• The objective is to beat the system (dealer) by having a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over.
• Cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value.
• J, Q, and K are each worth 10 points.
• Aces are worth 1 or 11, whichever is more favorable to the player or dealer.
• Both player and system are dealt two cards at the start.
• The system’s second card is hidden until the player stands or busts.
• The player may hit to draw additional cards or stand to keep their total.
• If the player’s total exceeds 21, they go bust and lose immediately.
• If the player hits 21, they automatically win unless the system also has 21.
• The system (dealer) must hit until reaching at least 17.
• The dealer stands on soft 17 (Ace + 6).
• If the dealer busts, the player wins.
• If both player and system remain under 22, the higher total wins.
• If player and system tie, the result is a push (draw).
• If both player and system have Blackjack (21 on first two cards), the result is a push.
• There is no special win for holding 5 cards — “5 Card Charlie” rule is not in effect.