Gameplay:

"Blackjack" is a popular card game played in casinos around the world. It is also known as "21" due to the primary objective of the game: to achieve a hand value as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. The game typically involves one or more players competing against the dealer.

In a standard game of blackjack, players are dealt two cards initially and have the option to "hit" (receive another card) or "stand" (keep their current hand). Players can continue to hit until they are satisfied with their hand or exceed 21, in which case they "bust" and lose the round.

The value of cards in blackjack is determined as follows:

• Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value.
• Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are each worth 10 points.
• Aces can be worth either 1 point or 11 points, depending on which value benefits the player's hand the most.

After all players have completed their turns, the dealer reveals their hand and must hit until they reach a total of 17 or higher. If the dealer busts, all remaining players win. Otherwise, players with a higher hand value than the dealer's without exceeding 21 win, while those with lower values lose. In case of a tie (called a "push"), players retain their bets.

Blackjack offers various additional rules and options, such as splitting pairs, doubling down, and insurance against the dealer having a natural blackjack (an ace and a 10-value card as their initial hand). These rules can vary slightly depending on the specific variant being played. The game's simple yet strategic nature has made it a timeless favorite among both casual players and seasoned gamblers.