Blackjack is a casino card game where the player’s goal is to get cards that total 21 or less. The dealer also has a goal, but it is to beat the player’s hand. Players are dealt two cards face up and can choose to stand (remain at their current total), hit (ask for another card), or double down. In the event of a tie the bet is lost. If the player’s hand total is higher than the dealer’s it wins. If the dealer has a blackjack, or 21, the player loses.

The house edge in blackjack is approximately 2%. This may not seem like much, but it is important to reduce it as much as possible in order to increase your chances of winning. To do this you need to know the game’s rules, and how to play the different situations that arise. There are several different blackjack strategies that can be used, but the most basic one is known as “basic strategy.” This was originally developed in the 1950s by four US Army engineers who used simple adding machines to find the optimal playing strategy. Later it was refined using computer simulations and millions of hands analyzed.

Basic strategy involves knowing when to split, hit, double down, and surrender. This will minimize your losses and maximize your gains. However, it is important to keep in mind that no strategy will eliminate the house edge completely. The best way to decrease the house edge is by playing with a smaller bet, which will result in a lower maximum loss. In addition, it is important to be consistent in your betting, and not deviate from the basic strategy based on feelings or emotion.

Many casinos offer side bets on blackjack, which are unrelated to the outcome of the main game. The most common is called insurance, and it pays 2:1 if the dealer has an Ace upcard. However, it is important to understand that this bet is a bad idea for the player, as it does not accurately reflect the odds of the dealer having a blackjack.

There are other side bets that can be offered, such as a progressive betting system, but these are rarely profitable for the player and can quickly lead to a large losing streak. In addition, these side bets often have a high house edge.

There are also a number of different blackjack tournaments, where players compete to win the most money. These are usually held at casinos, but can also be found on the internet. These competitions are generally highly competitive and attract professional players from all over the world. The best players can earn thousands of dollars per year in blackjack tournaments. Some players even make a full-time living from the game. Regardless of which type of tournament you attend, the first step to success is to learn the rules and basic strategy. It is also helpful to practice with a virtual casino before entering a live event.