Blackjack, also known as 21, is the most widely played card game in the world. It is a comparing card game between the player and the dealer i.e. each player on the table competes with the dealer separately and not with each other. The basic objective of the game is to reach the number 21 or as close as to 21 (a number higher than the dealer).

Let us understand how to play Gamentio Blackjack.

Ranking and Points

The number of points calculated is based on the value of the cards i.e., an Ace carries 1 or 11 points (player's choice), all picture cards carry 10 points each, and the rest of the cards carry face-value (e.g. 2 of clubs carry 2 points). Hence, a Blackjack is the combination of an Ace and a 10-point card.The one who gets a Blackjack wins the game then and there.

Betting

Once the player is seated in the room, an initial betting amount has to be placed by the player before the new deal commences. This bet may range from a minimum table stake amount to a maximum of 10 to 20 times the minimum bet amount. The player can bet any amount in between this range.

A player may choose to 'Pass' if he does not want to play a particular round. No cards will be dealt to him in that round.

Deal

After this, two cards are dealt face up to each player by the dealer. However, the dealer deals himself one card face up and one card face down.

Now each player has the following moves to follow after they see their cards.

1. Hit

   By signaling 'Hit', a play requesting the dealer to deal one more card to him. A player can go for a 'Hit' when he feels that the total number of his points is less than 17. To play on the safer side, the player may 'Hit' until he reaches close to 17. The player can 'Hit' more than one time until he reaches his desired number.

2. Stay

   When a player comes close to the number 17 or more but less than the number 21, he may choose to 'Stay'. If he continues to 'Hit' and land up with a number more than 21, in that case, the player gets 'Busted' i.e. he loses his bet amount.

   When the player chooses to 'Stay', the dealer plays his turn and deals himself more cards until he reaches a number closer to or equal to 17. If the dealer has more number of points than the player, he wins and if he has the less number of points, the player wins. A player also wins when a dealer is 'Busted'.

The basic aim of Blackjack is to beat the dealer by accumulating higher points (≥17≤21) than the dealer and if luck permits, having a Blackjack. In some cases, a player may choose to 'Stay' at a number less than 17 as well. There is no hard and fast rule to play until you reach a number ≥17. However, it is advised to play until you reach the number 17 or more because the dealer deals himself additional cards until his reaches a number ≥17.

Showdown cases:

1. Bust-

   1. When a player's total value of cards exceeds more than the total 21, the player loses instantly. The dealer does not open his cards further

   2. If there are more than one player then the dealer opens his cards to determine the winner.

2. Win-

   1. When a player has a Blackjack, the player wins.

   2. When a player scores more than the dealer.

   3. When a player scores ≤21 and the dealer gets 'Busted'.

   4. The player wins as much as his bet from the dealer (while keeping his original bet).

3. Lose-

   1. When a dealer has a natural Blackjack.

   2. When a dealer scores more than the player.

   3. When the player gets 'Busted'.

4. Push-

   1. When the game gets draw i.e., the player and the dealer score the same number (≤21).

   2. The player gets his bet back, neither losing nor winning.