Blackjack, also known as "Twenty-One" or "Blackjack," is a classic card game commonly played in casinos. The objective of the game is to have your hand's total points as close to or exactly 21 without exceeding it while also having a higher point total than the dealer. Here are the basic rules for playing Blackjack:

1. Card Values:

• Cards from 2 to 10 are worth their face value.
• J, Q, and K (also known as face cards) are each worth 10 points.
• A (Ace) can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on which value benefits the player more.

2. Gameplay:

Betting: Players place their bets before any cards are dealt.

Dealing: The dealer gives each player two face-up cards and gives themselves one face-up card and one face-down card.

Player Actions: Based on their two cards, players can choose from the following actions:

• Hit: Draw another card from the deck. Players can continue to hit until they are close to or reach 21, but they must not exceed 21.
• Stand: Keep the current hand without drawing any more cards.
• Double Down: Double the initial bet and receive one more card, after which the player automatically stands.
• Split: If the player's first two cards have the same value, they can split them into two separate hands, with each hand receiving an additional card and played independently (requiring an additional bet equal to the initial bet).
• Insurance: If the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace, the player can choose to place an insurance bet equal to half the original bet. If the dealer’s face-down card is a 10-point card (forming Blackjack), the insurance bet wins and pays out at 2:1.

Dealer Actions: After all players have completed their actions, the dealer reveals their face-down card:

• If the dealer's total is less than 17, they must continue drawing cards until they reach or exceed 17.
• If the dealer's total is 17 or higher, they must stand.

3. Winning:

• Player Wins: If the player’s total is higher than the dealer’s without exceeding 21, or if the dealer exceeds 21 (busts).
• Dealer Wins: If the dealer’s total is higher than the player’s without exceeding 21, or if the player exceeds 21 (busts).
• Push: If the player and dealer have the same total, it is usually considered a tie (push), and the player gets their bet back.

4. Blackjack:

If the player's first two cards are an Ace and any 10-point card (10, J, Q, K), it is called "Blackjack." Typically, the player wins instantly and is paid 1.5 times the bet (if the dealer does not also have Blackjack).