Blackjack is a card game that involves players and dealers. The goal is to accumulate cards that total as close to 21 as possible without going over. Each player gets two cards and can choose to hit (request another card) or stay (end their turn). The dealer also gets two cards and must follow specific rules for hitting and staying. Perfect blackjack strategy involves making the right decisions in every situation to maximize your chances of winning.

Generally, the house edge in blackjack is higher than for other casino games. However, some blackjack variants reduce this edge through side bets. These side bets are often more lucrative than the basic game, and can significantly increase your payouts. However, they should be made only after you have familiarized yourself with the basic strategy.

To make a bet in blackjack, you must place your money in one of the betting spots on the table. Cash is not allowed in blackjack, so you must ask the dealer for chips before placing your bet. The dealer will convert your cash into chips and give you the appropriate number of chips for your bet amount. When you have enough chips, you can begin the round.

A blackjack hand is made up of the player’s first two cards, or “hole cards.” Normally, a player must stand on their starting hand unless it is an Ace and a ten-valued card, or the dealer has an ace showing, in which case they must double down. A player may also split a pair of cards, such as two eights or two nines. This option results in more favorable hands for the player and increases their chances of beating the dealer.

When playing blackjack, you should always practice your strategy for free before wagering real money. A good way to do this is by using a blackjack strategy chart that has been validated. These charts are available online and are free to download. You should print the chart and keep it next to you at the table, so that you can quickly refer to it when necessary.

You can also use a deck of cards to practice keeping a running count. As you deal each card, add its value to your running total. You should practice counting until you can do it rapidly and quietly. A true count is an even more sophisticated technique that takes into account the total of all the cards in play. Using this technique, you can raise your bets as the count rises. However, many casinos are wise to counters, and it is difficult to use this method in a casino setting.

There are several other tips for playing blackjack, including proper table etiquette and learning the rules of the game. It is important to always follow the strategy chart that is provided to you, and not to deviate from it based on your feelings. This can lead to disastrous results, especially if you are a beginner.