Blackjack is a card game in which players compete against the dealer for winnings. While some players use strategy to maximize their profits, others rely on luck. Both strategies can work, but the best way to increase your chances of winning is to have a plan.
The first step in developing a winning blackjack strategy is to learn the rules of the game. You should know the payouts and odds before you begin playing, as these can affect your decision-making. Then, you can determine how much to bet per hand and whether or not to make side bets.
Once you’ve learned the basics, you can start to learn more advanced blackjack strategies. For example, doubling down is recommended when your initial two cards are an ace and a card that’s a value of 11 or higher. This will give you a better chance of improving your hand before the dealer takes his or her second card.
Another blackjack strategy involves keeping track of the number of high cards dealt, which is known as a running count. You can practice this with a single deck of cards by turning over each card and counting the values. Then, you can move on to the true count when you’re playing in a casino with multiple decks. The true count simply divides the running count by the number of cards in the shoe and is a more accurate measure of the house edge than the running count alone.
Many blackjack players think that they’re due for a streak when they hit a string of losses or wins, but the fact is that you can’t count on these streaks to change your overall odds. The key to successful blackjack play is to keep your betting level consistent, even if you’re losing. This will prevent you from over-betting your bankroll and risking more than you can afford to lose.
To further reduce the house edge, you can also take advantage of the blackjack insurance bet. This bet allows you to place a side bet of up to half your original bet that pays out 2 to 1 if the dealer has blackjack. This bet can be a profitable add-on to your basic strategy, but it’s important to understand the risks involved before making a decision. You should also never take insurance if the dealer shows an ace.