Blackjack is one of the few casino games where skill can make a significant difference in the odds of winning. Although luck shines on a few players at any gambling game, knowledge of the rules, strategies and basic money management will significantly improve your odds. Read on to discover the top tips for playing blackjack and how to maximize your chances of winning.

Blackjack begins when the dealer deals each player two cards face up. The player’s goal is to build a hand total that is higher than the dealer’s, without going over 21. Players may hit (request more cards) or stand (stop drawing cards) based on their current hand total and the dealer’s up card. Unlike poker, in which players compete against each other, blackjack is a game of strategy between the player and the house.

The best way to play blackjack is with a good strategy and the right mindset. Avoid drinking alcohol before or during your game and try to play when you’re in a clear mind. Moreover, it’s best to play when you have a set amount of time and a specific bankroll in mind. This will help you avoid making mistakes and concentrate on the game.

Know when to split

Blackjack splitting is a great strategy that can increase your chances of winning. Whenever your starting two cards are a pair, such as a pair of sevens or eights, you can split them and play each card as a separate hand. Splitting also works with other pairs, including nines, sixes, threes and twos. However, you should never split aces or eights against a dealer’s ten.

Another great blackjack tip is to learn how to count cards. There are several different counting systems that will give you a value for each card, such as the Hi-Lo method. By keeping a running count, you can determine which cards are left in the deck to boost your betting strategy. However, casinos are wise to card counters, so be sure to practice using a single deck before you head to the casino.

Know when to walk away

It’s important to be able to walk away from a table if you’re losing. While it’s tempting to keep betting more and more, you will only be hurting your chances of winning. As in poker, you’ll find that there are hot and cold tables in blackjack, so it’s a good idea to switch tables when the action gets cold. In addition, don’t be afraid to take a break and come back to the table when you’re ready to continue. By following these simple tips, you can dramatically improve your chances of winning at blackjack. Good luck!