Blackjack is amongst the most popular and well recognized of modern Casino games. It is a game between you and the dealer. During a game of Blackjack cards are dealt from a deck of cards called a shoe. Traditionally a shoe may contain anything from one standard 52-card deck to 6 such decks. Most online casinos use a single 52-card deck, as this offers you the best possible chances of winning.

You will be dealt two cards. The Dealer will be dealt one card. In some Casinos the Dealer is dealt two cards but only one is turned so that it's value can be revealed. The card that remains face down is called the 'hole card.'

The object of Blackjack is to obtain a hand with the highest possible value without exceeding 21. All face cards (Kings, Queens and Jacks) have a value of ten and the Aces can have a value of one (1) or eleven (11).

If your initial two cards do not total 21 then you may request additional cards (called a hit). If your hand does not go bust (exceeds 21) and still does not equal 21 you may continue to request additional cards until your hand goes bust, reaches 21 or you decide to 'Stand' (Stay.) If you are dealt a Blackjack (an ace and a card of value ten) then the dealer will automatically lose unless his single card is an ace or a card of value ten. If you are dealt a Blackjack then he will not be allowed to draw further cards as he already has the best possible hand.

If you go bust the game is over and the dealer wins. If you reach 21 or choose to Stand the dealer will draw another card. If the dealer's hand is less then 17 in value the dealer must continue to draw cards until his hand's value equals 17 or more. In the event of the dealer not going bust the value of the dealer and your hands are then compared. If your hand is stronger the Casino will pay you twice the amount originally wagered. If you win on a Blackjack you will be paid out 2.5 times your original bet.