Blackjack is a card game in which the player and dealer each get two cards. The goal is to accumulate a total as close to 21 as possible without going over. The cards have a value of either 1 or 11 for face cards, and 10 for numbers. In addition to basic strategy, players can use side bets and other strategies to improve their odds of winning.

Having the right attitude towards playing blackjack is important for your success. It is important to remember that winning streaks don’t last forever, and that odds change with every hand dealt. Don’t let your emotions overtake your math, and never deviate from a basic strategy chart based on your hunch or feeling.

A basic strategy chart will tell you when to hit, stand, split, double down, or surrender based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard. The chart can be memorized in a few minutes, and is very effective when played correctly. Always keep a blackjack strategy chart at the table, and don’t deviate from it even if you have a feeling that you are due for a win.

While it is true that the house edge in blackjack is low, it can still be high if you play the game incorrectly. Many blackjack players make mistakes in the game, and some of these mistakes can be costly. These errors may seem small, but they add up over time. The most common error is taking the insurance bet. This is a side bet that pays out when the dealer has blackjack, but has a high house edge.

Another mistake is not doubling down when you have a strong hand. This is an opportunity to increase your winnings, and it can be worth the extra risk. However, it is important to remember that you can only double down on hands that contain an Ace and a card of value between 2 and 6.

If you have a strong hand with an Ace and a card of value between 4 and 6, it is generally advisable to hit the dealer’s upcard. This is because the dealer has a very high probability of busting, and you will have a much higher chance of improving your hand with a hit than with a stand.

In blackjack, you can also make other side bets to increase your payouts and the odds of beating the dealer. One of the most popular is insurance, which is offered when the dealer shows an Ace. This bet is very simple to understand, but is not profitable unless the dealer has blackjack. If the dealer does have blackjack, then all players push and each player gets back their original stake. If no one has a blackjack, then the dealer collects all the bets, shuffles and deals new cards. Then, the next round begins.