Blackjack is a card game in which the goal is to beat the dealer. To do so, you must draw a hand value of 21 or higher from your initial two cards and make a playing decision. Your options include asking for another card (hitting), splitting your hand, double down, and surrendering. The rules of blackjack vary from one casino to the next, but in general players use cash or chips purchased from the dealer to place bets.

The game’s history dates back to the 1700s. In its earliest forms, it was known as vingt-et-un (21 and one). Over the years, the game has evolved with many minor changes. Today, it is a widely played card game in casinos and other gaming establishments.

Basic strategy for blackjack is a system of rules that instructs the player how to play each hand in the best manner possible. It is based on mathematical calculations that have been proven to reduce the house edge over time. The strategy considers the type of deck in play, whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17, and other factors.

Keeping track of the count is an important part of blackjack strategy. A running count is kept by adding the values of each card as it is dealt. This number is a good indication of the overall strength of the deck. A true count is more complicated, and it takes into account the number of decks in play. It is used by experienced card counters to modify basic strategy based on the current count.

When to Hit

In blackjack, you should hit when your total is 11 or less. This will improve your odds of beating the dealer without going bust. It is also a good idea to hit when the dealer is showing a weak hand.

When to Stand

In most cases, you should stand on a hard 17 or higher. This will increase your chances of beating the dealer without going over 21.

When to Doubling Down

To double down in blackjack, you place a second bet equal to your original wager. You may only do this when the dealer shows an ace or a 10. If you double down and the dealer has a 10, you win even money. If the dealer doesn’t have a ten, you lose your original bet but are paid 2 to 1 for your insurance.

A good blackjack strategy will allow you to maximize your winnings and minimize your losses. However, if you play long enough, losing streaks will happen. If they occur too often, you will need to increase your betting size to compensate. This can be very expensive, and some players may find themselves going broke very quickly. A good blackjack strategy will help you determine when it is time to walk away from the table.