Sometimes the objective of blackjack is described this way:
The objective of blackjack is to draw cards totaling closer to 21 than the dealer draws, without going over 21 (busting).
But the following definition is more correct:
The objective of blackjack is to beat the dealer's hand by either:
So, you are not trying to get close to 21. All you have to do is to Beat the dealer.
"To bust" means to go over 21. The house edge in the black jack comes from the rule that the player must act first and if you have more than 21 on you hand - you automatically lose regardless if the dealer busts or not.
Blackjack is usually played with one, two or up to eight decks of 52 cards.
Read about Blackjack Card Values
Blackjack Table has a semicircle shape. Each player (from 5 to 7) has his own seat in front of his betting circle, the area where the bets are placed. The dealer stands opposite the players.
Read about Blackjack Table
The player puts his bet in the betting circle if front of his space. Only chips put in the betting circle count as your bet.
After all bets are made, the cards are dealt clockwise from a shoe. Each player gets two cards face up. The dealer also takes two cards, one face up (the up card) and one face down (the hole card).
After the cards are dealt the dealer will ask each player to make their decision. The player to the left of the dealer acts first.
You have to make your decision about how to play your hand based on the dealer's up card and the two cards that you were dealt.
If you get the blackjack (an Ace and a ten-value card that is 21) you will be paid 3 to 2. But if the dealer also get 21 it is a push and you will not be paid.
If only the dealer has blackjack all players will lose.
This means you want to draw another card. To signal the dealer for a hit you will tap the table in front of you or make a beckoning motion with your hand. If you wish another card after the first you would motion in the same manner.
If you are satisfied with either your fist two cards or after hitting, you signal the dealer that you wish to stand. This is done by waving your hand over your cards.
You can double your bet after receiving your fist two cards. You then receive only one card on your hand. To signal that you are doubling down you will place an additional bet next to your original bet.
Some casinos rules limit your doubling to hands that has total ten or eleven, but in the most casinos you can double down on any two cards.
If you get a pair of cards of the same rank you can split these into two separate hands. You must make an additional bet equal to your starting bet placing your chip next to the original chip bet on the hand.
By pair splitting you play each card as a separate hand and you can draw as many cards as you like to each hand.
If the dealer's up card is an ace the dealer will ask players if they want to make the insurance bet. Insurance is a side bet you make wagering half your original bet that the dealer's hole card will be a ten. In this case you are paid 2 to 1. To make the insurance bet you should place your chips on the insurance line, which is above the player betting box.
In some casinos you will be allowed surrender your hand and give up half your bet on your first two cards after the dealer has checked his cards for a blackjack.
Once a player hits, the surrender option is no longer available. The surrender is not available if the dealer has a blackjack . When you surrender, the dealer will remove your card from the table and one half of your bet. This option is not offered in many casinos.