Blackjack is a game of skill and strategy, as well as luck. To win, the player must learn the game rules and practice the correct playing strategy. This will help them minimize the house edge and increase their odds of winning. In addition, players should know when to double down and when to surrender. This will help them maximize their bankroll.

To start a hand, the dealer gives each player two cards face up. The player then has to work out his or her own hand value – that is, how close it is to 21 without going bust. Once the player has decided on a strategy, he or she signals to the dealer that they wish another card by tapping the table with one hand or making a beckoning motion with the other. The dealer will then deal the player another card.

The dealer and the player then compare their hands. If the player has a higher hand value than the dealer, then he or she wins. However, if the dealer has a higher hand value than the player, then he or she loses the bet and their chips.

Once a player has determined their strategy, they should always play to that strategy. This will not only increase their chances of winning, but will also protect their bankroll from getting depleted. Players should be careful not to overplay, however, as this can lead to costly mistakes.

There are several side bets in blackjack that can greatly increase the payouts and odds of winning. The most popular is insurance, which is offered when the dealer has an ace showing. This side bet pays out 2:1, and is usually half the amount of the player’s main bet. However, it should be noted that this type of side bet increases the house edge by about 0.5%.

Another popular side bet is splitting pairs. This is when a player receives two cards of the same rank (for example, two 3s or two 8s). The player can choose to split their pair and get an additional card in each hand. In order to do this, the player must equal the original bet on their initial hand.

Splitting pairs is a very effective strategy in blackjack, as it can dramatically improve your chances of hitting the top hand. However, be sure to only split when the cards are of high value. Otherwise, it is not worth it. Also, be sure to never split two 8s as this is statistically the worst starting hand in blackjack.