Use a standard deck of 52 cards
Deal two cards to each player
Set a target total of 21 points
Assign card values: 2 through 10 equal face value, J/Q/K equal 10, Ace equals 1 or 11
Take turns choosing to hit for another card or stand to keep current total
Keep adding card values to your total
Avoid going over 21
If your total goes over 21, you bust and lose
If all players stand, compare totals
The closest total to 21 without going over wins
If using a dealer, the dealer must follow the table rules for hitting and standing
If two totals are equal, the result is a tie unless house rules say otherwise