Blackjack is a card game that requires skill, determination and self-mastery. While many players believe that the game is a matter of luck, mathematical analysis reveals that you can control your chances of winning by using proper strategy. Using this technique will not make you an instant pro, but it can reduce your losses significantly and increase your chances of winning. It can also help you play the game in a more controlled manner and not be affected by emotion.

Blackjack is played on a semicircular table that can accommodate varying numbers of players. Most tables have seven players (or “spots”), but some can hold up to 12 players. Players sit around the edge of the table and the dealer stands behind the chip rack.

The dealer deals two cards to each player and then a single card to themselves. If the dealer’s upcard is a 2, 3, or 4, the player should stand. Otherwise, the player should hit. It is impossible to bust with a hand of 17 or higher, so hitting is a good option.

Once the players have made their decisions, the dealer checks their hands for Blackjack. If the dealer has a Blackjack, the players lose their original wagers. The dealers will then collect the chips and shuffle the deck before starting a new round. If the dealer doesn’t have a Blackjack, everyone pushes and wins their original bets back.

If the dealer’s upcard is ten, it is generally recommended that the player splits their pair of Aces. This allows the player to receive an additional card for each of their hands, which can improve them significantly. However, the player should not split a pair of 2s or 3s because it can cost them more money in the long run.

Players should always double down when their initial hand consists of an Ace and a card with a value of 11 or less, such as a 9 or 10. This is because there are four times as many ten-value cards in the deck than other ranks. If the dealer’s upcard is 7, it is often better to stand than to hit, as the dealer has a strong potential for a 17.

Practicing proper bankroll management is essential for blackjack success. It is important to set a budget for each session and to avoid betting more than one to two percent of your total bankroll per hand. This will prevent you from making emotional decisions and putting yourself at risk of financial hardship. Additionally, you should practice keeping a running count by counting the cards in a single deck and adding up their values as they are dealt. Once you have mastered this, you can start playing with a true count to increase your edge over the dealer. Keeping a count is not easy, but it can be very rewarding. If you can perfect your count, you can gain a significant advantage over the casino’s house edge.