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Blackjack, also known as twenty-one, is a popular casino card game played with one or more decks of cards. The objective of the game is to beat the dealer's hand without going over 21. Players are dealt two cards, and the dealer also receives two cards, one of which is face down.

Players can choose to "hit" (take another card) or "stand" (keep their current hand). The goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. If a player's hand exceeds 21, they "bust" and automatically lose. If a player has an Ace and a 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, or King), they have "blackjack," which is typically the highest-ranking hand and usually pays out at a higher rate.

The dealer must follow specific rules for hitting or standing. Generally, the dealer must hit on any hand totaling 16 or less and stand on any hand totaling 17 or more. If the dealer busts, all remaining players win. If neither the player nor the dealer busts, the hand closest to 21 wins. Ties result in a "push," where the player's bet is returned.

Blackjack is a game of both luck and strategy. While luck plays a role in the cards dealt, players can improve their odds by employing basic strategy, which involves knowing when to hit, stand, double down, or split based on their hand and the dealer's upcard. Variations of blackjack exist, each with slightly different rules and payouts.