Getting Ready: Online Blackjack Game

Problem definition

Blackjack is a popular casino card game where multiple players compete individually against a dealer. The main objective is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer without exceeding it (“busting”). The game uses one or more standard decks of cards. Each card has a specific value: number cards (2-10) are worth their face value, face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points, and the Ace can count as either 1 or 11, whichever benefits the hand most. The best possible hand, a “Blackjack,” consists of an Ace and a 10-point card (10, Jack, Queen, or King).

At the beginning of each round, players place bets, and players and the dealer are dealt two cards each. Players’ cards are face-up, while the dealer has one face-up and one face-down card. Players can choose to “hit” (draw an additional card) or “stand” (end their turn) in an attempt to get closer to 21 without busting. If a player’s total exceeds 21, they lose immediately. After all players have finished, the dealer reveals their hidden card and draws according to predefined rules. Winners are determined by comparing hand values: the player wins if their total is higher than the dealer’s ...