Blackjack is a card game where players try to get closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over. The game is played on a semi-circular table that can seat up to seven players. The cards are dealt from a deck of 52 cards, with each player and the dealer receiving two cards each. Players must place their bet before the dealer deals cards. Once the betting is complete, the cards are dealt out and the first player must decide whether to hit or stand.

If a player has an ace and a ten-value card (a picture card or a 10), this is called a “blackjack” or a “natural,” and the player wins instantly. In some casinos, the dealer will offer a bonus payout on blackjacks if they are made of the ace of clubs or the ace of spades. This was a promotional feature when the game was first introduced in US casinos and eventually renamed blackjack from its original name of 21.

When the cards are dealt, each player must decide whether to hit or stand. Depending on the type of hand, the player may split or double his bet. In some games, a player can also take insurance, but this is not an optimal play and will result in losing money over the long term. In general, the player should stand when he has a hand with a high percentage of winning and hit when his odds are low.

Before the first player plays his hand, the dealer will usually ask if any players want to take insurance. This side bet is placed on a bar above the player’s cards and pays out 2 to 1 if the dealer has a blackjack. This is a good idea for players who think they have a strong chance of getting a blackjack.

In most variants, the dealer must stand on all 17 hands and hits on soft 17. Some casino rules allow a player to double down when his first two cards are of equal value. Other variations may require the dealer to check for blackjack before paying out a player.

Some casinos will allow players to bet behind the dealer if they wish. However, this should be avoided as it can give the player an unfair advantage over the dealer.

Basic strategy gives the player the best overall odds for any situation in blackjack, based on millions of hands played and computer analysis. Using this information, the player can make better decisions about when to hit, stand, or split. This will increase his chances of winning over time, although he will not win every hand. In addition, it is important to recognize hot and cold tables and know when to walk away. Observant players should be able to tell when a table is running hot by watching the number of players and the amount of money being wagered. This will help him choose a table with the most favorable conditions for him.