Blackjack

Blackjack™, sometimes called 21, is one of the most popular casino games. The game can be played with one to seven Players and one Dealer. All Players are playing against the Dealer. Blackjack™ is played with one to eight decks of cards. At most tables the Dealer will draw on 16 and stand on all 17s. At some tables the Dealer must hit on a SOFT 17; this will be clearly noted on each table.

The object of the game is to beat the Dealer, but not go over the point total of 21. Each Player will be dealt two cards. The Dealer will receive one card face up and one card face down (hole card). The Dealer will then ask each Player in the game, in turn, if they would like to draw another card or stand. All Players must use hand signals to inform the Dealer of their choice. All Players wanting a card must tap or scratch the table. Players refusing to take another card must wave their hand horizontally over the table. After each Player has acted on their own hand, the Dealer will act on his hand. If the Player's total is higher than the Dealer's total, but not over 21, the Player will be paid even money. If the Player's total is less than the Dealer's total, the Player loses their wager. If the Player and the Dealer have the same point total, the hand is considered a push and no money is won or lost. If a Player receives a point count of 21 in the original two cards, it is considered a Blackjack and pays 3 to 2.

If the Dealer has an Ace showing, the Player may take insurance up to half of their original wager. This is a side bet saying that the Dealer has a blackjack. If the Dealer has blackjack and the Player takes insurance, the original bet loses and the insurance pays 2 to 1. If the Dealer does not have Blackjack, the insurance bet loses and the game will continue.

If a Player has two cards of the same numeric value, they may elect to split the pair and make two separate hands. The Player must split for the same amount of their original bet. A Player may split up to three times to make four hands. A Player splitting a pair of aces may only receive one card on each. If the Player receives an additional ace, the Player may split the aces again (up to three times to make four hands).

TERMS

DOUBLING DOWN
If on the first two cards, the Player feels they can win with only one more card, they may double their bet. Remember, they get only one more card.

SPLITTING PAIRS
An option the Player has with two original cards of the same numeric value (4s, 8s, etc). They can split the two cards and play each hand individually. They must bet the same amount as their original wager on the split hand. They may also ?double down? on the first two cards of each hand after the split, except when splitting aces. The Player can split up to three times to make four hands.

INSURANCE
If the Dealer's "up card" is an Ace, the Player can take insurance. They're betting that the Dealer has a ten-value card in the "hole," making Blackjack. The Player can bet one half of their original wager. A winning insurance bet pays 2 to 1.

PUSH
A tie between the Player and the Dealer. Neither hand wins.

HAND SIGNALS
Non-verbal communication between the Player and the Dealer to indicate "hit" or "stand." Ask the Dealer for the proper signals.
These simple key rules will help you play:
1. If your total is closer to 21 than the Dealer's, you win.
2. If you "hit" and your total is more than 21, you lose.
3. If you and the Dealer have the same total, it is a tie.
Don't hesitate to ask your friendly Dealer if you have questions.