BLACKJACK In Blackjack, the player (you) plays against the dealer (the house), independently of other players. Your goal is to draw cards ("hit") until your hand adds up to 21, or comes as close as possible without exceeding 21. If your first two cards total 21, you have Blackjack. Once a player (you) has bet, both the player and the dealer are dealt two cards each. The player's cards are dealt face up. The dealer's first card is dealt face down. The Ace can be used as a 1 or 11 points. Any card combined with an Ace, other than a card that has a value of 10, is considered a "soft hand". Meaning that if the player has 4 and an Ace, it would be considered 5 or soft 15. The King, Queen, Jack and Ten are 10 points each; all other cards, are worth their face values. If the players first two cards total 21, then it's a natural Blackjack. Blackjack is the highest hand. If you are dealt any two cards other than a Blackjack, you may "stand" (refuse any further cards), or "hit" ( accept another card). A player who stands will not receive additional cards. Cards are dealt until the player stands or "busts" (exceeds 21). When you bust, you immediately lose your bet regardless of the dealer's hand result. After the player's final actions, the dealer reveals the down card. If the dealer's hand is 16 or less, the dealer must continue to "hit" until reaching 17 or more. The dealer must stand on soft 17 and cannot take additional cards. If the dealer exceeds 21 ("bust"), and the player has stood without busting, the player wins. When the dealer stands on 17 or greater and has a higher count than the player - the dealer wins; if the player has the higher count - the player wins. If the player and the dealer have the same totals, it's a "push" (tie).