Blackjack is a casino card game where players and the dealer try to accumulate cards that total as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. Each player is dealt two cards and may choose to hit (request more cards) or stand (stick with their current hand) based on predetermined rules. The dealer also gets two cards and must hit or stand based on the rules of the game. The winner of the hand is the player who has a higher hand value than the dealer’s. If both hands have the same value, it’s a tie and the player gets their original bet back.

Blackjack involves learning a variety of skills to maximize your chances of winning. The most important skill is understanding the odds of each hand and knowing when to hit, stand, double down, or surrender. It’s also important to stay focused and avoid distractions such as other players at the table.

Know When to Hit

In blackjack, a good time to hit is when your cards add up to 11 or less. This is a statistically strong point where you can’t bust, and hitting will make your next card more likely to improve the overall value of your hand. It’s also a good idea to hit when the dealer has an Ace showing. This will make it more difficult for the dealer to have a blackjack and you will be paid even money if they do.

When to Double Down

The best time to double down in blackjack is when the value of your starting cards are 10 or 11. This will increase your bet by as much as 2 times, provided you don’t go bust. This is a high-risk strategy, but one that can pay off big if you are confident in your ability to beat the dealer’s hand.

When to Stand

If you are in a situation where your cards add up to 17 or more, it’s usually better to stand than to hit. This will prevent you from having to worry about going over 21, and it can also help you when the dealer has a weak card that would make your hand worse.

Beware of Insurance Bets