Blackjack is a card game where players compete against the dealer to get the highest value hand. It is played using one or more 52-card decks. Each card has a different value (face cards are worth 10 points, numbers are worth their numerical value, and aces are either 1 or 11). The player must make playing decisions about whether to hit, stand, split, double down, or surrender based on these rules and the value of the dealer’s up card. The game is a game of chance but mathematics can help maximize your winnings.

To start, place your chips in the betting circle marked for your space on the blackjack table. The dealer then deals two cards to each player and himself. If your first two cards add up to 21 or better, you win. This is called a “natural.” If you do not have a blackjack, your next decision is to decide whether to draw cards (hit) or to stay (stand).

If you are dealt a pair of cards that total the same value, such as a pair of eights or a pair of threes, it is best to split them. This increases your chances of making a strong hand and reduces the house edge. You should also always split aces and nines.

When you want to take another card, you must signal the dealer that you wish to do so. In shoe games, this is done by making a beckoning motion with your hand or tapping the table behind your cards lightly with your finger. In hand-held games, scratching the edges of your cards on the felt will work just as well.

Whenever your hand totals more than 17 you should stand. This will prevent you from busting and losing your money. However, if you have anything worse than a 16 and the dealer has a ten up card, you should hit. This will give you a much better chance of beating the dealer’s up card and will increase your odds of winning.

Some casinos offer a side bet on the dealer’s up card called insurance. This bet is made by wagering half your original bet that the dealer will have a blackjack. If the dealer has a blackjack, you will lose your original bet but win the insurance bet. If not, you will lose both your bets.

Blackjack is a game that involves a lot of thinking and strategy. It’s not difficult to learn basic strategies, but mastering them will take time and practice. Eventually you will be able to make better decisions based on statistics rather than luck.

Learning how to count cards is a good way to improve your blackjack game. It allows you to make better decisions based on what happened in the past. You will know which hands to hit and which ones to stand on, and you can even deviate from basic strategy if the count is favorable. However, it is important to remember that counting cards requires practice and a large bankroll.