Blackjack is a game that requires a combination of skill and luck. While there’s no way to guarantee a win, smart betting strategies can help you increase your chances of winning. These strategies include knowing basic strategy and avoiding side bets, which often have a high house edge.

To play blackjack, place your chips in the betting areas on the table. Then, you and the dealer are dealt two cards each. If your first two cards add up to 21 (an ace and a card valued at 10), you have a blackjack. If not, you can decide whether to draw more cards or stay with your current hand.

Generally, you should always split aces and eights. Also, split nines, sevens, and threes if the dealer shows a 2 or a 6. Splitting will give you two separate hands with equal values and increases your chances of beating the dealer.

In addition to splitting, doubling down is another smart blackjack strategy. Doubling down is when you double your original bet after seeing your first two cards and receiving an additional card. This is a great strategy when your hand total is 11 or lower. This will improve your odds of beating the dealer and can make your blackjack session very profitable.

When to Hit

The best time to hit in blackjack is when your hand value is between 12 and 16. This will decrease the likelihood that you’ll bust and lose to the dealer. However, if your hand is higher than 17, you should stand.

Avoid Side Bets

Many blackjack variations come with side bets, such as Perfect Pairs or 21+3. These side bets have a very high house edge and should be avoided at all times. In addition, be aware of any minimum and maximum wagers that may apply to the table you are playing on.

Bankroll Management

Effective bankroll management is essential to long-term success in blackjack. Set a budget before you begin your blackjack session and stick to it. This will prevent you from making emotionally driven decisions and can save you a lot of money in the long run. It’s generally recommended to bet one to two percent of your bankroll per hand. You can also practice responsible gambling by setting a win limit, which is the point at which you take a break from the table.