Blackjack is a game of strategy based on mathematics and card counting. It is played with one or more standard 52-card decks. The object of the game is to get a total card value as close to 21 as possible without going over. Players play against the dealer, against whom all betting is done. Each player and the dealer receive two cards to start with. Players may then choose to hit, stand, double down or split.

The dealer must always hit on a hard 17 or higher and stand on a soft 18 or lower. Players can split a pair of identical cards, but the total of the combined hands must be no higher than 21. The game also includes side bets such as insurance, which pays if the dealer has an ace upcard, and the option to double down on any hand (except when the dealer shows an ace).

When a player has a total of 21 on their first two cards, they call it “blackjack” or a “natural” and win immediately unless the dealer has a blackjack, in which case the hands tie. If the dealer has a blackjack, all bets are collected. If the dealer does not have a blackjack, he or she continues to draw cards until the player’s hand busts or he or she has a hand of equal value to 21.

Depending on the game rules, some blackjack games have different payouts for different types of hands. For example, some casinos reduce the 3 to 2 payout for blackjacks and allow players to re-double their bets. This raises the house edge and makes it more difficult for players to beat the dealer.

Most blackjack tables have a minimum bet of $1, but you can bet as much or as little as you want. If you are playing with another person, try to use chips of the same color as theirs and place them next to each other before betting. That way, if you get a blackjack, you can pay each other with a single swipe of your fingers.

Some blackjack players have an advantage over the dealers by spotting tells in the dealer’s behavior. These can be anything from a sigh or a gesture to a specific facial expression. A skilled player can learn to spot these tells and exploit them for their own benefit.

In addition to a basic understanding of the rules, there are many tips and tricks that can help you improve your blackjack game. Some of these tips include the importance of keeping good records, knowing when to double down and splitting and using a system for card counting.

There are also a few ways that you can improve your blackjack game even further by learning about the psychology of the game. For instance, some players are more likely to speak up when a dealer makes a mistake in their favor than other casino customers. They see this as no different from returning extra change to a store clerk.