9 Across

NYT Daily • August 25, 2025

Goes past 21 in blackjack

Answer:

BUSTS

Hint:

Exceeding the dealer’s limit in this card game leads to an automatic loss.

Explanation:

In blackjack, the goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. If a player "goes past 21," they lose the hand, which is called "busting"—so the answer is "BUSTS." The clue plays on the game’s terminology, where "bust" is the standard term for exceeding the limit. It’s a straightforward reference to a common casino game rule.

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