The objective of blackjack is simple – to beat the dealer's hand without going over 21. Each player is dealt two cards, and the value of those cards determines the player's hand.

The numbered cards (2-10) are worth their face value, while face cards (J, Q, K) are worth 10. The Ace can be counted as either 1 or 11, depending on which value benefits the hand the most.

To win, a player needs to have a hand value higher than the dealer's without exceeding 21. If a player's hand value exceeds 21, they bust and automatically lose the game.

Similarly, if the dealer's hand value goes over 21, they bust and all players who haven't busted win.

Blackjack is typically played on a semicircular table that can accommodate multiple players. The dealer stands behind the table and is responsible for running the game. Each player is seated on the other side of the table.

The game begins with each player placing their bets in the designated area on the table. The dealer then deals two cards face up to each player, including themselves. The dealer's second card is dealt face down.

Once the cards are dealt, each player takes turns deciding how to play their hand. They can choose to “hit” and receive an additional card, or “stand” and keep their current hand. Other options include “double down” (doubling the bet and receiving one more card) and “split” (separating two cards of the same value into two separate hands).

The dealer plays their hand according to predefined rules, taking additional cards until they reach a hand value of 17 or higher.

While blackjack is partly a game of chance, there are strategies that can improve your odds of winning. One widely used strategy is basic strategy, which involves making decisions based on the value of your hand and the dealer's upcard.

Basic strategy charts are available that provide the optimal move for every possible hand combination.

It's important to note that card counting is another strategy used by advanced players. Card counting involves keeping track of the cards that have been dealt to determine the composition of the remaining deck. This information can give players an advantage in making decisions and adjusting their bets.