Blackjack is a game of skill and strategy where the goal is to beat the dealer by gathering a hand with a value greater than 21, while not busting. As one of the most beloved casino games, blackjack typically involves one to eight standard 52-card decks with number cards (2-10) scoring their respective values; face cards such as Jack, Queen and King count as 10 points while an Ace can either count as either 1 or 11.

Once players place their bets, the dealer deals two cards to each player and one to himself/herself (one face up and one face down), with one card facing up for every face down card received (either face up or face down). Players then have several options when it comes time to choose whether to stand, hit, double down or split their hand(s). Insurance offers another bet which pays out 2-1 should a dealer indeed have a blackjack. Players should keep in mind that blackjack’s house edge can be fairly high, particularly if playing against an uninformed or lazy dealer who takes advantage of them!

Beginners often make the mistake of playing their hands too cautiously, failing to hit when it should and failing to split or double down when odds favor doing so. This gives the house an immense edge compared to more skilled players who will double and split pairs more frequently and aim closer toward optimal ranges when making their choices.

Once a player is content with his or her cards and doesn’t wish for more, they signal to the dealer by making a beckoning gesture with their hand or tapping lightly with their finger behind their cards on the table behind their cards. When this occurs, the dealer may add one additional card which may increase the total value of his hand.

If a player’s initial hand value is 16 or lower, the dealer is likely to hit until he or she displays 7 or higher; at this point it should be up to the player whether to hit or stand. By contrast, for hands valued 17 or above it should usually be better off standing.

When a player’s hand is closer to 21 than that of the dealer, he or she wins and receives an even-money payoff on his initial bet. A tie, or push, occurs when values match between player and dealer hands; either party retains its original bet. In case of a blackjack while dealing with an ace-up dealer hand, insurance (half original bet plus payout of 2-1 in case dealer holds blackjack) can be taken; but keep in mind this strategy could eventually lose money over time.