Blackjack

(21 Points)

Game Rules

1. Hit:

Players must place their bets on the table. The dealer then begins to deal cards, starting with the players and then dealing to themselves in an alternating manner. Each player receives two cards face up, while the dealer receives two cards—one face up and one face down. Kings (K), Queens (Q), Jacks (J), and 10s are all counted as 10 points. Aces (A) can be counted as either 1 or 11 points, depending on the player's choice. An Ace counted as 11 is called a "soft" hand (e.g., A, 6 totaling a soft 17), while an Ace counted as 1 is called a "hard" hand (e.g., A, 6, Q totaling a hard 17). All other cards from 2 to 9 are valued at their face value.

2. Comparison of Values:

If a player’s first two cards are an Ace and a 10, they have a "Blackjack." If the dealer does not have a Blackjack, the player wins 1.5 times their bet (2 to 3). If the dealer has a Blackjack and the player does not, the dealer collects the player’s bet.

Players without Blackjack can continue to draw cards to get as close to, but not exceed, 21 points. The player closest to 21 wins; if the totals are equal, it is a push, with no winnings or losses. If the total exceeds 21 points, the player "busts," and the dealer collects the player's bet without revealing their cards. If the dealer exceeds 21 points, they must pay the player an amount equal to the player's bet.

If the dealer's total points are less than 16, they must hit until they exceed 16 or bust (go over 21), unless they have a soft 16. If the dealer's total is 17 points or more, they must stand.

3. Splitting:

If the player's first two cards have the same point value, they can choose to split them into two hands (split), operated by the player. The betting and gameplay are the same as before. If the third card matches the first two, they can continue to split, but a fourth matching card cannot be split; it can only be placed as the second card of the first hand. However, if you split two Aces, you may only draw one additional card for each hand. If the total of the two Aces is 21, it is not considered a Blackjack, but rather simply 21 points. You cannot make additional bets on already split hands.

4. Double Down:

If you have already drawn two cards and believe a third card will beat the dealer’s hand, you can request a "double down." Your bet will be doubled, and you can only draw one additional card. Doubling down is not allowed if you have Blackjack.

5. Insurance:

If the dealer's face-up card is an Ace, and their face-down card is a 10, Jack, Queen, or King, they have a Blackjack. At this time, players have the opportunity to buy insurance, which is half of the original bet.

(1) If the player chooses insurance:

• If the dealer has a Blackjack, the dealer only collects the insurance bet.

• If the dealer does not have a Blackjack, they first collect the insurance bet and then proceed with hitting and comparing hands as previously described. If the player gets 21 points, they still receive their full payout.

(2) If the player does not choose insurance:

• If the dealer has a Blackjack, they collect the player’s bet.

• If the dealer does not have a Blackjack, the game continues with hitting and comparing hands as previously described.