The game is over 300 years old and over time strategies for getting the best out of the game have been developed. These strategies are based on the following rules of the game which you should keep focused on at all times:

The dealer must continue to take cards until they reach 17 or more.
Once the dealer gets to 17 or more they must stop, irrespective of the hand that the player has.

Blackjack is achieved with an ace and a ten-value card (this includes the Jack, Queen and King).

Whilst other winning hands pay "even money" (i.e. you win whatever your stake was), Blackjack pays 3 to 2 (i.e. you win three chips for every two you have staked).

Aces are worth either 1 or 11.

Ten-value cards are the most common (remember all picture cards are worth 10).

You may double your stake if your first two cards total 9, 10 or 11 (called "double down"). This can be worthwhile if you believe you are likely to be dealt a 10 next (and thus getting to 19, 20 or 21) but keep an eye on the dealer's card too! If your hand includes an ace you cannot double. Note also that if you choose to double, you will only receive one card.

If you are dealt two cards of the same value (although picture cards must match), you can choose to split them. This in effect doubles your stake and thus your opportunity to win, but again keep an eye on the dealer's card before splitting.

If the dealer's first card is an ace, you will be given the option of placing a side bet. This is called Insurance. When the dealer has an ace, he is considered to have a good chance of getting Blackjack. If the dealer does get Blackjack, this Insurance pays 2 to 1. If you do buy Insurance and the dealer fails to get Blackjack you lose your Insurance. Insurance bets are always half the value of your initial stake.

You play at your own pace. Don't worry if you need to consider for a while whether to "hit" or "stand", you can play the game in your own time.