1. THE AIM OF THE GAME
The objective is to total 21 points or at least to come as close as possible without exceeding it: going over means you've lost. Whatever your total (21 or under), you must beat the croupier's score!
The cards are worth their face value, with the exception of the face cards (Jack, Queen, King) which are worth 10 points. The Ace is worth 1 or 11, as desired.
2. PLAYING THE GAME
2.a How BLACKJACK works
The number of seated players, the only ones likely to have a hand, corresponds to the number of locations marked on the mat.
It is a maximum of seven. If seats are not occupied, seated players can bet on the vacant spots.
Standing players can bet on the hand of a seated player if the latter agrees, and within the limits of the maximum bet authorized for the hand. They cannot, however, give a player instructions or advice, they must simply respect the player’s choices.
The players’ bets, represented only by chips or plaques, are placed, within the limits of the minimum and the maximum, before the cards are dealt.
When all the bets have been placed, the croupier deals a card for each player and themself, starting on their left and ending with themself. At the end of this round, the croupier deals a second card to each player.
2. Surrender
At the end of this round, if the croupier does not have an Ace, the player can surrender and thus recover half of their initial bet.
The croupier then offers additional cards to each player. The croupier deals the additional cards one by one until:
- The player is satisfied with their score, then the croupier goes to the next box.
- The player's hand obtains a score greater than 21, in which case the croupier picks up the losing bet.
- It is forbidden for any player to draw a new card at 21.
3. Double down
A player with their first two cards can double their “21” bet. They can then draw just one additional card.
4. Splitting hands
A player can split their hand if their first two cards are of the same value. They place a “21” bet equal to their initial “21” bet. The player then has two hands and two bets.
The player stands, draws, and plays in simple playing conditions starting by playing the hand furthest to their right before moving on to the next. The number of splits for a single player is limited to three.
If the player splits a pair of Aces, they can only draw one additional card for each Ace.
If the player separates a pair of Aces or a pair of cards each worth 10 points and they total 21 points after drawing a card, they will not be able to benefit from the bonus provided for in article 15 attributed to the player who has achieved a score of 21 points with two cards in one hand.
5. Croupier's hand
When dealing of the players’ cards is finished and all players have determined the status of their hands, the croupier draws one or more cards for themself.
If the croupier reaches 17 points or more, they stop.
If they have 16 points or less, they are required to draw more cards until their total points reach 17 or more.