THE AIM is to have cards that add up to 21 without going over. Face cards - Kings, Queens, and Jacks - count as 10; Aces 1 or 11, whichever suits your hand.

THE PAY-OUT: 1-1, ie you win the same number of chips you bet, except for ‘blackjack’ - an ace and face card - which pays 3-2, unless the dealer also has blackjack.

THE GAME: Players place their bets and are dealt two cards, face up, and the dealer one. Players can take additional cards before the dealer takes his second.

1. If you don’t go over 21 and the dealer does - you win.

2. If you don’t go over 21 and the dealer doesn’t - the person closest to 21 wins. But the dealer has to take an extra card when he or she has 16 or less.

3. If you have the same - the deal is a draw and your bet stands.

4. If you go over 21 and the dealer also goes over 21 - you lose.

5. If the first two cards you are dealt are the same (except for 4s, 5s or 10s), you are allowed to split them and play two hands, but if they are aces will receive only one more card on each.