Objective of the Game
In 17 and 4, also known as 21 or Blackjack, the goal is to get your cards as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. You play against a banker, also called the dealer.
Gameplay
- Preparation:
- The game is typically played with one or more 52-card decks.
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Each player begins by placing a bet in the betting area.
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Dealing the Cards:
- The dealer deals two cards to each player, including themselves.
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Players' cards are dealt face up, while the dealer has one card face up and one card face down.
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Value of the Cards:
- Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value.
- Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) each count as 10 points.
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Aces can count as either 1 or 11 points, whichever benefits the player more.
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Player Actions:
- Hit: The player takes another card to increase their total.
- Stand: The player decides not to take any more cards.
- Double Down: The player doubles their initial bet and receives exactly one more card. This is usually a risky but potentially rewarding move.
- Split: If a player has two cards of the same value, they can split them into two separate hands, each with an additional bet.
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Surrender: In some rule variants, a player can surrender, accepting to lose half the bet.
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Dealer Actions:
- After all players have finished their actions, the dealer reveals their face-down card.
- The dealer usually must draw cards until reaching at least 17.
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The dealer must stop drawing if they reach 17 or more.
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Winning Conditions:
- A player wins if their total is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, without exceeding 21.
- If the player exceeds 21, they "bust" and lose immediately.
- A "Blackjack" (an Ace and a 10-point card) wins automatically, unless the dealer also has Blackjack.
Strategic Considerations
- Card counting: Though frowned upon in many casinos, counting the played cards can give the player an edge by estimating the probability of certain cards showing up.
- Observe the dealer’s face-up card: Decisions should often be based on the dealer's visible card. A low card (2-6) might indicate the dealer could bust, whereas a high card (7-Ace) is riskier for the player.
Specifics
- Blackjack typically pays 3:2 on the bet, while regular wins pay 1:1.
- There are numerous rule variations depending on the casino or house rules that can affect gameplay, such as early surrender or different payout ratios.
