Blackjack is without question the most popular table game in terms of both land-based and online casino table games. But like any other game, it has a particular set of rules that must be followed in order to play the game correctly and ultimately win against the house. Many gambling establishments make a lot of money off players who don’t know how to play partiularly well, so if this might be you, take some time to learn the objective and rules of the game.

Objective

Besides the dealer, a game of Blackjack can include between 1-7 players. Each player plays against the dealer though, regardless of any others who may be at the table. To win a hand, a player’s card value must be 21 or closer to it than the dealer, without going over. A hand that goes over 21 is considered a “bust” and represents a lost bet.

Card Values

The value of a player’s hand, as well as the dealer’s hand, is the sum of the face value of the cards. All face cards, which include King, Queen, and Jack, are all valued at 10 each. Card values 2 through 10 have values according to the number. An Ace can be played as either a 1 or an 11, depending on what makes a better hand. If the Ace is played as an 11, it is considered “soft,” whereas, if it is valued at 1, it is referred to as “hard.” The difference is that a soft hand cannot be busted if another face card is drawn, but a hard hand could possibly lead to a bust.