Blackjack is a casino card game in which players compete with the dealer to make the best hand. The game is played using one or more standard 52-card decks. Each card has a value of either its number, or 10 for face cards, or one for an ace. A player’s goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. The game can be played in many variations, including side bets that allow players to place bets on twenties or other specific hands. Side bets can dramatically increase the house edge of a blackjack game, so it is generally best to avoid them.
A blackjack strategy chart can help you win at blackjack by recommending the right action to take in different situations. The chart will tell you whether to hit, stand, split, or double based on the cards in your hand and the dealer’s showing card. Using this knowledge can drastically improve your odds of winning.
To use a blackjack strategy chart, first identify the strength of your hand by looking at your starting cards and comparing them to the dealer’s upcard. If your starting two cards have a total of 11 or less, it is usually wise to hit, as it will be impossible for you to bust at this point. This is especially true if the dealer’s upcard is 2 or higher.
You can also boost your odds of winning by doubling down when you have an initial hand total of 11 or lower. Doubling down will double your original bet and give you an additional card, which can turn a weak hand into a strong one. When you are dealing with a pair, such as two nines or two threes, it is also wise to split. Splitting will give you two separate hands and will, based on the dealer’s upcard, allow you to cut your losses or even improve your chances of winning.
After all players have had their turns, the dealer will reveal their cards and then hit or stand based on predetermined rules. If the dealer’s hand does not exceed 21, all players who did not bust will win their original bet amount. If the dealer’s hand does exceed 21, all players lose their bets, except those who have a blackjack themselves.
Another way to increase your chances of winning at blackjack is by counting cards as they are dealt. A blackjack counting system, such as the Hi-Lo method, can be used to track the number of high cards and low cards in the deck. When the deck is stacked with high cards, the house edge is lower, and you will have a better chance of making blackjacks and pushing. When the deck is stacked with low cards, the house edge is higher, and you will have a harder time making a good blackjack hand.