The 21 Card Game provides many mathematical learning opportunities:

We reshuffle the deck of cards after every game.

If the dealer goes bust then everyone else wins.

If the dealer has 21 (Ace and a ten value card) the dealer wins.

If the dealer has 16 or under then they must take another card.

The dealer then turns over their other card and needs to decide what to do.

Players are not competing against each other, but against the dealer.

The dealer does this with every player.

You can have as many cards as you like as long as you don’t go over 21. The player needs to decide if they want another card (hit) or will sit on what they have.

The dealer goes to each player one at a time.

The dealer has one card up and one card face down. With the exception of the dealer the players have their cards face up.

The dealer and all other players have two cards.

Ace can be either 1 or 11 and the player who holds the ace gets to choose the value of the card.

Number cards have their face value, jacks, kings and queens are worth 10.

Aim of the 21 Card Game is to get 21 or as close to as possible.

We take turns in being the dealer – 5 hands each.

We don’t bet – it is just all about the numbers!.

There are many variations on the rules for 21 Card Game, but here is how we play:

I am happy to play with him as it is a quick game to play and it helps work on his mental maths. We have been playing this game for a while and he really enjoys it. One of my brother in laws is a keen card player and after watching a game of 21, master 6 quickly wanted to be taught how to play. He is always wanting me to give him sums to do.

Card game 21 online