How Does Blackjack Work?
In the card game blackjack, players compete to see who can get closer to 21 without going over while playing against the dealer. The values of the cards in the deck are as follows: the face cards (Jack, Queen, and King) are worth 10, the numbered cards (2–10) are worth their face value, and the value of the ace can be either 1 or 11, depending on the hand's best suit.
Two face-up cards are dealt to each player at the start of the game. In addition to the player, the dealer gets a "hole card" and a "face up" card. The next step is for players to evaluate their own hands in conjunction with the displayed card of the dealer. Players have the option to "hit" (take another card) or "stand" (maintain their existing hand). You can also "split" your initial two cards into two different hands if their values are the same, or "double down" to double your wager and get another card.
After everyone has finished their moves, the dealer takes the card and plays per the rules: usually, they have to hit until their hand totals 17 or more. To "bust" and lose a bet, a player's hand total must be higher than 21. Everyone left in the pot wins if the dealer goes bust. For each hand, the greatest value wins; a "push" occurs when there is a tie and the stake is returned.