Blackjack is a casino card game in which players try to beat the dealer. The objective is to have a higher total than the dealer’s without going over 21. Players have several playing options including surrender, splitting, doubling down and hitting. Blackjack also has specific rules and procedures for players to follow to ensure the integrity of the game and the safety of everyone at the table.

One of the best things you can do to improve your chances of winning is to manage your bankroll properly. Before you start playing, decide how much money you are willing to invest and stick with it throughout the course of a session. This will help you avoid losing more than you can afford and will force you to make sound decisions when it comes time to bet more.

Getting started

Before you start playing blackjack, it’s important to learn the rules of the game. This includes the dealer’s position, card values, betting rules and player’s options. You should also understand the rules of basic strategy to maximize your chance of beating the dealer.

The dealer will then deal each player two cards face up. If the player’s hand totals less than 21 or they bust, they lose. If they have a higher total than the dealer’s, they win. If they have a blackjack, or natural, they are paid out at odds of 1 to 1.

A good blackjack rule is to always split 8s and never split Aces. Splitting 8s is beneficial because it can result in a big gain when the dealer shows a low upcard. However, if the dealer has a high upcard, then it’s a better idea to keep your 8s and hit.

Another blackjack rule that you should always remember is to stay calm and only increase your bet size when it’s necessary. Many players get caught up in the excitement of a winning streak and will begin increasing their bet size. This can be dangerous because you could end up losing more than you have won.

It’s also important to know when it’s time to walk away. When you have a positive cash balance, it’s a good idea to set a limit on how much more you can win and leave when you reach that amount. This will help you from spending more than you can afford and prevent you from becoming addicted to the game. You can also use a blackjack calculator to determine the maximum amount of money you should bet on each hand. This will help you avoid making poor decisions and keep your bankroll healthy. Using a blackjack calculator is also a great way to increase your chances of winning!