Blackjack is a game where you try to beat the dealer by having a hand with a value of 21 or higher. It’s a fast-paced, exciting battle between you and the dealer where every decision can impact your chances of winning. This is why it’s so important to practice and learn how to play the game correctly, so you can maximize your chances of success.

The first step is to decide how you will play your cards: will you hit, stand, split, or double down? After this, you will be dealt two cards. If you have a total of 21 on the first two cards, this is known as a “blackjack” and you win automatically. However, if the dealer also has a blackjack, it is a tie and neither you nor the dealer wins the bet.

During the game, you can look at your own cards and those of the dealer, but only when they’re face-up. This is because it’s not fair to the other players to have them face-down when they are deciding on their actions.

After each player has made their decisions, the dealer will reveal their second card. Then it’s time for the dealer to make their move. The dealer must follow specific rules that dictate how they deal their cards, including whether or not they should hit on a soft 17 (an ace and a six) and when they should stand.

Once all of the players who have purchased insurance have made their bets, the dealer will check her hole card by looking at a special viewing window in the table. If she has a ten showing, this means she has a blackjack and she will collect everyone’s insurance bets. Otherwise, the game continues as normal.

While the casino has a built-in advantage in blackjack, it is possible to reduce this percentage by learning and practicing basic strategy. This strategy determines when you should hit, stand, split, or double down, and it is based on the dealer’s visible card. It’s important to note that there are slight variations in basic strategy depending on the house rules and number of decks used.

Blackjack is also one of the few casino games where you can get even money on a winning bet, which means that you will be paid 1:1 rather than 3:2. This can make a difference in how many chips you win when your hand is a blackjack. Taking this option may not be the best decision for you, however, as it can be risky if the dealer has a strong up-card.