Blackjack

It takes only minutes to learn how to play Blackjack - a card game favourite of millions.

You play against the dealer. The object is to draw cards totalling "21" or as close as possible without going over "21". Bets are placed, then the dealer gives cards face up one to each player and one to himself, followed by a second card to each player. Aces count as "1" or "11", picture cards count as "10", all other cards count their face value.

If you have "Blackjack" (an ace with a picture card or 10) it beats any other combinationexcept a dealer "Blackjack", and you win 3-2 for your bet. If the dealer also has "Blackjack", it is a "stand-off" - you neither win nor lose. If you do not have "Blackjack", you decide whether you want to take more cards(draw) or not to take any more cards (stand). You may take as many cards as you wish until you think you have a score closer to 21 than the dealer will have. The dealer must draw to 16 and must stand on 17 or over.

If your total is closer to 21 than the dealer, you win even money. If your total is lower than the dealer, you lose. If you tie with the dealer it is a "stand-off", if you go over you lose.

BLACKJACK RULES

Double Your Bet

On your first two cards, you may double your original bet and draw only one more card. You may not double your hand with the first two cards if they contain an ace.

Insurance Bets

If the dealer's first card is an ace, the player may take insurance on the first two cards dealt to him, ie he may bet to half of his original bet. If the dealer has "Blackjack", player receives 2-1 for his insurance bet. If the dealer does not have "Blackjack" the player loses his insurance money.

Splitting Pairs

If your first two cards are a pair you may split them into separate hands to make a maximum of four hands and you may double your bets in accordance with the doubling rule above.

Aces are paid once only, and receive one card only for each ace.

In the event of doubling up both players must double.

If, in the event that a player is playing two boxes at a full table, he will relinquish one of them if an additional player wants to join the games.

Players must be seated directly in front of the box they are playing.