Download the Blackjack Rules as a PDF

OBJECTIVE

Each player attempts to get the collective value of all cards in their hand as close to 21 as possible, without going over 21, and while remaining higher than the dealer’s hand.

BUY-IN AND POOL

Each player pays 10,000 to the croupier to enter the game. Of this amount, 9,000 is added to the pool, while 1,000 is kept by the house. The game continues until the entire pool has been used up.

The buy-in is non-refundable, except in situations in which the house has made a mistake, in which case the full buy-in (including the house’s fee) will be returned to the individual who paid it.

HANDS

The Deal

When all players have joined the game, the dealer gives two face-up cards to each player in clockwise rotation. The dealer then deals themselves two cards: one face up and one face down (the hole card).

The Play

Each player must decide whether to stand (not ask for another card) or hit (ask for another card). A player may stand on the two cards originally dealt to them, or they may ask the dealer for additional cards, one at a time, until they either stand or go bust (over 21). In the latter case, the player loses.

The combination of an ace with a card other than a ten-card is known as a soft hand, because the player can count the ace as a 1 or 11, and either draw cards or not. For example, with a “soft six” (an ace and a 6), the total is 7 or 17. While a count of 17 is a good hand, the player may wish to draw for a higher total. If the draw creates a bust hand by counting the ace as an 11, the player simply counts the ace as a 1 and continues playing by standing or hitting.

Doubling Down

Players may double their wager when the original two cards total 11 or less. This decision must be made before taking any additional hits. After doubling down, the dealer gives the player one card only, and their turn ends. The dealer cannot double down.

The Dealer’s Play

Once all players have completed their turns, the dealer reveals the face-down hole card. If the dealer has a total of 17 or more, they must stand. If the total is 16 or less, they must draw. The dealer must continue drawing until the total is 17 or more, at which point they must stand.

If the dealer has an ace and counting it as 11 would bring the total to 17 or more (but not over 21), the dealer must treat the ace as 11 and stand. The dealer must also hit on a soft 17.

All dealer decisions are automatic.

SETTLEMENT

• If a player goes bust, they lose immediately.
• If the dealer busts, they pay each remaining player.
• If the dealer stands, they pay any player with a higher hand (not over 21) and collect from any player with a lower hand.
• If the player and dealer have the same total, the player loses.

Blackjacks (an ace plus a ten-card dealt on the initial two cards) beat all other hands, including soft 21s. A dealer Blackjack beats a player’s soft 21. A player Blackjack beats a dealer’s soft 21.

Each time a hand is won, the player receives a gift. Side bets (also in gifts) are welcome.

HOUSE RULES

• The dealer must hit to or on soft 17.
• Each player and the dealer may hit up to three times (for a total of five cards).
• Splitting hands is not allowed.
• Insurance is not allowed.