Blackjack is one of the most popular casino card games. At a basic level all players are trying to beat the dealer. If you can get a hand value of 21 or better you win the round. If you and the dealer have the same hand value it’s a push and you keep your bet. Side bets have become a big part of the game over the last 2 decades. There are hundreds of different kinds of side bets in play on a Blackjack table including betting that your first two cards will match (a pair), betting on whether or not the dealer’s up-card will bust, etc. Regardless of what kind of side bet you make it must be placed at the same time as your main wager. If you have a Blackjack, your side bet wins and pays out at a rate of 3 to 2.

There are several rules that must be followed in the game of blackjack. The most important is the house edge, which is the casino’s statistical advantage over the player. The house edge is caused by the fact that every time a player busts, the casino wins. Despite the house edge, players who follow basic strategy lose less than 1% of their bets over the long run.

Another factor that affects the house edge is the type of deck used in the game. A single deck is the standard for most casinos, but some use 4-8 decks. There are also slight variations in the rules of the game from casino to casino. For example, some require the dealer to stand on all 17’s while others allow them to hit. In addition, some casinos change the payout on blackjacks by paying 6 to 5 instead of 3 to 2, which increases the house edge by about 1.4%.

The rules of the game are outlined in charts that tell you what to do given the value of your hand and the dealer’s up-card. These charts are easy to memorize and will help you play the game more effectively. While these charts won’t give you perfect blackjack play, they will significantly improve your odds of winning over the long run.

Occasionally, you will find a casino that has made other rule changes that are intended to make the game more exciting. These rule changes can have a significant impact on the house edge and should be avoided.

If you are unsure of the rules of the game, ask the dealer before you start playing. They will be happy to explain them to you.

In addition to learning the rules and etiquette of blackjack, you must understand the fine points of the game’s mathematics. In particular, you must know how to calculate the probability of your hands hitting the dealer’s up-card. This will allow you to adjust your strategy to the current conditions of the game and maximize your profits. This knowledge will be particularly helpful if you are counting cards.