Blackjack is a game of strategy, numbers, and probability. You can improve your chances of winning by following the rules of basic strategy, and by learning the game’s math and probabilities. It’s also important to avoid side bets, which have high house edges.

It is possible to beat the dealer at blackjack, but it requires careful attention and concentration. Getting better at this game involves studying the game’s rules and strategy charts, memorizing them, and practicing. You’ll also need to be able to count cards, either by yourself or with the help of a card counting system. This will help you know when it’s a good time to hit or stand, and will improve your odds of beating the dealer.

In general, you should always hit when your cards add up to 11 or less and stay when your hand is higher than 17. It’s a good idea to play soft hands against the dealer’s hard one, and it’s generally smart to split aces, eights, sevens, and threes, against a two or a six.

When playing blackjack, you should never buy insurance. The odds of a dealer having an Ace in his hand are very low, and you’ll lose more money paying for insurance than you’ll win back by taking it.

You should double down when your initial two cards are worth 11 and the dealer’s upcard is between 2 and 10. This will give you another card, potentially improving your hand. However, you should only double down when your original cards are strong and you’re confident the dealer will not bust.

A good blackjack strategy includes avoiding side bets like Perfect Pairs or 21+3, which have a very high house edge. You should also avoid side bets that let you make multiple wagers on the same hand, such as a triple or a five-card Charlie. These bets require a minimum of a double down, and doubling down will increase your initial stake.

It is also a good idea to set a budget before you begin to play blackjack, and stick to it. This is the best way to practice responsible gambling, and it will ensure you won’t be tempted by a big jackpot or a large win.

When you’re ready to begin playing blackjack, find a table with open seats and sign up for the game. Then, choose a seat, and wait for the shuffle to take place. Typically, blackjack tables allow up to seven players. However, you should check the table’s policy on allowing new players before joining it. If it’s a No-Midshoe Entry policy, you should look for another table. Otherwise, you can join a game in progress as long as there are no chips or coats holding the seat for someone else.