Blackjack is a card-based game that allows players to compete against dealers in an effort to achieve a hand with the highest total score without going over 21. The objective of blackjack is to beat the dealer's hand without going over 21. In the UK, the rules of blackjack are as follows:
- The game is played with a standard 52-card deck.
- All players and the dealer are dealt two cards.
- The dealer will show one of their cards which is also called the "up" card.
- Players will then have the option to "hit" (receive an additional card) or "stay" (refrain from taking additional cards)
- Once all players have completed their turns, the dealer will draw additional cards until they reach a total of at least 17 or "bust" (go over 21).
- All player hands are compared to the dealer’s hand.
- If the player’s total is higher than the dealer’s but not over 21, then the player wins.
- If the dealer’s total is higher than the player’s or the player’s total is over 21, the player loses.
- If the player and the dealer achieve the same total, the game is a draw or a "push".