Blackjack is a casino table game that pits the player against the dealer. Players have a variety of playing options including hitting, standing, and splitting or doubling down, but the objective is always to beat the dealer by getting a total closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand. While blackjack can appear straightforward, there are a number of subtle–and some major–rules that must be understood and followed to get the best results from your play.

To begin a hand of blackjack, the player must first place a wager. This can be done by either placing the player’s cash on the table in front of him or by requesting chips from the dealer. Most tables have a minimum and maximum bet amount, so if you’re new to the game we recommend starting out at a lower betting limit.

Once a player places his bet, the cards are dealt. Each player receives two cards and the dealer gets one card face up and one down. The player then works out the value of his hand to determine whether or not he should hit, stand, double down, or split.

The dealer is a key component in the game of blackjack, and it’s important to understand how the dealer works. When the dealer has a natural, he pays the player one and a half times the amount of the bet. The dealer also collects the bets of all other players who do not have a natural.

Each card has a different value, and you must learn how to count them in order to play efficiently. Adding up the values of each card takes practice, but it’s easy once you know the system. For example, every face card (Jack, Queen, or King) is worth 10 points, and cards numbered 2-10 are each worth their printed value.

It’s helpful to practice counting cards in a separate setting before you start playing for real money. To do so, take a deck of cards and practice counting them as you turn over each card. After a few turns you should be able to keep a running total with ease. As you progress, try adding more complex cards to your running total. When you’re ready, try practicing with a multi-deck game to see how much more difficult it is to keep track of.

Once you’re familiar with the rules of blackjack, it’s time to put your skills to work. If you’re playing in a live casino, look for a blackjack table that offers the minimum and maximum bet amounts you want to play at. When you find a table, wait until the current hand is over and approach the dealer to join.

After the dealer deals each player two cards, they must decide whether to ask for another card. This is a good idea if the player’s hand has a high enough value to avoid going bust or if the player wants to increase their chances of making a winning hand in the long run.