To play blackjack, aim to have a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer without exceeding 21. Players receive two face-up cards, while the dealer shows one card up and one down. Players choose to "hit" (take another card) or "stand" (keep current hand) to beat the dealer. Card Values: Number cards (2–10) are face value, face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10, and Aces are worth 1 or 11.