The goal of playing blackjack is to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over, or "busting."

The player is dealt two cards and the dealer gets two cards, but only one is face up.

All face cards such as king, queen or jack are worth 10. An Ace is worth either one or 11.

After all hands have been dealt, then you ahve to choose what to do. There are a few choices you have:

Stand
You like the cards you were dealt and do not want anymore. This ends your turn and it is then the dealer's turn.

Hit
The total of your cards is too low and you want another card. You then get to choose another action after.

Split
This can only be done if both of your cards are the same such as two aces, two queens, or 2 sevens. This "splits" your hand into two and are dealt one more card to complete each hand. However, this also requires you to double the amount that you were originally betting. This should only be done under certain circumstances.

Double Down
This also requires you to double the amount of your bet but you are only dealt one more card.

Insurance
You are given this option when the dealer's up card is an Ace. It is a side but on the dealer having a blackjack. The only people that take insurance are idiots or card counters, and if you aren't one then you must be the other.

The dealer must always play to a posted set of rules and these rules change from table to table and from casino to casino.

If the amount of your hand is equal to the dealer's, it is called a "push," and you get your bet back.

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