Blackjack is a game of chance and skill. The objective of the game is to build a hand that has a total value closer to 21 than the dealer’s. The game is played with one or more standard 52-card decks. Cards 2-10 count at their numerical value, while face cards (jack, queen, king) have a value of 10 and the ace can be worth either 1 or 11.

Each player is dealt two cards and then chooses whether to stand (stop taking more cards) or draw (request more cards) based on a set of rules. The dealer also gets two cards and then plays their hand based on the rules. The player may also place side bets, such as insurance, which pays when the dealer has an ace up card. Other side bets, such as “four 20s,” allow players to bet on a specific pair of cards coming up on their hand.

The first step in learning how to play blackjack is familiarizing yourself with the game’s terminology. For example, a “blackjack” is a hand consisting of an ace and a ten-card, and it is the best possible hand in blackjack. In most casinos, blackjacks pay out 3 to 2.

Some blackjack games offer even money on blackjacks, which means that you will be paid just one-and-a-half times your original wager if you have a blackjack and the dealer does not have a blackjack. However, this rule is not universal and you should always read the table rules carefully.

In some blackjack games, the dealer must hit on a hand of 16 or lower, while in others, the dealer must stand on a hand of 17 or higher. It is important to know these rules so that you can make the right decision when it is your turn to act.

Effective bankroll management is vital to long-term success in blackjack. It is recommended that you only risk one to two percent of your total bankroll per hand. This will help you avoid emotional decisions that can lead to financial strain.

The table layout for a blackjack game is usually semicircular and can accommodate varying numbers of players. Most tables seat seven players, but you can find games that accommodate as many as 12 spots. The dealer stands behind the table and chip rack, while the players sit on opposite sides of the table.

A blackjack game is started when each player has placed their chips in the betting circle. The dealer then deals each player two cards face up. The player must then decide to hit or stand based on the rules of the game. The dealer then reveals his or her own card and must hit until he or she has a total of 17 or higher. The player who has the highest hand wins.