Blackjack is a game where the player can win big money by applying the right moves and strategy. A good understanding of the odds of blackjack is crucial to maximise your payouts and minimise your losses. Many players believe that all they need is a high degree of luck to win the game, but this is not true. Blackjack is a mathematical game with a fixed set of rules that can be analysed and predicted using basic math.

A player’s goal is to acquire cards that total as close to 21 as possible without going over. Each player is dealt two cards and may choose to stand (stop taking more cards) or hit (request another card) based on a combination of rules. The dealer is also given two cards and must stand or draw based on the rules. Unlike baccarat, the game of blackjack requires the player to learn how to count cards, which involves memorising the values of each card as they are played and adding them up as the deck is shuffled. Keeping a running count can be difficult, but practice is essential. Counting is more effective when done in a live casino, where the cards are reshuffled after each hand.

The basic rule of blackjack is to always split aces and eights, and never split sevens, fives or fours. This is a sound strategy, as splitting these cards creates two hands and doubles your bet. However, some players over-split cards and lose money on the long run. In addition, some players over-hit when they are not supposed to, which can result in huge losses.

Another way to make your bankroll last longer is to know when to double down. Doubling down is an option available only when you have a strong two-card hand and before the dealer has taken another card. It allows you to increase your bet by up to two times the original amount, and it is one of the best ways to maximize your winnings.

It is important to be aware of the house edge when playing blackjack, which is a number that represents how much the casino expects to earn from each hand. This can be found in the rules of the game and is calculated based on the probability that you will bust compared to the dealer’s up card. The house edge is usually around 2%, but it can be brought down to below 1% by following an optimal betting strategy.

There are a few other tricks that you can use to improve your chances of beating the dealer at blackjack. For example, you should always double down when the dealer is showing a 10, and you should always split aces and eights against a dealer’s up card of 2. You can also use a blackjack strategy chart to help you make the best decision for each hand you play.