The player's objective is to get the closest to 21 without going over. They can ask for additional cards, called "hits", until they either decide to "stand" (keep their current hand) or exceed 21, which is called "busting" and results in an automatic loss.

Once the player has finished their turn, the dealer will reveal their face-down card and take additional hits as necessary. The dealer must always hit until they reach a score of 17 or higher.

Winning and Losing

There are several potential outcomes when playing Blackjack!. Here are the most common scenarios:

- If the player and dealer both have blackjack, the hand is a tie and the player keeps their bet.
- If the player has a higher score than the dealer without busting, the player wins and is paid out 1:1 (i.e. they receive one times their bet size).
- If the dealer busts and the player does not, the player wins and is paid out 1:1.
- If the player busts, they lose their bet.
- If the dealer has a higher score than the player without busting, the player loses their bet.

Strategies

While Blackjack! is largely a game of luck, there are some strategies that can help players improve their odds at winning. Here are some basic tips to keep in mind:

- Always hit if your hand value is 8 or lower, and always stand if it's 17 or higher.
- If the dealer's face-up card is a 7 or higher, continue hitting until you have a hand value of at least 17.
- Never take insurance (a side bet) when the dealer's face-up card is an ace, as the odds are not in your favor.
- Learn basic Blackjack! strategy charts, which will tell you the best moves to make depending on your current hand and the dealer's up-card.

Conclusion

Blackjack! is a classic game that offers players the chance to win big with a little bit of luck and a lot of strategy. Whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner, there's plenty of excitement to be had at the Blackjack! tables. So why not give it a try and see if you can beat the dealer?