Blackjack is a casino card game played between the dealer and the player. To win, the player must have a higher hand total than the dealer without going over 21. The house edge varies by game and by table rules, but the use of basic strategy can significantly reduce the house edge. Players can also choose tables with favorable rules and use card counting to further improve their odds of winning.

The game begins when the dealer gives each player two cards face up. The player may then decide to stand or ask for more cards (‘hit’). The dealer then reveals his or her card and either stands or busts. If the dealer has a blackjack, the players who bought insurance pay out 2 to 1.

Unlike most other casino games, there is no betting between the players in blackjack. Instead, each player plays against the dealer and the goal is to beat them. This is why it is essential to understand the rules of blackjack before you play.

When dealing blackjack, it is important to distribute the cards properly. Begin by giving the card to the first player on your left. Gently slide the card across the table and turn it face up as you do so. Continue this process with each player until everyone has a card in front of them. When you are finished, be sure to collect the cards and place them in the discard holder.

Some casinos tweak the house edge by paying 6 to 5 on Blackjacks rather than 3 to 2. This increases the dealers advantage and takes money out of your pocket every time you make a blackjack. Avoid playing at these casinos if you can.

Before you begin the game of blackjack, make sure you have a seat at the table. Typically, a blackjack table can accommodate between five and seven players. If you see an empty seat, it is okay to sit in it unless there are chips or coats holding the spot for another player. Leaving money on the blackjack table is not acceptable and can cause confusion for the dealer.

If the dealer shows an ace, players can place insurance bets of up to half their original bet amount on the “insurance bar” above their cards. If the dealer has a blackjack, this bet pays out 2 to 1. The dealer then checks his or her hole card (using a special viewing window in the table) and pays out any insurance bets that were made.

There are several different ways to bet in blackjack, including splitting and double downing. Splitting is an excellent way to increase your chances of making a blackjack, but be careful not to overdo it. You should only split your cards when they are suited and will give you the best chance of improving them into a stronger hand. Oftentimes, players will split small pairs like 2s and 3s in order to get an ace for a soft blackjack, but this is not always a good idea.