Blackjack is a casino table game with some of the best odds for winning, but it takes strategy to take advantage of them. Here are some tips to help you improve your chances of winning at blackjack:

Use a Blackjack Chart

A blackjack chart is a handy tool that can greatly increase your odds of winning by helping you make the best decisions when playing this popular casino game. It uses proven mathematics to advise you on what to do given the value of your hand and the dealer’s upcard or hole card. This chart will help you decide whether to hit or stand, split or double down, and when to surrender. It will also tell you when to take insurance or side bets, and it will recommend the best way to play a hand of blackjack based on your current situation.

While blackjack charts are useful, they should be used as a complement to traditional blackjack rules and common sense. If you’re new to the game, it’s recommended that you practice basic strategy first, and only use a blackjack chart once you have mastered it. This will ensure that you’re always using the most effective strategy and maximizing your potential for profit.

The main thing to remember when analyzing blackjack charts is that the probability of a certain event is not directly related to the number of cards that have been played, as is the case with baccarat for example. At blackjack, many cards could be played at a given time and therefore calculating probabilities requires some skill and prior training on the player’s part.

Regardless of the betting method you choose to use, blackjack is still a game of chance, and winning and losing streaks are to be expected. Maintaining a positive mindset will contribute to your overall success in blackjack and help you enjoy the game to its fullest.

Know When to Hit or Stand

When you have a starting hand of two cards worth eight or less, it is recommended that you hit them. If your initial cards are an ace and a 10, this is known as a “blackjack” or a “natural,” and it will pay you three to two on your original wager.

You should never split a pair of nines, even if the dealer has a weak one, because it will only result in two mediocre hands. In most cases, it is better to simply stand if your first two cards are a pair of tens or higher. Doubling down in blackjack allows you to boost your initial bet by doubling it, but it should only be done when the dealer has a low upcard or a 10 showing. Otherwise, you will lose your money quickly.