Blackjack may seem like a game of chance but it is actually a very scientific game of math and statistics. There are right and wrong decisions to be made and it is important to make sure you are using the most accurate information possible in order to increase your chances of winning. This includes knowing the house edge of each casino game, the basic strategy for each hand, and the different side bets that can be placed in blackjack.

To improve your odds of winning at blackjack, it is important to always stick to the basic strategy for each hand you play. This is because changing your betting strategy based on how you are feeling or whether or not you are on a winning or losing streak can have a significant impact on the odds of your next hand.

For example, if you are holding two cards that total 11 and the dealer shows a 3, your odds of winning by hitting are 22% while standing will give you a 5% chance of pushing. Even if the dealer gets a blackjack, you still have a good chance of winning by hitting.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you should never increase your bet size based on the playing decisions of other players at the table or your own feelings about your chances of winning. Instead, focus on improving your own strategy and stick to it regardless of whether other players at the table are having a winning or losing streak.

It is also important to understand the house edge (HE) and the return to player percentage (RTP) of each casino game. The HE is the casino’s average profit per bet and the RTP is the percentage of money that is paid out to winning players in relation to the amount staked. By understanding these numbers, you can choose games with a lower HE and therefore a higher chance of winning.

Card counting is one of the most effective strategies for reducing the HE and increasing your odds of winning at blackjack. This involves keeping a running total of the cards dealt and dividing it by the number of decks in play to get a true count. This can be difficult to master but with practice it is possible to gain a 1% to 2% advantage over the dealer in the long run.

Other techniques for lowering the HE include avoiding doubling down on soft hands and playing fewer hands overall. It is also recommended to avoid making insurance bets and other side bets as these can significantly reduce your chances of winning. While limiting your bets to only the starting value will give you a small profit, it will take a large bankroll to achieve this. However, by sticking to this strategy you will maximize your profits and minimize your losses.