Blackjack is a card game that involves you and the dealer working together to create a winning hand. It combines skill and luck, but you can skew the odds in your favor by learning basic strategy and more advanced card counting techniques.

The game starts when each player is dealt two cards by the dealer. They can either stand (end their turn) or hit (request additional cards). If a player’s initial hand totals 21, or any Ace with a Jack, Queen, or King, they have a blackjack and win the hand. A blackjack beats the dealer’s hand and is paid 1/1, while a tie results in a push (no money is won or lost).

Once all players have completed their turns, the dealer will draw another card for their own hand. If the dealer’s second card is higher than the original one, they will have a bust. Otherwise, they will stand and continue to draw until they have a hand worth 17 or more. A player’s hand that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s wins, while a tied hand results in a push (no money won or lost).

When playing blackjack, effective bankroll management is essential to minimize risk and increase your chances of winning. Establish a set budget for your blackjack sessions, and predetermine how much you’re willing to wager per hand. This will help you avoid making emotional decisions that can lead to costly mistakes. Ideally, you should only wager one to two percent of your total bankroll per hand, to reduce the risk of financial strain.

In addition to money management, it’s important to maintain a positive mindset while playing. This will help you keep your cool during losing streaks and make more sound decisions when the chips are on the line. It’s also a good idea to stick to shorter blackjack sessions, as this will give you a better chance of escaping with fewer losses.

Practice with free blackjack games before you play for real money. Try different strategies to learn what works best for you. It’s also a good idea for new players to take advantage of any bonuses offered by online casinos before playing for real cash. This can help you build your confidence and boost your bankroll.