Blackjack is a casino game that pits players against the dealer. Each player is dealt two cards and the dealer one card face up. The aim of the game is to beat the dealer with a hand that has a value of 21 or higher.

The rules of the game are simple and easy to learn. To play blackjack, the player must make a bet in one of the betting spots on the table. The amount of the bet is decided by the player. Cash is not used to make a bet, instead players use chips. When a player is ready to make a bet, they must tell the dealer that they want to play blackjack by making a beckoning motion or tapping the table with their finger. The dealer will then convert the cash into chips and slide them toward the player.

Players can choose to stand (keep their current hand), hit, surrender, or double down. A double down is a bet that increases the player’s original bet by up to 2 times the initial bet. This is a good option when the player believes that they have a hand that will beat the dealer’s and would benefit from an additional card.

Splitting pairs in blackjack is a great way to increase your odds of winning. When you are dealt a pair, such as two nines or two threes, you can place a second bet equal to your original bet and then play each hand independently. This is a great strategy for any hand value of 12 or more, especially when the dealer has a low up-card.

The best time to double down in blackjack is when you have a hand value of 11 or more and the dealer’s up-card is 7 or lower. However, it is important to note that doubling down will not always yield the highest payout. In fact, if you are losing and double down every hand, you may find yourself running out of money quickly. This type of progression is often used by high rollers to increase their bankroll, but should only be done if you have a large enough bankroll.

If you have a hand that is valued at 17 or higher, it is usually best to stand. The exception to this rule is if the dealer has a face-up card that is a 7 or higher; in this situation, it is generally better to hit.

While the basic strategy chart provides an excellent starting point for learning how to play blackjack, there are many other variations that require you to consult other charts that include specific rules and deviations. Learning how to use these charts can help you gain a significant advantage over the house and win real money while playing your favorite game. In addition to the basic strategy chart, you should also familiarize yourself with side bets such as the ten-spot. These side bets can make the game more interesting and lucrative.