Blackjack is one of the most popular casino card games, both in land-based casinos and on regulated online gaming sites. It’s easy to learn, but mastering the game requires a bit of strategy and practice. The following tips can help you improve your chances of winning.

Effective bankroll management is vital for long-term success in blackjack. Before you play, determine how much you are willing to risk per hand. This will prevent you from making emotional decisions that can lead to financial disaster. In addition, be sure to use only casino chips to make your wagers. Cash is not allowed in the game, and will usually be converted into chips by the dealer.

Always hit when you have a strong starting hand, such as a pair of eights or aces. It is more likely to beat the dealer than breaking a weaker hand. It’s also a good idea to double down when you have an Ace and a dealer upcard that is either 2 or 6. This will give you an extra card and potentially turn a weak hand into a stronger one.

A hard hand is any hand that has an ace counted as a 1 and does not exceed 21. If the ace were counted as 11, the total would be over 21, which is why a hard hand is more advantageous than a soft hand.

You should always stay when you have a hard 17 or higher, even if the dealer has an ace or 10. This is because splitting these hands will only create two mediocre hands. In contrast, a soft 17 is more vulnerable to the dealer’s cards and it is best to split these hands when possible.

In the long run, it’s a better strategy to make fewer bets but win more money than to make many bets and lose more. Moreover, you should never place side bets or insurance bets as they will negatively affect your chances of winning. In fact, these bets often favor the house to a large degree, so they are rarely worth placing.

When playing blackjack, it’s important to avoid distractions as they can easily derail your strategy. If you are playing a table with other players, try to minimize conversation as this will keep them from interrupting your concentration and slowing down the game. It’s also a good idea not to be distracted by the other players’ decisions at the table. In addition, avoid arguing with other players at the table or taking advantage of their mistakes. This will keep you focused on the game and increase your chance of winning. Finally, have a “win limit” and stick to it. This will help you save money and avoid becoming compulsive, which is a big problem for some blackjack players. This way, you’ll know when to walk away and not be tempted by the lure of more winnings.