Blackjack is a card game in which luck plays a part, but proper strategy also helps. An informed player can make better decisions about whether to hit, double down, or surrender based on the cards they are dealt and the dealer’s up card. Various resources exist for learning blackjack strategies, including free charts that display the best play based on the cards and dealer’s up card. Some casinos even allow players to use these charts right at the table.

Besides basic strategy, there are other important blackjack moves to know. These include splitting, which occurs when the starting two cards are a pair (such as two nines or two threes). Splitting involves placing a second bet equal to the original and then playing each card as an individual hand. When this move is appropriate, it can increase your chances of winning.

Doubling down is an option that can be used if you feel confident that one more card will help your total to reach 21 or beat the dealer’s. This is a risky move, however, because you are giving up your turn to receive the additional card. Generally, doubling down should only be done when the player is certain that one more card will improve their hand significantly and it is unlikely that the dealer has an Ace.

Standing on a hard 17 or higher is often a good idea. This is because it is difficult to bust and it will usually beat the dealer’s up card. However, some hands are so strong that it is better to hit, if you can do so without exceeding 21.

In a game of blackjack, the goal is to beat the dealer. To do this, the player must draw cards until they have a total closer to 21 than the dealer’s. If the player’s hand is closer to 21, they win. If the dealer has a higher total, the hand is a tie.

Insurance in blackjack is a side bet that the dealer offers when they have an Ace up. This bet is paid out at 2-to-1 odds if the dealer has blackjack. It can be a profitable side-bet for some players, but it is not recommended for most others. It can be particularly lucrative if the remaining deck is rich in ten-valued cards.

Some blackjack games offer side bets such as “insurance” and “surrender.” These side bets are optional, and the rules of each will vary. Some games will only pay out your winning side bet if you have an Ace and a 10 in your hand, while others may only reward you with your initial stake. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules of each before playing them for real money.