Blackjack is a game of skill, strategy and chance. The objective of the game is to beat the dealer by getting a higher hand value than the dealer, without going over 21. Players can choose to hit (ask for a new card), stand, or double down. The latter option involves doubling the original bet and receiving one additional card. There are also some side bets that can increase the payouts and odds of winning a hand.
The first step to safe gambling is establishing a bankroll. This is especially important for online blackjack, where the house edge can be as high as 14%. A player’s bankroll should be large enough to allow them to play a number of hands before losing too much money. It is also a good idea to set a time limit for playing blackjack and stick to it. This will help you keep track of your time and ensure that you don’t get distracted by other things while you are playing.
It is also a good idea to avoid drinking too much alcohol while playing blackjack. This is because it can impair your ability to think clearly, follow basic strategy and make sensible bets. However, if you do decide to have a drink while playing blackjack, it is important to be aware of how much you are spending and to play within your budget.
Lastly, it is a good idea to be polite and respectful towards other players at the table. Some players may be on a mission to lose their money as quickly as possible and will do everything in their power to accomplish this goal. Others may be on a hot streak and will do everything they can to stay ahead of the dealer. Berating a player for playing differently than you do is not only unprofessional but can also drain the fun out of the game.
Another thing to consider is whether or not to take insurance. This is a side bet that pays out 2 to 1 if the dealer has a ten showing underneath her ace. The odds are slightly against you and taking insurance will cost you more money than you will win back.
If you are unsure when to hit, it is generally a good idea to do so when your cards add up to 11 or less. It is not likely that you will bust at this point and hitting will give you a better chance of beating the dealer’s hand. However, it is still important to know when to stand and not to hit – this is one of the hardest parts of blackjack!
Lastly, it is a good idea not to double down on soft hands such as 11 and 12. It can be very tempting to do so in order to try and improve your chances of winning, but this will usually only lead to more losses. Moreover, it is also a bad idea to double down on pairs of 6s or 8s against a dealer’s 10. These hands are unlikely to win and will usually result in a loss.