Blackjack

Blackjack is a very popular game in American casinos. It is based on an older game 21 that had very similar rules. The player is trying to get closer to a total hand value 21 than the dealer without going over. If the player gets 21 with the first 2 cards, he gets a payout that is 3 to 2. If the player busts (goes over 21) he loses his bet no matter what happens with the dealer. In this version of Blackjack the dealer will keep hitting the cards in his hand until he reaches a hand value of 17 or greater. In some versions of Blackjack the dealer will hit on soft 17 (17 with an Ace that has a value of 11). Hitting on soft 17 makes it more likely that the dealer will win the game.