Blackjack Trainer

1. Objective:

The goal is to create a hand with a total value closer to 21 than the dealer's hand, without exceeding 21 (i.e. busting).

2. Card Values:

• Cards 2-10: Count as their face value.
• Jack, Queen, King (Face Cards): Each counts as 10.
• Ace: Counts as 1 or 11, whichever value benefits the hand the most without causing it to bust. A hand with an Ace counted as 11 is called a "soft" hand (e.g., Ace-6 is a Soft 17).

3. Gameplay Flow:

1. Placing Bets: Before cards are dealt, each player places their bet in their designated betting area.
2. The Deal: Each player receives two cards, typically face up. The dealer also receives two cards, one face up (the upcard) and one face down (the hole card).
3. Player's Turn: Starting from the dealer's left, each player decides how to play their hand based on their cards and the dealer's upcard. Available actions are described below.
4. Dealer's Turn: After all players have completed their turns, the dealer reveals their hole card. The dealer must follow fixed rules:
   • They must "Hit" (take another card) if their total is 16 or less.
   • They must "Stand" (take no more cards) if their total is 17 or more.
   • The specific rule for a "Soft 17" (Ace + 6) depends on the table settings (Dealer Hits or Stands).
5. Determining the Winner:
   • If your hand total is closer to 21 than the dealer's without busting, you win. Winning pays out 1:1, except for Blackjack (which pays 3:2 or 6:5, depending on the table settings).
   • If the dealer busts (exceeds 21), all remaining player hands win.
   • If your hand total equals the dealer's total (and neither is a Blackjack), it's a "Push" (tie), and your bet is returned.
   • If your hand busts, you lose your bet immediately, regardless of the dealer's hand.
   • If the dealer has Blackjack and you don't, you lose. If you have Blackjack and the dealer doesn't, you win the Blackjack payout. If both have Blackjack, it's typically a Push.

4. Player Actions:

• Hit: Take another card. You can hit as many times as you like, but if your total exceeds 21, you bust and lose immediately.
• Stand: Take no more cards and end your turn.
• Double Down: Double your original bet and receive exactly one more card, then stand. This option is typically offered only on your first two cards.
• Split: If your first two cards have the same value (e.g., two 8s, two Kings), you can split them into two separate hands. You must place an additional bet equal to your original bet on the second hand. You then play each hand independently.
  • Rules for hitting, standing, and doubling down after splitting vary. Often, doubling after splitting (DAS) is allowed.
  • If you split Aces, you typically receive only one card for each Ace and cannot hit further.
  • Resplitting pairs may be allowed up to a certain number of hands (e.g., up to 4 hands).
• Surrender: (If allowed by settings) Give up your hand and forfeit half your bet immediately after the initial deal, *before* taking any other action. This is typically "Late Surrender," meaning you can only surrender *after* the dealer checks for Blackjack (if their upcard is an Ace or 10).
• Insurance: If the dealer's upcard is an Ace, you may be offered an "Insurance" bet. This is a side bet, usually costing half your original wager, that pays 2:1 if the dealer has Blackjack (a 10-value card as their hole card). Generally considered a poor bet.

5. Special Outcomes:

• Blackjack (Natural): Receiving an Ace and a 10-value card (10, J, Q, K) as your first two cards. This is an automatic winner unless the dealer also has Blackjack (Push). Blackjack typically pays higher than a regular win (e.g., 3:2 or 6:5, depending on settings).
• Push (Tie): Your final hand total matches the dealer's final hand total (and neither is a Blackjack that beats the other). Your bet is returned.
• Bust: Your hand total exceeds 21. You lose your bet automatically.

6. Game Specifics:

Remember that some rules can vary based on the specific casino or the settings selected in this trainer, including:

• Number of Decks.
• Dealer Hits or Stands on Soft 17 (H17 vs S17).
• Blackjack Payout (3:2 vs 6:5).
• Whether Surrender is allowed.
• Specific rules for Doubling Down (e.g., only on 9-11) and Splitting (e.g., resplitting limits, DAS allowed).

Always check the table rules or game settings!