Blackjack is a popular card game in which you compete with the dealer. In order to win, you need to get a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer. However, you must avoid going over 21, or you will lose. In addition, you should be aware of the house edge in blackjack and take steps to reduce it.

The best way to do this is by following a blackjack strategy. Although no system can guarantee a winning streak, learning some basic strategies can significantly improve your odds of success.

There are two hard rules you should always follow: when to hit and when to stand. The best time to hit is when you have a hand value of 11 or less and the dealer is showing a low card, like a three or six. In contrast, you should stand when your cards add up to 16 or higher and the dealer is showing a high card, such as an ace.

Another way to increase your odds of winning is by using secondary bets. These are bets that increase your payouts and odds of winning by sacrificing a portion of your original bet. One of the most popular secondary bets is doubling down. When you double down, you will bet twice your initial bet and receive one additional card. This increases your chances of reaching a blackjack, which in turn means that you will be paid out at a higher rate.

A third tip for improving your odds of winning is to keep a running count. You can do this by dealing yourself a single deck of cards and turning over each card one by one. As you do this, add up the values and create a total for each card. Once you have a running total, divide it by the number of cards in play to create a true count. This will give you a better idea of the advantage you have in betting.

You should also consider playing at tables that pay 3 to 2 for blackjack. This will increase your odds of winning and also make it more profitable to take insurance (which is a side bet that pays out 2 to 1 when the dealer has a blackjack).

It is important to remember that you are only competing against the dealer. Don’t get caught up in what other players are doing at the table or you will be making a costly mistake. Also, be sure to set a goal or limit on how much you want to spend and cash in your chips when you have reached that amount or have reached your desired profit level. This will help you stay in control of your bankroll and prevent you from losing more money than you can afford to lose.