The goal of blackjack is for the player to get a higher value with their cards than the dealer does with theirs, as long as it does not go over 21. For the record, Blackjack is a hand that combines an ace with any card that is worth 10 points. Once you familiarize yourself with the basic rules of the game such as these, you will be ready to play. It is a fun, simple casino game that anyone can learn quickly.

Know the Value of the Cards
The cards in blackjack all have point values which make it easy for you to keep track of your totals. An ace can be 1 or 11 points depending on what your other cards total up to; the ace will always be worth 11 if possible, but if that would mean a bust then the ace drops to a value of 1. Kings, queens, and jacks are worth ten points, and all other cards are worth their numerical value. The ace is the most useful card and jokers are not used during casino versions of the game.

How to Play
There are a certain set of rules that apply to both the dealer and the player. Many of the rules in blackjack have to do with the initial cards dealt. First, "splitting" means you can split your first two cards into two hands if they have the same value. This then allows you to play each hand separately, for twice the original bet. Next, "doubling down" means you have the option to make an additional bet; some casinos will always allow this and others will only allow it if your first two cards have a sum of 9, 10, or 11. Finally, there is a rule known as "insurance" which means if the dealer's show card is an ace, you are allowed to make an insured bet which protects your hand should the dealer get blackjack.

How to Win
Winning rules can vary slightly depending on the online or casino floor games you play. Typically though, they are standard throughout most blackjack games. The main rules that determine if you win involve your total versus the dealer's total. If your total is higher than the dealer's or if the dealer goes over twenty-one, then you win. The same rules apply both ways - if the dealer's total is higher or if you go over twenty-one, then the dealer wins. If both you and the dealer achieve the same total, it is considered a tie, or in the blackjack world a "push". In this case, no one wins and the player's bet is returned to them. Remember that slight variations of these rules will apply to different casinos and online games, but different rules will always be explained by the house.