The dealer will then deal themselves one card face up and one card facedown, known as the hole card. The game begins when each player is dealt two cards face up by the dealer. There will usually be signs displaying the table minimum and maximum bets, as well as specific rules for that particular game (like payout ratios and special betting options).

Discard tray: A tray where used cards are placed after each round.

Shoe: A device that holds multiple decks of cards, from which the dealer draws each card during gameplay.

Betting spots: Each spot at the table represents a separate position for placing bets.

Seating: Players sit around a semi-circular table with the dealer located on the straight side.

Here's what you need to know about the table layout:

Aces: Aces can be either 1 or 11 points, depending on what is more favorable for the hand 2.Ī typical blackjack table can accommodate 1 to 7 players.

Face cards (King, Queen, Jack): These cards are all worth 10 points.

Number cards (2-10): The number on the card represents its value.

Understanding the value of each card in the game is crucial to mastering blackjack: If you have a tie then all bets are returned to the player. If the player and dealer have a blackjack or equal point totals, the result is a push (tie).

The payout for a blackjack is usually 3:2 or 2:1 odds but depends on the casino's rules. If a player gets exactly 21 points from the deal, it's called a 'blackjack' and the game ends there for the player. In blackjack, the primary objective is simple: beat the dealer's hand without exceeding 21 points.

How to play 21 blackjack