Blackjack is a card game in which players and dealers get two cards each. Players can then choose to stand (stick with their hand and no longer request more cards) or hit (ask for more cards). The goal is to assemble cards that total 21 or closer, without going over. If the player busts, they lose; if the dealer busts, the hand results in a push (neither player nor dealer wins).

The house edge in blackjack is only 2%, but can be minimized to less than 0.5% through skillful play and optimal strategy. The rules are straightforward, and even novices can pick them up quickly. But mastering them requires a bit more time and effort than just memorizing a few simple rules.

Aside from the main game, blackjack is also available with a variety of side bets. These are essentially ways for players to increase their bets, which can be helpful in the short term. However, the odds of winning side bets are not as good as those for the main game. This makes them a poor choice for most players.

In general, the best strategy is to hit when your cards add up to 11. It’s impossible to bust at this point, so hitting is the most sensible option. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as when the dealer shows a 10 or an ace. In these cases, it’s wise to stand instead.

When to split is also an important consideration. Generally, it’s a good idea to split aces and eights, as well as sevens, sixes, and threes. It’s not a great idea to split fours, as this usually means that you won’t be able to form a strong hand.

Another crucial point to remember is when to double down. This is generally done when the player has a soft hand that’s likely to beat the dealer’s upcard. In most cases, this involves a pair of nines or two eights. In addition, players should always double down when they have a hard 18 against the dealer’s 10.

One last tip is to know when to walk away. Despite the fact that it may be tempting to increase your bet size when you’re on a winning streak, doing so can quickly wipe out your bankroll. It’s generally better to tinker with your bet size in increments, such as by increasing it when you win two $5 bets in a row and then returning to your initial minimum bet when you lose. This method will give you the most opportunity to maximize your winnings while minimizing your losses. However, this approach is only recommended for high rollers. If you’re on a losing streak, you should continue to bet the same amount and simply deduct your losses from your previous hands. This will keep you from chasing your losses and burning through your bankroll.