Blackjack is a card game that can be played by a single or multiple players. The goal is to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going bust. Players can also choose to double down or split pairs to increase their chances of winning. In addition, many blackjack tables offer side bets with big payouts for certain outcomes. While these extra bets can add excitement to the game, they come with an increased house edge. Therefore, it’s best to avoid them unless you are an expert in blackjack strategy.

Before the dealer deals each player a hand, they will shuffle the cards. Then they will collect and reveal their face-down card. This will determine who wins or loses the hand. Players can then hit or stand according to predetermined rules. It’s also important to keep personal items, such as phones or bags, away from the table. Leaving them behind the table can cause distractions and mess up your blackjack experience.

One of the most important aspects of playing blackjack is effective bankroll management. This means setting a budget for your blackjack sessions and only betting one to two percent of your total bankroll per hand. This will help you avoid making emotional decisions and reduce your risk of financial stress.

The best blackjack strategy involves knowing when to split pairs and when to stand. Always splitting aces and eights is a good idea, as this will give you two powerful hands that can beat most other pairs. However, it’s important to be aware of the dealers upcard when splitting other pairs, such as fours or threes. If they are showing a 10, it’s best to split those hands as well, since you’ll be increasing your odds of winning by adding more cards to your hand.

If you have a strong hand and don’t want any more cards, you can ask for another (hit). The dealer will then give you a new card to improve your hand. You can also double down on a pair of 10s or 11s to increase your chances of hitting a high total. However, it’s crucial to know when to do this, as you don’t want to risk going bust.

After all the players have made their decisions, the dealer will reveal their card and settle the winning and losing hands. If you win, you’ll receive a payout based on the type of hand and your bet value. If you lose, the dealer will collect your chips and reshuffle the deck.