Blackjack is a game of chance in which players compete against the dealer. The objective of the game is to get a hand with value of 21. This can be done in two ways. One is by hitting or staying with the cards, and the other is by splitting. There are also several side bets which can be played.

The first two cards a player receives are known as “blackjack”. If the player receives an ace, this counts as 1 or 11 depending on the rules of the game. When the dealer shows an ace, he can place a side bet called insurance. This bet pays out 2 to 1.

Getting a pair of eights is a good bet. This pair has a value of 8. To gain the best odds, the player should split it into two hands. However, only a few players will actually do this. Another tactic is to play four hands in a row, each with a pair of eights. These hands are worth a total of 18-21.

Blackjack can be played with a conventional 52-card deck. Typically, six to eight decks are used at a time. A game usually begins with a minimum bet, which varies from casino to casino. For those who prefer to take risks, there is also the option of playing a progressive table game.

Depending on the game, the player may need to hit, stand, or surrender. Hit is a technique that allows the player to ask for a card from the dealer. Stand and surrender can save a player from losing money. As with all blackjack games, it is important to practice before playing a live game.

If the player is over 21, he or she loses the bet. In a casino, the house edge is generally less than one percent. However, in online blackjack, the house edge can be as high as 3%. Consequently, the rewards are a lot more for a player who is willing to stake a little more.

The best possible hand in blackjack is an Ace with a face card. This is called a “natural” and can’t be beaten by the dealer. Other than a natural, the best hands include a ten with a face card, a jack with a face card, and a blackjack. But remember, a blackjack beats any other hand.

While the most popular method of betting is by going straight ahead, there are a number of side bets available. These are typically placed in a designated area next to the main wager box. Most of them require wagering at the same time as the main bet. Some of them involve side bets on the dealer’s bust, or on a player’s bust.

The game can be played with one deck, but most use more than one. It is also common for a dealer to choose to use a shoe. With a shoe, the dealer will take a card from the deck and place it next to the player’s initial two cards.