Blackjack is a classic casino card game where players compete against the dealer to achieve a hand value closest to 21 without exceeding it. Each player is dealt two cards and can choose to "hit" for additional cards or "stand" to keep their current total. Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) count as 10, while Aces can be 1 or 11, depending on the hand. The dealer must follow strict rules, typically hitting until reaching 17 or higher. Winning hands pay even money, while a natural blackjack (an Ace with a 10-value card) earns a higher payout, often 3:2. Players can also use strategies like doubling down, splitting pairs, or surrendering in some variations. The game combines skill, strategy, and luck, making it a favorite in casinos worldwide.