How Do You Play Blackjack Tutorial?

In a casino, blackjack is played on a specially designed table with room for up to seven players on one side and the dealer on the other. The object of the game is to draw cards totaling closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over 21 (busting).

Players take turns being dealt cards from a shoe (a box that holds several decks of cards) until they either bust or decide to stand.

The player’s first card is dealt face up, and all other cards are dealt face down. The player may look at his own cards but share them with anyone else at the table.

After all the players have had their turn, the dealer reveals his hand and resolves all bets.

If the player’s total is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, he wins even money on his bet. If the dealer’s total is closer to 21 than the player’s, the player loses his bet.

If both totals are equal, it’s a push, and no one wins or loses.

Blackjack usually pays 3-2–that is, a $5 bet wins $7.50–but some casinos have blackjack games that only pay 6-5 for a natural blackjack (an ace plus a 10-valued card).

That cuts into your profits, so avoid those tables if you can.