Blackjack is a card game that requires strategy. Its house edge is usually only about 2%, which means that you can increase your chances of winning by learning the proper strategies and playing in an environment where you can minimize the casino’s advantage.

First and foremost, understand the basic rules of blackjack. This includes knowing when to hit, stand, and double down, and also when to split or surrender.

If you are new to the game, it is a good idea to practice the basic blackjack strategy before playing for real money at a casino. It will allow you to learn the game’s basic rules, and help you choose the best table to play on, depending on your preferences and budget.

Having a strong understanding of the rules will improve your odds of winning at blackjack and make you feel more comfortable at the table. However, it’s important to remember that there is no way to guarantee your success at blackjack.

One of the most important things to remember in blackjack is that the dealer’s face-up card determines the outcome of the hand. Therefore, you should only place bets if the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace.

The dealer will then take two cards from the deck. The dealer will use these cards to decide whether to hit, stand, or double down. If the dealer’s cards are an ace and a 10-value card, she will hit; if she has an ace and a face card, she will stand.

Players can also opt to buy insurance. This is a side bet that pays out 2 to 1 on a dealer’s hand of blackjack. The dealer will check her hole card and if she has a ten underneath, she will pay out the insurance bets.

If you want to play insurance, you must place a bet of half the original amount of your bet. Once the dealer has checked her hole card, she will ask all those who purchased insurance if they would like to have their insurance bet paid out even money.

To win blackjack, you must have a total that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s. Ideally, you should aim to get as close to 21 as possible, while at the same time making sure that you don’t go over 21, which is called busting.

There are many different ways to play blackjack, so it’s important to find a table that suits your gaming style and preference. For example, some casinos offer a lower minimum bet, and some have rules that are more favorable to players.

Some casinos offer free games to try before you play for real money. These free games are a great way to practice the game and see how it feels.

Another great way to practice blackjack is by practicing a running count, which is a technique that allows you to keep track of the values of your cards as they are dealt. You can do this by using a single deck of cards and turning them over quickly and quietly.