It is played with eight complete decks of cards. The cards are shuffled by the dealer or "croupier," and then reshuffled and placed in a special box called the "shoe." The game is played by set rules outlined below. There is no option in the game on drawing or standing.

The object of the game is to come as close to the number nine as possible. Face cards and tens, or any combination of cards totaling ten, count as nothing. The ace is counted as one, the deuce is two, etc. The player with the "shoe" is considered the banker. He may place his bet either with the bank or with the players. The words "bank" and "players" are used as terminology for the game.

A person holds the "shoe" and continues to be the banker as long as the banker's hand wins. When the player's hand wins, the "shoe" is then passed on to the next player. He then becomes the banker. A player may pass the "shoe" if he so desires.

The cards are taken from the "shoe" by the person acting as the banker. Two cards referred to as "the player's hand," are extended to the player's side. This is done as a courtesy. The cards are turned over by the player and called by the croupier.

Player

If the 1st 2 cards of the Player's hand have a total of:

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 10

Player Draws a card.

6 - 7

Player Stands.

8 - 9

Natural - Player Stands. - Banker can't draw.

Banker

If the 1st 2 cards of the Banker's hand have a total of:

3

And the Players 3rd card is anything but an 8 then Banker Draws.

If Players 3rd card is 8 then Banker Stands.

4

And the Players 3rd card is 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 then Banker Draws.

If Players 3rd is 1 - 8 - 9 -10 then Banker Stands.

5

And the Players 3rd card is 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 then Banker Draws.

If Players 3rd is 1 - 2 - 3 - 8 - 9 - 10 then Banker Stands.

6

And the Players 3rd card is 6 - 7 then Banker Draws.

If Players 3rd is 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 8 - 9 - 10 then Banker Stands.

7

Banker Stands.

8 - 9

Natural - Banker Stands. - Player can't draw.

TIE BETS
Bettor must bet EITHER the Player or Banker in order to also bet a tie. It is not permitted to bet on the "Tie" line only. Ties bets traditionally pay 8 to 1.