The basic principle of the blackjack game is that it is played on a points system that gives Card Values to every card in a single deck of playing cards. 21 is the best score one can achieve in the game, and players should be focusing on getting as close to that number as possible without “busting.” Players who score a 21 on their hand will have “Blackjack,” and automatically win by getting paid 3:2 on their bet. Blackjack Guides

Players who beat the dealer’s cards also get paid double their original bet, provided they have a total card value equal to or less than 21. If the dealer busts, players get paid out accordingly as long as they do not bust.

Once all the blackjack bets are made, the dealer deals the cards to the players. Two passes are made around the table starting at dealer’s left so that the players and the dealer have two cards each. Once the cards are passed, play continues around the table, starting at the first seat to the dealer's left, also called first base. Each player indicates to the dealer how he wishes to play the hand. After each player has finished his hand, the dealercompletes his hand and then pay or collect the player bets.

Card Values: In blackjack, the various card values are as follows:
An Ace is counted as either 1 or 11.
Cards from 2 to 9 are counted at their face value.
The 10, Jack, Queen, and King are all counted at 10.

The value of a hand is the sum of the point counts of each card in the hand. A hand that contains an Ace is called a "soft" total if the Ace can be counted as either 1 or 11 without the total going over 21. The player can always draw another card to a soft total with no danger of "busting" by going over 21.

How to Play Hard Hands:  A hard hand is two starting cards that do not contain an ace.
If you have eight or less, always hit.
If you have nine, double if the dealer has 3 through 6, otherwise hit.
If you have ten, double if the dealer has 2 through 9, otherwise hit.
If you have eleven, double if the dealer has 2 through 10, Hit if dealer has Ace.
If you have twelve, hit if the dealer has 2 or 3, Stand if the dealer has 4 through 6, otherwise hit.
If you have 13- 16, stand if the dealer has 2 through 6, otherwise hit.
If you have 17 – 21, always stand.

How to Play Soft Hands:  A soft hand is when one of your starting hands contains an ace.
If you have Ace 2 or Ace 3, double if the dealer has 5 or 6, otherwise hit.
If you have Ace 4 or Ace 5, double if the dealer has 4, 5 or 6, otherwise hit.
If you have Ace 6, double if the dealer has 3, 4, 5 or 6 , otherwise hit.
If you have Ace 7, stand if the dealer has 2, 7 or 8, otherwise hit.
If you have Ace 8 or Ace 9, always stand.