Blackjack is one of the few casino games where you have a chance to beat the dealer based on strategy and probability instead of pure luck. The game begins with each player placing their bet, and the dealer dealing two cards face up. The players decide whether to hit or stand, keeping their own and the dealer’s card values in mind. The goal is to get a higher value or 21. The card numbers two to ten count at their face value in blackjack, while the ace is worth either one or 11 depending on your strategy.

The dealer must hit until their cards total 17 or more, but they can also choose to stand, which is a riskier move. If the dealer’s cards are lower than 17, they must take additional cards to avoid busting. A player who hits a blackjack wins a payoff of 3 to 2 (depending on the casino). The player can double down, meaning they will double their bet and only receive one more card.

Secondary bets are a great way to increase your payouts and odds of winning at blackjack. They allow you to play for much larger amounts than if you simply bet on the dealer’s hand. However, it is important to understand the rules of the table before making a secondary bet.

When doubling down, remember that you will only receive one additional card, and the dealer will always have the final say. A player should only double when they are in a position where another card would significantly improve their chances of winning the hand, such as when the dealer has a weak upcard.

Practicing counting cards is one of the most effective ways to increase your chances of winning at blackjack. The most popular counting system is the Hi-Lo method, but there are many other strategies that work just as well. To practice, sit down with a single deck of cards and turn over each one, adding up the value. Then divide your running total by the number of decks in play to calculate the true count.

Counting cards is a difficult skill to master, but it can help you win more often at blackjack. By analyzing the cards in the deck and knowing when to hit or stand, you can dramatically decrease the house edge. The most important thing to remember is that you must always be ready to change your strategy when the cards indicate a positive count. This is called “playing the count” and was pioneered by Stanford Wong, author of the infamous book, Professional Blackjack.