Blackjack is a game of skill and the right knowledge can help players win more hands than they lose. This is because the game has rules that have remained relatively unchanged, its odds are easily predictable and the house edge can be brought down to near-zero levels with proper strategy. This makes it one of the few games where math plays a significant role and players can use probability theory to their advantage.

One of the biggest mistakes blackjack players make is not understanding how the game works. They may be confident enough to double their bet after receiving the first two cards but don’t understand that this is not a guaranteed way to win and could result in them losing money. Alternatively, some players may even double their bet when they know the dealer is likely to bust. This is risky and should only be done if you can afford to lose the money.

Another mistake is playing the game while under the influence of alcohol. This can impair your thinking and lead to poor decisions. It is also important to avoid playing after a long day at work as it will make it harder to focus on the game. In addition, playing while tired can cause you to be irritable and less patient with the dealer, which can also hurt your chances of winning.

The basic strategy is to hit when you have a total of 11 or less and the dealer is showing a ten or higher. In addition, you should stand if you have a hand of 16 against a dealer’s 10. This is because the dealer is more likely to bust and you are not in a position to win with a better hand.

If you have a total of 17 or more, you should consider hitting as well. However, if the dealer has an ace or 10, you should always hit. This is because there is a high probability of getting a blackjack when you hold an ace and a ten in your hand. This is because of the law of multiplication, which dictates that dependent events can be combined to form a single event.

Those who are more experienced in blackjack can try variations of the game that include side bets. For instance, there is a game called “four 20s blackjack,” which allows you to play four hands and place bets on twenties coming up. This is a good way to add variety to the game while still being profitable.

The best blackjack strategies are based on mathematics, probability and odds. These can be learned by reading books or articles on the subject or else studying our blackjack strategy guides here at JohnSlots. The most common errors are making bad bet sizes, not knowing how to change the size of your bets and playing with a negative mindset. Those who commit these errors are often making a mistake in their approach to the game and should change their strategy as soon as possible.