Blackjack is a casino card game where players compete to beat the dealer. The player wins by having a hand value that is higher than the dealer’s without going over 21. The game is played with two cards for the dealer and one for each player. The cards are dealt face up so that the players can see their values. After the players have a look at their cards, they may choose to stay or hit. There are several betting options in blackjack including doubling down and surrendering.

The objective of blackjack is to win more hands than the dealer, but the rules are a little different from other casino games. There is a lot to remember, but it is possible to minimize the house edge by following simple strategies. To start, you should learn the basic rules of blackjack. Then, if you want to improve your skills, you should try to follow perfect strategy. While it will not guarantee you a win, it can greatly reduce the odds of losing.

In general, you should stand if your hand is 17 or higher and hit if it is lower. However, you should also know when to split and when to double down. This will allow you to make the most of your bankroll.

Splitting pairs of Aces and 8s is a good way to maximize your winnings in blackjack. You should always split these two-card hands unless the dealer has a 9, 10, or an Ace. This is because there are four times as many ten-value cards in a deck as other ranks, and splitting these pairs will maximize your chances of making a higher-value hand than the dealer. Similarly, hitting is a good choice if the dealer shows a 7 or higher. There are very few situations in which it is better to hit than to stand, but hitting can often make a bad hand worse.

To take advantage of the house edge in blackjack, you should practice counting cards. A simple counting system is the running count, which is simply the number of high cards minus the number of low cards. You can also use the true count, which takes into account the number of decks remaining in play. This gives you a more accurate picture of the advantage you have in betting.

The best way to get started with counting cards is to practice with a single deck of cards. Turn over the cards one by one, adding up their values as you go. When you are done, your running count should be zero. Once you are comfortable with the running count, you can move on to the true count.

You can also use a negative progression method, where you increase your bet after each loss. However, this method can quickly become expensive if you experience a long losing streak. A more effective approach is to have a “win limit,” which is the amount of money you will be willing to lose before you quit the table. This will help you avoid overspending and potentially becoming compulsive.