The object of blackjack is to geta total value of cards close to twenty one, without going over this number. Numerated cards are worth their face value. Face cards such as Kings, Queens and Jacks — are each worth 10. Aces are worth either 1 or 11, as the player wants.

When the total value of your cards goes past 21, you “bust”, which means you lose. If your total is less than or equal to 21 and the dealer’s total is over 21, then the dealer busts and you win. If either your total or the dealer’s total exceeds 21, then the higher total wins. In the case of a tie, no one wins and no one loses. A tie is called a “push”.

As you place your bet you have begun the game. Next the dealer deals two cards to you and one to himself. Usually these cards are dealt face-up. Then the dealer gives himself a second card face-down. This is called the hole card. Now you have to make a decision, either to call for another card or pass to the dealer.

When the face-up card of the dealer is an Ace, you will be asked if you want “insurance”. The cost of insurance is one-half your original bet. Your insurance bet pays 2 to 1 if the dealer gets blackjack, which will equal the amount you lose on the original bet.

Casinos deal blackjack from a single deck or from multiple decks. Mostly, the dealer is used to “discard” or burn the top card after shuffling.