Blackjack

The object of blackjack is to build a hand that totals closer to 21 then the dealer without going over. Blackjack is a game where each player plays against the dealer. If the dealer goes over 21 each player wins unless they went over 21 as well.

The game starts with each player making a bet. Bets are totally independent. What you bet does not affect another players bet.

The dealer deals each player 2 cards and 2 for himself. The dealer then goes around the table giving each player a turn to take more cards in an attempt to improve their hands. It is at this point where a player may double down or split cards.

Splitting cards is when you are dealt 2 cards on the original deal and they are the same. You may split them and make 2 hands from them on the same bet, and if either one wins you win and if they both win you double your bet. I do not recommend splitting a hand of two 10 or face cards, the other players at the table may try to kill you.

Double down means you are very confident that if you take one extra card you will have a winning hand. You may double the amount of your original bet, but you only get to take 1 extra card from the dealer.

After everyone has made their hands the dealer will make his hand. The dealer has to follow rules as to when he may take a card and when he may not. If the dealers hand is less then 16 he must take cards till his hand is over 16. The dealer may not take any cards once he has a hand of 17 or more.

At this time everyone reveals their hands and the winners are paid and the losers shrug and it starts all over again.