Blackjack is a casino game that has a large house edge, but if you play it correctly you can minimize the house advantage and increase your chances of winning. To do so, you need to know some basic blackjack terms and strategies. These include knowing when to hit, stand, double and split. Knowing when to do each of these will allow you to play the game better and make more money.

The game of blackjack begins with the dealer shuffling the cards, ensuring they are well mixed up before starting the round. Once this is done, the cards are dealt to all players. The first player to act is the one on the dealer’s left, and he or she has the option of hitting (asking for another card), standing (sticking with their current hand), or doubling (doubling the size of their original bet but only receiving one additional card).

To improve your chances of winning, you should always split pairs in blackjack, except for two aces, which should never be split. You should also try to split 9s, eights, sevens and threes against a dealer’s up card of 2 to 7. This will give you more hands to hit and can help you avoid busting.

It is important to understand the difference between a “soft” and a “hard” hand in blackjack. A soft hand contains an ace that can be counted as either 1 or 11, while a hard hand can only be a 10. Knowing the difference between these types of hands will make you a more profitable player.

After all players have placed their bets, the dealer will deal each of them two cards. If the player’s hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, they win and get paid out according to their bet amount (e.g., a $10 bet pays out $15 if they have a blackjack). If their hand is lower than 21, it is considered a tie or a push and the bet remains on the table.

In some casinos, the dealer may offer insurance against a player’s blackjack. This bet is made by placing an additional bet equal to 50 percent of the player’s initial bet. The insurance bet is only profitable if the dealer has a blackjack, which will pay out 2 to 1. In most cases, it is a bad idea to take insurance in blackjack.

Several blackjack games are available to be played online, including the popular variants such as Atlantic City and Vegas Strip. Many of these online blackjack games offer bonus features such as free bets and loyalty programs, allowing players to practice their skills without spending too much of their own bankroll. Moreover, some casinos also offer enticing signup bonuses for new players that can significantly enhance their experience and profitability. These bonuses can include matched deposits and cashback on losses. Players should be sure to carefully study these bonuses before accepting them, as they can significantly boost their bankroll.