Blackjack is a card game played by two or more players against the dealer. Each player is dealt two cards and has the option to request additional cards (hit) or keep the current ones (stand). The goal of the game is to get a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s without going over. The game is famous for being one of the only casino games where skill is rewarded rather than chance, and many professional gamblers have used it to build substantial fortunes.
While the house edge in blackjack remains fairly high, it can be brought down to under 2% by following basic strategy. The game’s popularity is primarily due to two factors: the fact that it is easy to learn, and that the playing decisions of other players at your table have no effect on your own odds of winning or losing.
When deciding whether to hit or stand, the first step is to analyze the dealer’s face-up card. If the dealer shows a 10, 11, or ace, hitting is the best option. Otherwise, it is better to stand. If you have a hard hand, such as a pair of sevens or nines, it is better to split them instead. When splitting a hand, you place a second bet equal to your initial wager and then play the two hands as separate hands. When possible, it is also a good idea to split aces and eights.
The most important thing to remember when playing blackjack is that the cards do not know or care how you feel about them. The only way to improve your chances of winning is to follow a proven strategy, regardless of what other players at the table do or how much you’ve won or lost in previous sessions.
After receiving your two starting cards, you can choose to hit (request more cards) or stand (keep the current ones). You may also double down if your initial hand is an 11 or higher. This will make it more difficult to bust, but you should only do this when the dealer’s up card is a 9, 10, or ace.
Some blackjack tables offer side bets, which are wagers placed in addition to your regular betting amount. Insurance is the most common side bet, and it can be a profitable play for experienced players who understand its underlying mathematics. There are a variety of other side bets, however, and some can be very risky. If you’re new to blackjack, it’s best to avoid side bets until you have a firm grasp of the basic strategy.