Blackjack is one of the few casino games where skill and strategy can help you beat the house. By learning the game’s basic rules and mastering a card counting system, you can significantly improve your chances of winning. While luck shines on many players, the rest must rely on a combination of strategy and probability to win.

To win, you must get closer to 21 than the dealer. If your hand totals more than the dealer’s, you win and are paid out an amount equal to your original wager. If your hand is lower than the dealer’s, you lose and your bet remains on the table. If your hand is a tie, it’s referred to as a push and neither you nor the dealer wins.

Keeping a positive mindset is essential to blackjack success. A positive attitude will not only reduce emotional stress, but will also contribute to a greater understanding of the game’s rules and increase your overall enjoyment.

Know the Difference Between Hard and Soft Hands

When playing blackjack, you will most likely be dealt two cards to start with. These two cards will create your initial hand value, which you can then use to make decisions on how to play the hand. If one of these cards is a picture card or 10, this is considered a “soft” hand, meaning that you can add additional cards to the hand without it busting. A “hard” hand, on the other hand, cannot be improved by adding more cards.

Doubling Down

Double down is a betting option that allows you to double your initial bet after seeing your first two cards. You only receive one more card when you do this, but it can be a powerful strategic move. Generally, you should double down when your current hand total is between 11 and 16 because you have a high chance of getting a card that will bring your total to 20 or 21.

Splitting

If your starting cards are pairs, such as two nines or two threes, you can split them and create two separate hands by placing a second bet equal to the first. This is a great way to increase your winnings in blackjack, especially when the dealer’s upcard is weak.

Avoid Side Bets

Most blackjack games come with side bets that allow you to place bets on different outcomes of a hand, such as Perfect Pairs or 21+3. These bets often have large house edges and should be avoided if you are trying to minimize your losses and maximize your wins. Practicing responsible gambling is important to blackjack success, and this includes setting a bankroll and not betting more money than you can afford to lose. It’s also important to avoid chasing your losses, as this can lead to financial stress and emotional decisions that could compromise your strategy.