Blackjack is a casino game in which you compete against the dealer to make the best hand. In the simplest form, your goal is to get a value of 21 or higher on your first two cards while the dealer does not. The game can be complicated, but mathematical analysis has shown that for each possible combination of player and dealer cards there is a single play (hit, stand, split, double down) that results in the highest probability of winning. This is known as basic strategy and it is documented on black jack charts that are used by players to determine the best play for each situation.

While memorizing the entire chart may seem daunting, most people can learn basic strategy within a few weeks by practicing in simulated games or playing at online casinos. It is also a good idea to have an effective bankroll management system in place, which will help you avoid making emotional decisions or financial strain while playing the game. Typically, it is recommended to wager no more than one to two percent of your total bankroll per hand.

The most important thing to remember in blackjack is that the dealer has a much higher chance of busting than you do. This is because the dealer has a hole card and has four times as many ten-value cards as other ranks. This is why you should always bet that the dealer will bust whenever your value is closer to 17 than hers.

There are a number of other strategies that you can use to improve your chances of winning at blackjack. The most common is to split pairs of identical cards such as two aces, or two face cards. This increases the size of your initial bet, but requires you to receive only one additional card. Another popular strategy is to double down when the dealer shows a weak upcard. However, this is a risky move, and you should only do it when you are confident that your additional card will help you beat the dealer’s hand.

Some players also count cards in blackjack, which can give them an edge over the dealer. This is done by keeping a running count of the cards as they are dealt, and then dividing it by the number of decks in play to get a true count. This can be difficult to master, but it can significantly increase your advantage over the dealer.

A final point to remember is that it is generally better to stand than hit, unless the dealer has a strong upcard. It is also a good idea to double down on soft hands when the dealer shows a weak upcard, and to stick with your original bet when the dealer has a 10. Finally, you should never take insurance because this will decrease your odds of winning by more than half.