Algebras with involution are pretty well understood in small degree. As some essential dimension computation shows, the theory is far less complicated up to degree 14. Moreover, their automorphism groups are algebraic groups of small rank that have specific properties. After recalling the basic definitions and theorems on algebras with involution, we will introduce those tools, in particular the so-called exceptional isomorphisms and triality. We will also explain how they can be used to provide interesting structure theorems, as well as surprising examples.