Blackjack (also called "21") is a fun and enjoyable casino card game. The basic rules of blackjack are quite easy to learn.

As the name 21 implies, the object of the game is to come as close to 21 points as possible with your cards -- without going over -- and having a higher total than the dealer.

The game begins with the player placing a bet, then receiving two cards face up. The dealer also receives two cards.

The player wins the amount that was bet if the total value of his cards is closer to 21 than the dealer's cards. Another way to win is if the dealer goes over 21, while the player does not.

The player loses the amount bet if his total goes over 21.

The game of blackjack is dealt with six decks of cards (to prevent card counting), and after each hand (or a set number of hands), the cards are re-shuffled.

The dealer must continue drawing cards if the value of his two cards is 17 points or less, while the player can stop at any time.

The Player can split his cards when dealt cards of the same value (for instance, 6-6 or J-Q), doubling his opportunity to play that particular hand. Split aces receive only one additional card.

In blackjack, the suits of the cards have no significance.

Cards 2 through 10 have face value (for instance, 10 is worth 10 points).

Jacks, queens and kings are each valued at 10 points.

Aces are valued at either 11 or 1, depending on which is more advantageous to the player.

Bet -- The player bets by clicking on the chip value that they wish to bet.

Deal -- The player presses "Deal" to begin the game and gets two cards face up. The dealer also gets two cards.

Hit -- If the player desires another card to be dealt, they may take a hit at any time before standing.

Stand -- If the player desires not to receive any additional cards.

Split -- If the player's first two cards are of the same value (for instance, 6-6 or J-Q), they may be split into two separate hands. This is done by placing a second bet of equal value on the second set of cards. The player then proceeds to draw cards as usual. Note: There is an exception with splitting A-A in that only one additional card is dealt for each ace, and a hand totaling 21 after splitting aces is only considered 21, not blackjack).

Double -- The player can "double down" after he has been dealt the first two cards, and the player believes that a solitary third card will give them a position to beat the dealer's eventual hand. The bet is doubled, only one additional card is dealt to the player, and the dealer completes his hand.

Blackjack -- When the first two cards dealt total 21, it is called "blackjack." This most powerful hand beats a score of 21 (consisting of 3 or more cards).

Bust -- When the total value of cards for either the dealer or the player exceeds 21, it is a bust. When the player busts, the bet is lost. When the dealer busts, the player automatically wins the bet.

Push -- When the value of the dealer's cards (from 17 to 21) and the player's cards are equal, neither party wins, resulting in a push. The player's bet is returned.

Surrender -- When the player hits the surrender button, they will receive 50 percent of their current bet (the other 50 percent will go to the dealer). Surrender is only allowed on the first 2 cards

Insurance -- When the player believes that the dealer might have blackjack, the player may purchase insurance against the dealer's blackjack (at the price of half their initial bet). The insurance pays 2 to 1 (of the initial bet) if the dealer does have blackjack. If the dealer does not have blackjack, the player loses his insurance. The bet is then settled by comparing the player's cards with the dealer's cards.