Blackjack is a game where players compete against the dealer to make the highest-value hand. The objective is to beat the dealer by getting a total of 21 or more on your first two cards, while also avoiding going bust (going over 21). If you do this successfully, you win and get paid, usually 3:2 on your initial bet.

To improve your chances of winning, you should use basic blackjack strategy and learn the rules. There is a lot to remember, but once you understand the basics, you will be ahead of many novices. In addition, you should try to use a table that uses fewer decks of cards and doesn’t allow doubling on soft hands. Using these strategies will help you to minimize the house edge.

Before you start playing blackjack, it’s important to establish a bankroll. This will help you avoid making emotional decisions while you play. It’s generally recommended to wager one to two percent of your total bankroll per hand to limit risk.

When you’re ready to play, the dealer will deal you and each of your opponents two cards. Then, you can ask for another card (hit), stay with your current hand (stand), or surrender. The dealer will then reveal his or her cards and make a decision.

If your first two cards have a value of 11 or higher and the dealer’s upcard is weak (like a five or six), you should double down. This will give you the opportunity to draw a 10-value card and improve your hand. This is especially beneficial in a single-deck blackjack game, where the odds of getting a 10 are higher.

However, you should be careful when doubling down with an ace. The ace has a dual value of 1 or 11, and you could end up with an even worse hand than if you had simply hit.

Using a blackjack chart will help you make the right move in each situation. The charts are designed to be easy to read and will tell you what action to take based on the type of hand and the dealer’s upcard. They will also advise you when to hit, stand, or double. Some charts will also include the X and U symbols, which indicate whether you should double or surrender your hand, respectively.

The blackjack tables at your favorite casino may vary slightly from one to the next, so you should find out which chart is appropriate for each game. You can also print out blackjack charts to use while playing at a casino. However, this can be disruptive to other players.

Some players like to study the charts before they play, while others want to be able to refer to them in the heat of the moment. The latter approach can be difficult, but it’s better than making a mistake that will cost you money. It’s best to stick with basic strategy until you’re comfortable with it. Then, you can move on to more advanced techniques.