How to Play Casino Blackjack

Casino Blackjack is a card game where the object is for you to draw cards that total 21 or come closer to 21 than the dealer's cards.  All cards count at face value, except for the King, Queen, and Jack which count as 10, and the Ace which counts as either 1 or 11, your choice.

The dealer starts the game. Every player receives two cards, which are dealt face down.  The dealer gets two cards, but one card is face up (the up card) and one face down (the hole card).  If the dealer's up card is a ten value card, the dealer will check immediately to see if their hand is a Blackjack.

Once you have your two cards in front of you, you can choose to "stand" (draw no more cards), or take a "hit" (draw one or more cards) until you reach 21 or come as close as possible.  However, if you go over 21 you "break" and lose that hand.  A winning hand pays even money.

The dealer then turns over the hole card and acts on the hand according to the rules of the game. The dealer must hit on soft 17 (a combination of cards involving an ace which may be counted as either 7 or 17).  At the end of the hand, if your total is the same as the dealer's, it is a "push" (a tie).  If your total is closer to 21 than the dealer's, you win!

If your first two cards are a ten value card and an ace, you've been dealt a Blackjack!  Turn this hand face up right away.  Blackjack pays 3 to 2.  If the dealer's hand also is Blackjack, it is a push.

Splitting Pairs
If your first two cards are a pair with the same numerical value, you may split them into two hands.

You must wager the same amount as your original bet on each hand formed by splitting pairs. You must complete play on your first hand of the split before playing subsequent hands.  If you're splitting aces, you will receive only one card on each ace and cannot be split again.  With the exception of aces, pairs or cards with the same numerical value may be split to form up to 4 hands].  To do this, turn your cards face up and separate them slightly.

Doubling Down
After receiving your first two cards, you may make an additional wager up to the amount of your original bet.  In turn, you will receive one additional card, face down.  To do this, turn your original cards face up and then place your additional bet.

Insurance
If the Dealer's face up card is an - ace, you may take insurance.  To do this, place a bet of no more than one-half your original bet on the insurance line. If the Dealer's hole card is a 10 value card, you win your insurance bet.  Insurance bets are paid 2 to 1.  If the Dealer's hole card is any other card, you lose your insurance bet.  The Dealer collects all losing insurance wagers before continuing the hand.

Signals
To indicate that you want another hit card pick up your hand and "scratch" it on the layout behind your bet.

To indicate that you don't want any more cards, "tuck" your original cards face down under you bet.  Do not touch your money to do this.