Blackjack is a popular casino card game that is also known as 21. The objective of the game is to beat the dealer’s hand by either having a higher hand value than the dealer or by not going over 21.

To begin a round of blackjack, players place their bets and are then dealt two cards, face up. The dealer is also dealt two cards, but only one is face up. Each card has a value, with numbered cards being worth their face value, face cards worth 10, and aces worth either 1 or 11.

Players then have several options for their next move. They can “hit” and take another card, “stand” and keep their current hand, “double down” and double their bet in exchange for one more card, or “split” if they have two cards of the same value and play them as separate hands.

After all players have finished their turns, the dealer will reveal their face down card and follow a set of rules to determine their next move. The dealer must hit if their hand value is under 17 and must stand on 17 or higher.

If a player’s hand exceeds 21, they lose their bet regardless of the dealer’s hand. If the dealer busts (exceeds 21), all remaining players win. If neither the player nor the dealer busts, the hand with the higher value wins.

Blackjack is a game of strategy and skill, as players must make decisions based on the value of their hand and the dealer’s up card. Basic strategy charts are widely available that can help players make the best decisions.

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games and can be found at most land-based and online casinos. Many casinos also offer variations of the game, such as Blackjack Switch, Spanish 21, and Blackjack with a side bet.

It is important to note that the house always has an edge in blackjack, so players should always set a budget before playing and stick to it. Additionally, players should always look for tables that have favorable rules, such as those that allow players to double down on any hand or that pay out 3:2 for blackjack.