Blackjack is a card game in which players compete against the dealer. Each player is dealt two cards and the dealer also gets one card face up. The player can hit (ask for an additional card) until their hand reaches 21 or they decide to stand. If the player’s hand is a blackjack, they receive a payout immediately. Other players may choose to split (create two hands from a pair of cards with the same value) or double down (double the initial wager and receive only one additional card). Insurance bets are optional and pay out 2 to 1 if the dealer has blackjack.

Blackjack’s popularity has largely stemmed from the fact that it is easy to learn and can be played by players of any skill level. Its enduring appeal can also be attributed to its mathematically sound house edge, which can be reduced to less than 2% by following basic strategy. This is accomplished by learning the correct moves to make based on your hand and the dealer’s up card.

The most important thing to remember when playing blackjack is that the game is not won by luck. Effective bankroll management is key to long-term success. This means setting a budget for each session and not betting more than you can afford to lose. It is generally recommended to bet no more than 1% to 2% of your total bankroll per hand.

Having the right mindset is another key to success in blackjack. Being in a positive state of mind can help you avoid emotional decisions that can damage your odds of winning. It can also allow you to maintain a more consistent approach to the game, regardless of whether you are on a winning or losing streak.

A good way to improve your understanding of the game is to memorize a basic strategy chart. These charts can be found online and will give you a breakdown of the optimal move for each hand situation, including when to hit, stand, split, or double down based on your cards and the dealer’s up card. They can also tell you when to take advantage of the dealer’s vulnerable spots.

Another great way to increase your knowledge of blackjack is to practice keeping a running count. This is done by counting the cards as they are dealt, adding up their values, and dividing that number by the total number of decks in play. This will provide you with a more accurate and useful number than simply estimating the number of decks. It is important to keep a running count in silence because the casino is wary of card counters.

The final tip for beginners is to always hit soft 18 against a dealer’s up card of 2, 3, or 4. This move can be risky, but the fact is that it will give you an edge over the dealer in the long run. This is particularly true when you are playing online blackjack where the dealer can reshuffle the deck after every hand.