Blackjack is a card game where players try to beat the dealer by getting cards totaling as close to 21 as possible. The game is played with one or more 52-card decks, and each player receives two cards to start. After the initial deal, players can request additional cards to try to get closer to 21, or they can choose to stand (stop asking for more cards) or bust. A player who busts loses. If the player’s hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, they win and are paid an amount equal to their original wager. Ties are a push or standoff, meaning that the player’s bet remains on the table.
The basic rules of blackjack are simple, but knowing when to hit, stand, split and double down is a crucial part of the game. In most cases, following standard blackjack strategy is the best choice. However, there are some special situations where it makes sense to deviate from this strategy. In addition, effective bankroll management is important for long-term success. It’s a good idea to set a budget for your blackjack sessions and to predetermine the amount of money you are willing to bet per hand. This will help you avoid making emotional decisions and financial stress.
When to hit
In most cases, you should hit when your starting cards add up to 11 or less. This is a relatively safe move since it’s difficult to go over 21 at this point. It’s also a good idea to hit when the dealer is showing a weak card, such as a five or seven.
When to stand
Standing is a good option when your cards add up to 16 or higher. This is because it’s unlikely that you will go over 21 and you will be paid out for a winning hand. You should also stand when the dealer shows a strong card, such as an ace or a face.
When to double
Whenever you have the opportunity, you should always double down in blackjack. This is a great way to increase your chances of hitting a winning hand. If you have a nine or eight and the dealer is showing a three or four, it’s especially good to double.
When to split
When splitting in blackjack, you should only do so when your starting cards form a pair, such as two nines or two threes. This is because you will be able to form an even stronger hand than if you had just stayed with your original cards.
Blackjack is a popular game in many online casinos, and DraftKings offers a wide variety of blackjack games that you can play for real money. Some of these games are themed after sports or retro events, and some include side bets such as the “four 20s” feature that lets you place a bet on any combination of four twenties coming up. You can even play a variation of the game where you can bet on multiple hands at once.