Two or more decks may be used. Each player in turn may request one or more additional cards. His goal is to attain a value total as close as possible to 21 without going over. If he does go over he immediately loses his bet. All face cards count as 10 and aces may count either as 1 or 11 at the player's discretion.
Suits are immaterial.
When all players are satisfied, and if any remain in the game, the dealer may deal additional cards to himself. According to most house rules he must draw to a total of 16 or less and stand on a total of 17 or more. The player has no such restriction and may draw as he likes. Any player with a higher total than the dealer wins the amount of his bet. If the dealer goes over 21 he pays any players who remain.