Blackjack is one of the most popular casino card games. It is played using a single or multiple 52-card decks, with each card having a value of either 1, 10, or face cards. The objective of the game is to accumulate cards with a total value as close to 21 as possible. The dealer will then reveal his or her hand and, depending on the value of the cards, players may stand (stop drawing additional cards), double down, split, or surrender.

The most important thing to remember when playing blackjack is basic strategy. Basic strategy is a set of rules that inform players of the best way to play every hand dealt when all that is known is the player’s hand and the dealer’s up card. This strategy is mathematically correct and maximises the chance of winning money whilst minimising the amount that can be lost.

Once you have learned basic strategy, there are a number of betting systems that can be used to further improve your odds. These betting systems use mathematical progressions to increase your profits and decrease your losses. They are most effective when paired with a well-defined bankroll. However, it’s essential to remember that these betting systems have been designed with specific bankrolls in mind and may not be suitable for smaller ones.

A common side bet in blackjack is insurance, which is a wager that the dealer has blackjack. It is generally placed after the first two cards have been dealt and pays out if the dealer has a blackjack. It’s a risky bet, however, and you should only place it if you can afford to lose it.

Unlike most other casino card games, blackjack is played on a semi-circular table that can accommodate different numbers of players. The most commonly used blackjack tables are those that can accommodate seven players, or “spots”. The dealer is positioned in the middle of the table and the cards are dealt from an enclosed shoe.

When you have a hard 11, you should double down on any dealer showing a 10, 9, or ace. You should also hit on a soft 17 against a dealer’s 2, 3, or 4. In addition, a hard 12 on a dealer 2 or 3 is a good time to hit because there’s less than a 5% chance of pushing and losing your money. It’s best to avoid splitting aces against a dealer’s 5, 6, or 7 because the odds of getting a strong hand are slim.