BlackJack
Basics

Each player competes against the dealer, not against the other players. The object of the game is to have a higher point total than the dealer without going over 21. Each ace counts as either 1 point or 11 points, face cards (Kings, Queens, Jacks) count 10 points each, and all other cards (2 through 10) count their face value. If your first two cards total 21, you have blackjack.

If the total value of your cards is closer to 21 than the dealer's, you win as much as you have wagered. If you have blackjack, you win 3 to 2 times your bet (assuming the dealer does not also have blackjack).

If the total of your cards exceeds 21, you "bust" and lose your wager. If you have the same card total as the dealer, from 17 and up, no one wins and you get your stake back in a so-called "push." Blackjack beats a score of 21.

Split

If your first two cards are of the same value, you may split them into two separate hands, placing a second wager of equal value. You then proceed to draw cards as usual.

Double Down

When you have been dealt two cards, and think that a third card will give you a position to beat the dealer's hand, you can "double down." Your wager is doubled, and you are allowed to hit and receive just one additional card.

Insurance

Insurance gives you the chance to protect yourself when you believe that the dealer might have blackjack. If the dealer's first card is an ace, he is considered to have a fair chance of getting blackjack. If you believe that the dealer's dark card is of value 10, you may buy insurance against dealer blackjack at the price of half your initial bet. If the dealer does have blackjack, the insurance pays 2 to 1, corresponding to the amount of your initial bet. If you have bought insurance, and the dealer does not have blackjack, you lose your insurance. Your initial bet is then settled by comparing your cards with the dealer's. Should you and the dealer both have blackjack, the game results in a push.