Blackjack, also known as 21, is a casino card game in which players compete against the dealer. The object of the game is to beat the dealer by getting a hand value of 21 or higher without going bust. The game is played on a semicircular table with one or more dealers and up to seven players.

Before the cards are dealt, players place a bet. The minimum and maximum bets are usually posted on the table. Once the bets are placed, the dealer deals each player two cards face up. The players then decide whether to hit (receive more cards) or stand (keep their current hand). The player with the highest hand value wins.

Some players use card counting to improve their odds of winning. Counting involves keeping track of the number of high cards remaining in the deck, and deviating from basic strategy when the count suggests you should. There are many different card counting systems, but they all work roughly the same way: a running total is kept by turning over cards one at a time and adding their values. The total is then divided by the number of cards in the deck to yield a true count, which gives you an idea of how much of an edge you have over the dealer.

There are several other ways to improve your chances of winning in blackjack, including splitting and surrendering. Splitting is when you divide your initial two cards into separate hands and then play each of them separately. This can be a smart move if you have a strong hand and the dealer has a weak one, as it can help you reduce your losses. Surrender is a method of ending your hand before the dealer checks for blackjack, and it can be either early or late. It is best to take advantage of this option when it is available, as it can significantly lower your house edge.

If you have a hand with a value of 21 or higher, you win and are paid your original wager. You can also win by beating the dealer’s hand, which is called a push. If you and the dealer have the same hand value, you lose.

Aside from being fun to play, blackjack is a great way to practice proper bankroll management. You should decide in advance how much money you are willing to risk and stick to that amount. This will prevent you from chasing your losses and keep you playing for longer. It is also a good idea to set win and loss limits for each session, as this will ensure that you walk away a winner more often than not.