Blackjack is a casino card game that involves making choices based on probability and strategy. There are many variants of this game, but the basic goal is to beat the dealer by getting a hand value closer to 21 than theirs. The best way to do this is by splitting two cards of the same value and doubling down when appropriate.

In order to play blackjack, the player must know when to split and double down, when to take insurance and when to surrender. These decisions will determine if they win or lose. Using good judgment and basic math can make these decisions easier for the players. In addition, understanding the odds of a particular situation can increase the chances of winning.

The dealer in blackjack deals the cards to each player, starting on their left. They may also shuffle the deck(s) prior to dealing them. The cards are then cut by a dealer’s card shoe (if used). A solid red card placed in the deck marks where the cards should be separated during the cut. The dealer then combines the cards into a discard pile and shuffles the remaining cards into a new deck to deal out a fresh round of hands.

Before the dealer begins the round, they must perform a standard check to ensure all is in order. This can include checking to see if the table is clean and arranging chips into stacks. In some casinos, the blackjack dealers will perform these tasks in front of a live audience.

After the initial bets have been made, the dealer will deal each player two cards. Then, they will check their hole card (or a view window in the table) to see if it has a ten underneath. If they do, they will pay out any players who paid for insurance (which is equal to half of their original wager) and continue playing the game as usual.

Once the cards are dealt, the players will decide whether they want to hit (get another card) or stand (keep their current hand). Some players may choose to take ’insurance,’ which pays 2-1 if the dealer has a blackjack.

A blackjack player can also choose to surrender if they believe that their hand will not beat the dealer. This is done by putting up half of their original bet in exchange for an automatic loss to the house.

In the last 2 decades, blackjack side bets have become popular. These side bets offer players a chance to win more money than their main wager by betting on things such as if the dealer has a blackjack, if their hand will pair with the dealer’s cards, or if they will bust. The most common of these side bets is called insurance, but there are hundreds of different side bets available. The most important thing to remember about these side bets is that they are not a substitute for proper basic strategy play.