Blackjack is a game of chance that can be very rewarding if you learn to play smartly. Effective bankroll management is essential to the success of any blackjack player and determining how much of your bankroll you are willing to risk per hand is one of the first steps in becoming a skilled blackjack player. Keeping your emotions in check and playing consistent hands are also key components of winning at blackjack.

Before you start playing for real money, practice with free blackjack games online or in the casino. This will help you to understand the rules and how the game is played. It is also a great way to test out different strategies and see which ones work for you.

A successful blackjack strategy involves deciding whether to ask for another card (hit) or stick with your current hand (stand). Your goal is to get a higher total than the dealer’s without going over 21. When you have a higher total than the dealer’s, you win.

In most blackjack games, the players each receive two cards that are visible to them. The dealer then receives one visible card and one that is face down, which remains hidden until the end of the hand. This difference in the number of cards dealt to each player and the fact that the dealer has an additional card hidden from them creates a couple of unique situations when deciding what to do with your hand.

Blackjack strategy involves a combination of factors including the value of your cards, what the dealer is showing, and which other players are at the table. To make the most of your potential, you should always follow basic strategy, which is based on proven mathematics.

Doubling down is a good option when your initial two cards have a value of 11 or less. This will give you a better chance of drawing a card worth 10 points and improving your hand. It is important to remember that doubling down will double your original bet and you should only do this when the dealer’s upcard is 2 or higher.

Splitting is an option when your starting two cards are a pair, such as two nines or two threes. This will allow you to make a separate hand with each card, increasing your chances of making a strong hand or even a blackjack. It is important to know when to split and when not to, as the odds of splitting are heavily weighted against you.

Some experienced blackjack players use a system of counting cards to increase their edge over the house. This is known as the hi-lo system and can be a very effective strategy when used correctly. However, this method is frowned upon by casinos and you may be kicked out or banned from the tables if caught. It is also important to avoid drinking while you are playing blackjack, as this can distract you from the strategy at hand.