The Goal of the Game:
In this game the dealer is your only opponent. Your goal is to
reach a card value that is closer to 21 than the dealer's card
value, without going over 21.
The Value of the Cards:
Numbered cards are worth their face value.
Jacks, Queens and Kings are worth 10.
Aces are worth 1 or 11, whichever is best for you!
Playing the Game:
You place a bet. The dealer deals the cards: two to you and one
to himself (or herself). These cards are normally dealt face up
and open to view. The dealer deals himself a second card, face
down, called the hole . This is the mysterious card that makes
the game a challenge.
Now you have to decide whether to "hit" or "stand" (also called
"stay"). If you hit, the dealer deals you another card, and asks
you again whether you want to hit or stand. You will usually
want to hit until you are close to that cherished 21 total
(unless you bust by hitting once too many times) When you reach
a satisfactory card value you "stand", passing your turn to the
dealer. The rule for the dealer is to keep taking cards until he
has 17 or more.
Remember that there is a "soft 17" and a "hard 17". The dealer
stands on a soft 17 (in other words if he holds an Ace and a 6).
Also keep in mind that the colors (suits) of the cards are not
important in this great game.
