Blackjack is one of the most popular casino card games. It uses one or more 52-card decks, and the object of the game is to get a hand that totals 21 or as close to it as possible without going bust. The player and dealer each receive two cards, with the dealer’s card being face up. The dealer can also choose to stand (stop drawing cards) or draw (request more cards) based on a set of rules. Side wagers, such as insurance, can be placed by the participant and are usually paid 2 to 1.

There are several different types of blackjack games and strategies. Most of the variations are related to the number of cards used, but even a single-deck game can be fun and profitable with careful play. The house edge in blackjack can be lowered to less than 2% with basic strategy, and lower if a count is used.

To beat blackjack, you must understand the game’s rules and make smart decisions on every play. To help you do this, we’ve compiled an overview of the game and its strategies. We’ve also included tips on how to maximize your winning hands and minimize losing ones.

When deciding to double down, consider the current value of your two cards and whether another card will significantly improve the hand’s total. It’s also generally a good idea to split pairs of 8s or aces. Lastly, when the dealer has a weak card showing, it may be beneficial to surrender the hand for half of your original stake.

The basic rules of blackjack are simple to learn, and they’ve remained identical everywhere in the world. This makes blackjack a great choice for players of all skill levels, including beginners. A good place to start is with the basic strategy charts, which tell you what to do for each situation based on your hand’s value and the dealer’s up-card.

Counting cards is one of the most effective ways to reduce the house edge in blackjack, but it’s not as easy as memorizing a wallet-size chart. You’ll need to keep a running total of the values of the cards as they are dealt, and sometimes deviate from basic strategy based on the count. You can practice keeping a running total by dealing yourself a single-deck of cards and adding up their values as you draw them.

Once you’re familiar with the basics of blackjack, you can move on to more advanced strategy. However, remember that perfect blackjack strategy will only save you about one hand in 12 hours of play, and it’s a lot of work to commit to memory. It’s also not worth blowing your monthly mortgage on a chance to win a few extra dollars.