Blackjack is a card game where players and the dealer are each dealt two cards. The value of each card is indicated by its number (or face value for picture cards), or by its rank (1 or 11 for aces). The goal of the game is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over, while beating the dealer’s hand.

Blackjack rules vary slightly between different casinos and games, but the basic rules remain identical. This makes learning blackjack a relatively simple process, and the house edge can be brought down to below 2% using a well-practiced strategy. The following tips will help you improve your chances of winning at blackjack:

Use Flashcards

It’s often helpful to practice card-hand strategies using flashcards before playing for real money. This method helps to memorize the correct play and prevents you from deviating from the blackjack strategy chart. The more you practice, the better your results will be.

Avoid Side Bets

While some blackjack variations offer side bets, such as Perfect Pairs or 21+3, they typically come with a high house edge. It’s best to avoid these bets and stick with the strategy chart provided by your casino or online blackjack app.

Set a Budget

Effective bankroll management is essential to long-term success in blackjack. A good rule of thumb is to wager no more than one or two percent of your total bankroll per hand. This will help you avoid emotional decisions and financial strain.

Know When to Hit

Hitting is the action that involves asking for an additional card in a blackjack hand. While some people prefer to stand when they have a higher-than-expected value, hitting is a statistically sound decision in most scenarios. The blackjack chart will highlight the appropriate times to hit based on your hand’s current value and the dealer’s upcard.

Split If Necessary

Whenever you’re dealt two cards of the same rank, it’s generally best to split them into separate hands, which will each require an equal bet. This is a good strategy if the cards are of different suit types, or if the ace has a low value.

Stand If Possible

It’s generally best to stand if you have a hand with a high value, such as an ace and a 10. This will give you the best chance of beating the dealer’s showing card. However, it’s important to remember that the dealer is always eligible to draw cards until they have a hard hand of 17 or more.

Double If Possible

The most complex standard blackjack strategy bet, doubling is only recommended in certain situations. A blackjack strategy chart will highlight when it’s a wise move to double, based on the value of your current hand and the dealer’s showing card.

Blackjack is a great game for players of all skill levels to enjoy. While luck plays a large role in any casino game, the right strategy can drastically improve your chances of winning. By using a blackjack strategy chart, sticking to responsible gambling practices and never betting more than you can afford to lose, you can have an enjoyable and lucrative gaming experience.