21, all players who didn't bust win immediately - their bet is returned along with a matching amount from the dealer's bank. They can, again, either ‘HIT’ or ‘STAND’. If the player busts, they immediately lose their bet.Īfter each player has played and either stood or busted, the dealer takes their turn. The player can ‘HIT’ as many times as they wish, but have to aim not to ‘bust’ (exceed a total of 21). They can then either call out ‘HIT’ again, or ‘STAND’ if they do not wish to draw any more cards. If the player calls out ‘HIT’, they are given an extra card. Starting to the left of the dealer, each player is given a chance to draw more cards. The dealer receives two cards, one face-up and another face-down. After the bets have been placed, all players are dealt two cards face-up in front of their respective betting positions.

The face cards (Jack, Queen, King) score 10 points and Ace can either be treated as 1 or 11.Īt the beginning of each round, all players place their bets in their betting positions - also known as ‘boxes’. All number cards (2-10) score the value indicated on them. The Play - Basic Rulesīlackjack is usually played at a table of 2-7 players and uses one to eight 52-card decks. Going over 21 is commonly known as ‘busting’ and means an automatic loss. The aim of blackjack is to finish the game with a higher total than that of the dealer, without exceeding 21.

21 card game how to play