Blackjack is a casino card game played by players whose aim is to beat the dealer’s hand and win money. It is a popular table game that can be played in casinos, at home, and even online. The rules and payouts vary between variants of the game, so it’s important to understand them before playing.

Basic Strategy: Charts

There are many resources on the internet and in books that teach you blackjack strategy. Most of these are free, and you can use them to make smart decisions when playing the game.

The best way to learn blackjack is to practice. This will help you become familiar with the rules and ensure you play as safely as possible.

Before you start playing, decide how much money you are willing to spend. This will help you spread your bankroll out, so you don’t overspend and end up losing your entire investment.

When you’re ready to play, ask the dealer for a stack of chips. In most casinos, cash is not used to make bets; you must use casino chips or “checks.”

Take a Seat

You’ll need to sit at the table with enough room to comfortably place your chips on the table. It’s also a good idea to find a table that has empty betting spots so you can bet more than one hand per round.

Don’t Talk Too Much

Keeping your voice to a minimum can help you get through the game faster and more effectively. You’ll blend in better at a casino if you don’t say anything, and it can improve your odds as well.

Be Cool and Calm

You need to be able to focus on the cards you’re dealt, so try to keep your emotions out of the game. You don’t want to be nervous or excited, as it will affect your decision making and cause you to make mistakes.

Don’t Double Down If You Are Afraid of Going Bust

The most common mistake made by blackjack players is doubling down when they are afraid of going bust. This is a classic trap, as it is very easy to lose twice as much when you double down.

Avoid this by using a strategy that allows you to hit more often when your starting total is 11 or less. This will allow you to draw more cards and increase your chances of winning.

Early Surrender

You can surrender your bet before the dealer checks for blackjack if you think you have a hard hand and the dealer has an ace or face card showing. You’ll lose half of your bet, but it’s a great strategy for those hands that are so unlikely to win that you can’t afford to miss out on the chance of winning.

Resplitting Aces

If you have a split ace, it’s always a good idea to re-split it as soon as possible. This will save you the trouble of dealing with a miserable total like 12.

Don’t Split When You Have A Low Total

It’s a mistake to split when you have a low total, as it can lead to you having a weak soft total. It’s best to treat a hand with a low total like a hard one and double down on it, as this will increase your chances of winning.