Blackjack is a card game that pits the player against the dealer. The player’s goal is to make a hand value as close as possible to 21 without going bust. Players are dealt two cards, and can draw more based on a set of rules. The dealer also receives two cards. When the player’s hand is complete, they must stand (stop drawing), hit, or split based on their cards and the dealer’s upcard.

Blackjack can be one of the most rewarding casino games. It requires skill, and the player can reduce the house edge with a good strategy. A good strategy involves making the best decisions based on the current value of your cards and that of the dealer’s, and taking advantage of situations where you have an edge over the dealer. There are many variations to the rules of blackjack, and some casinos may implement changes that change the odds of winning a particular hand.

Some games allow you to place a side wager on your blackjack hand. This is known as insurance, and it pays out 2 to 1 if the dealer has a blackjack. The dealer will ask if you want to take insurance before your hand is played. It is a good idea to take insurance only if the dealer shows an ace or a face card, and you’re certain that the next card won’t cause you to go bust.

Doubling down is an excellent way to increase your profits in blackjack, but it should only be done when you’re confident that you can beat the dealer’s hand. When you double down, you make a bet equal to your initial bet, and the dealer will give you one additional card. You should only double down when you’re holding a strong hand, like a 12, against the dealer’s upcard of 5, and when the dealer’s ace is showing.

Many casinos will reduce the payout for blackjacks to 6 to 5, which increases the house edge and makes card counting less effective. However, this is not a universal rule and you should check the table rules before playing.

Another common variation to the rules of blackjack is that some dealers will offer “even money” if you have a blackjack. This means the dealer will pay you your original bet back before they check their hole card for a blackjack. This can be a profitable option, but it comes with a price: you’ll lose more hands in the long run by taking even money.