BLACKJACK
This popular card game is descended from "Vingt-et-un", French for 21. Each Player's wager is a bet against the Dealer's hand. The object is for the total point value of your cards to exceed the Dealer's points without going over 21.

Every Player is dealt two cards face up while the Dealer gets one card. Cards numbered 2 through 10 count at face value, picture cards count as 10 points, and Aces are either 1 or 11, at the Player's discretion.

Any two — card total of 21 — a Blackjack — automatically wins; however, if the Dealer also has a Blackjack, the hand is a "push" and no one wins or loses. During a Player's turn, he or she may gesture or call for additional cards ("hits"), or chose to "stand". While the Player can take as many or as few "hits" as desired, the Dealer must "draw" to 16 and must "stand" on 17.

All winning bets are paid even money. A two—card Blackjack pays 3 to 2, or 1-1/2 times the wager. If the Player's hand goes over 21, it is a "bust" and loses. If the Player and Dealer get the same point total, the hand is "push" with no winner or loser.

Insurance — If the Dealer's first card is an Ace, the Players will be allowed to make an "insurance" bet up to one-half the original wager. "Insurance" pays 2 to 1 if the Dealer has a Blackjack, and loses if the Dealer does not have Blackjack.

Doubling Down — If your first two cards add up to 9, 10 or 11, you may double your bet and receive one more card face down. The Dealer will turn your card over after the Dealer's last card has been played. Also called "Down for Double".

Splitting Pairs — If your first two cards are a pair, you can place an amount equal to the original bet in front of your bet. The Dealer will split the cards and you can draw cards for each as separate hands. Each hand is played out in order, and you can split up to four times.

If your split hand adds up to 9, 10 or 11, you can also double the bet and go "Down for Double" and receive a card face down.

You may split aces once, and only draw one card for each hand.