Blackjack is a casino card game in which the player competes with the dealer for a winning hand. The premise is simple: the player’s hand total must be closer to 21 than the dealer’s without going over. This is not as easy as it sounds, and most people fail to understand the game. The truth is, blind luck will only get you so far. To truly win, you must understand how to play blackjack strategy.

A good place to start is with the basic strategy chart. This chart was created based on the results of millions of blackjack hands simulated using a computer. It shows the correct playing strategy for each situation and hand type. A quick glance at the chart will help you make the right decision when facing a difficult hand.

Another way to improve your blackjack strategy is by learning how to count cards. This is a complex process that requires years of practice to perfect. Counting involves keeping track of the number of face cards dealt from a deck and increasing your bet as the deck gets depleted. There are many different counting systems, but most of them are based on assigning point values to certain cards such as aces and fives.

It is also important to understand the rules of blackjack and how they affect your betting strategy. For example, the rule of splitting pairs of 8s and aces is one of the best ways to improve your starting hand and maximize your winning hands in the long run. This will not only increase your odds of getting a winning hand but will also allow you to make more money from doubling down on your initial bet.

Lastly, you should always keep your bet size consistent. It is a mistake to double your bet every time you lose a hand. This is known as the Martingale system and it can quickly eat away at your bankroll. Losing streaks of ten hands or more are not uncommon, and when this happens, it is imperative to have a solid blackjack strategy in place that will prevent you from running out of money.

Lastly, it is also a good idea to avoid side bets at the blackjack table. These side bets are designed to increase the house edge of the game, and they are often unfavorable for the players. You can also use a blackjack strategy calculator to help you determine which bets are most advantageous for your hand.