The object is to have a hand with a total value higher than the dealer's without going over 21. Kings, Queens, Jacks and Tens are worth a value of 10. An Ace has the value of 1 or 11. The remaining cards are counted at face value.

The dealer must always hit on any hand value of 16 or less and stand on any value above 17. The dealer must always stand on hard 17 but the rule on soft 17 varies from table to table. It has become common for the dealer to hit soft 17 since that increases the probability of the dealer (house) winning.

You and fellow players are dealt two cards each whilst the dealer is dealt one face up. If your first 2 cards add up to 21 (an Ace and a card valued 10), that's Blackjack! If they have any other total, decide whether you wish to 'draw' or 'stay'. You can continue to draw cards until you are happy with your hand.

After all players are satisfied with their hands the dealer will turn his or her down card face up and stand or draw as necessary. The dealer stands on 17 or higher. All winning bets are paid even money (1 to 1), except for Blackjack, which pays you one-and-a-half times your bet or 3 to 2. basic game of Blackjack.