Blackjack is a card game that pits you against the dealer. The goal of the game is to accumulate cards that total as close to 21 as possible without going over. The game is played using one or more 52-card decks. The cards have values of either the number on them or face value (ten for face cards and one for aces). There are several rules that govern how the player can take action with their hand. These rules include hitting, splitting pairs, and doubling down. In order to maximize winning hands, the player should learn to use blackjack strategy charts.

A blackjack strategy chart is a handy tool that highlights the best betting decision based on your hand and the dealer’s showing card. It is an important tool for any blackjack player, but it can be especially useful for new players. It will help them determine when it is better to hit, stand, or double down based on the odds and probability of each scenario. For example, if the player has a hard 11, and the dealer’s showing card is a six, the odds of making a blackjack are low, so it is a good time to double down.

Another way to increase your chances of winning at blackjack is to use a betting system such as the Martingale. This involves doubling your bet after each loss until you win a hand, then returning to your original bet amount. This method can be risky, but it can give you a big profit in the long run if used correctly.

In blackjack, you can also make side bets that increase your chances of winning. For example, some blackjack games offer insurance bets that pay out if the dealer has a blackjack. Other side bets include splitting pairs and doubling down. However, these bets should only be made when the odds are favorable.

When playing blackjack, you should always know when to hit and when to stand. A good rule of thumb is to hit if your cards add up to 17 or higher. This is because it is nearly impossible to bust at this point. It is also a good idea to hit when the dealer has an up card of 6 or lower.

Similarly, you should always split a pair of eights or aces against the dealer. These are strong hands that can be strengthened by adding an additional card. On the other hand, you should always stay if your cards are a pair of 2s or 3s. This is because the dealer will most likely have a strong hand of 17 or more, which means you will lose. However, if the dealer has an ace or 10 showing, then it is a good time to hit. Otherwise, you should just stick to the basic strategy and remain patient. Eventually, you will get the hang of this game.