The Black Jack Dealer

1. The object of the game is to get closer to a total point count of 21 than the dealer, without going over. If you get closer than the dealer (without going over 21) or the dealer goes over 21, you win the amount of the bet. If the dealer is closer to 21 or you go over 21, you lose the amount of the bet. If you and the dealer tie, then nobody wins (this is called a "push"). Each card counts its value (e.g., a six is six points), with some exceptions. A jack, queen, or king counts ten points; and an ace can count as either one or eleven points, whichever is most advantageous. Suits have no significance at all.
2. First the cards are dealt. If you have 21 with your first two cards (called "blackjack"), you win immediately; if you have blackjack, you win one and a half times the amount of your bet. If the dealer is dealt blackjack, you lose immediately.
3. If no one has blackjack, then you can refuse more cards (called "sticking," "holding," "standing," or "staying put") or you can accept more cards ("hitting") to try to get a better point count. If you go over 21, you automatically lose. Once you stick, then the dealer tries to improve his hand under very strict rules: No matter what you have, the dealer must take more cards until his total is 17 or larger. Then he must stop.