Blackjack is a game of cards that involves strategy and math. It isn’t simply a game of chance, and learning basic strategies can help you beat the house and win more money. These tips will increase your odds of winning and reduce the number of mistakes you make.

The first step to becoming a better blackjack player is to set a budget. This will prevent you from overspending and chasing losses, which can quickly derail your bankroll. It’s also important to play without alcohol, and not after a long day at work. This will allow you to think clearly and make the best decisions for your situation.

Another strategy that can greatly increase your odds of winning is to count cards. This is done by keeping a running total of the card values in the deck. The most common counting system is the Hi-Lo method, but there are many others that you can use to increase your odds of winning. Just remember that this is a skill-based game, and it takes years of practice to become proficient at card counting.

Using a blackjack chart is also a great way to improve your odds of winning. A blackjack chart is a simple chart that highlights the best action to take based on your hand and the dealer’s showing card. For example, if you have a hard 11 and the dealer is showing a 5, your betting decision should be to split. This is because it will make your hand stronger by giving you two more cards to build a higher total than the dealer.

It’s also important to know when to double down in blackjack. A good time to double is when you have a total of nine and you’re hoping that one more card will bring you to 20 or 21. It’s also a good idea to double down when the dealer has a weak showing card, such as a four or six.

When you’re playing a game of chance, it can be difficult to determine when to take advantage of opportunities. However, experienced players know when to act and what the best bet size is for each situation. They also understand the importance of sizing their bets based on the results of previous hands.

Another big mistake that many players make is to overestimate the importance of luck and streaks in blackjack. While it is true that wins and losses sometimes come in streaks, there’s no evidence that the probability of a given streak being produced is greater than 50%. Instead, a more realistic approach is to focus on improving your own skills and learning more about the game of blackjack.

Finally, a good blackjack player knows when to take Insurance. This is a bet that pays out 2 to 1 if the dealer has a blackjack. However, if you’re not a card counter and have no estimate (via card counting) of the dealer’s hole card then it’s usually unwise to take even money.