Blackjack, also known as 21, is one of the most popular table games in gambling facilities.  The most important rule of Blackjack is that at the end of the game, you want to have a number that is closer to 21 than that of the dealer.  This is a game of both luck and skill and is played strictly between you and the dealer.

Knowing the card values is very important in Blackjack.  Cards numbered two through nine are the same in value as the number on the card.  The 10, queen, king and jack cards are all valued as 10.  An ace can be valued at either a one or a ten, depending on your need.  You do not need to specify the value of the ace.  It is simply used at the value that will give you the best hand.  Card suits hold no importance in this game.
Each player at the table is dealt an initial card.  The dealer goes around the table again and deals each player an additional card, dealing himself cards as well.  Once the two cards are dealt, the dealer flips over one of his cards to reveal the value to the players.  Based on this revelation, players decide if they would like to receive another card.  Remember, the object is to come as closer to 21 than the dealer.  If you go over 21, you are considered bust and you lose the hand. It’s also easier to win if there is more players playing with you, as the dealer needs to take more risks and you can also predict what cards are must likely to come. For example, if no J,Q or K  has showed up in the last 10 face up cards, then the chance is much higher that next is just that.

More serious players face slightly different rules and also place bets on the game.  If you are considering playing for money, identify yourself with betting practices and table etiquette.  There are also slightly different variations of the game in different countries, as well as variations on how the cards are dealt and if the card can even be touched by the players or not.