Blackjack is a popular casino card game where players compete against the dealer. The goal is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer's without exceeding it. Each card has a specific value: numbered cards are worth their face value, face cards (Jack, Queen, King) count as 10, and Aces can be either 1 or 11. Players receive two cards initially and can choose to "hit" for additional cards or "stand" to keep their current total. The dealer follows fixed rules, usually hitting until they reach a set total. Winning requires strategy, luck, and knowing when to take risks. If a player's hand exceeds 21, they automatically lose (bust). A natural blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card) often pays higher.