How to Win at Blackjack

Blackjack is a game of chance, but there are also elements of skill. Having a plan of action and knowing when to hit, stand, double down or surrender can reduce the house edge and increase your chances of winning. It is also important to set a budget and stick to it. Playing with more than you can afford to lose can quickly result in a big loss and leave you with nothing to show for your night out.

Players place their bets in chips on the table before the cards are dealt. Each player then gets two cards facing up and the dealer gets one card face down. If your hand totals more than the dealer’s without going over 21, you win. If the dealer busts, all players that have a higher total win. If the dealer has a natural blackjack, the player’s bet is paid 6 to 5 and all other bets are paid 1:1.

The game is played on a semi-circular table that can be adapted to different numbers of players. The most common tables can accommodate seven players, but there are also blackjack tables that seat up to 12 people. The dealer stands behind the table and chip rack with his or her cards on one side of the table and the players sit in front.

In a standard blackjack game, the dealer will draw cards until they have a total of 17 or more. Once the dealer has a high enough hand, the other cards are revealed and whoever has a total closer to 21 wins. If both the dealer and player have a high total, it is considered a tie and neither hand is paid on.

When playing blackjack, you can choose to split your cards into two separate hands by placing a second bet equal to the amount of your original bet. Each new hand is then played independently. You can add more cards to each hand, but you cannot re-split any of the original cards you were dealt.

You can also request another card from the dealer when your hand has a low total, such as 10 points or less. However, if this card takes your total above 21, you bust and lose.

Purchasing insurance in blackjack is never a good idea. The odds are against you, and the additional cost of the insurance will more than offset any potential winnings you may have.

There are a number of blackjack variations that offer players side bets that can significantly increase their payouts and odds of winning. These bets include doubling down, which allows players to double their initial bet and receive an extra card. This can be especially beneficial when the dealer has a weak card showing, such as a seven or six. In addition, some blackjack games will pay players twice their initial bet if they are dealt an ace.