Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world. It has a low house edge and a high return to player (RTP) ratio for those who understand the game’s rules. It is also a good game for novice players to start with because it’s easy to learn the basic strategy.

To win, a hand must be closer to 21 than the dealer’s. A hand of 17 or more is a natural and wins 3:2; a hand that is closer to 18 is called an “equalizer” and loses only 1:3. If the dealer’s hand is a blackjack, no exchange of bets takes place and the players are awarded their winnings.

There are many ways to win in blackjack, but the most effective way is to use a combination of basic strategy and card counting. Combining these two strategies can lower the house edge to as little as 0.5 percent.

The most important part of any blackjack strategy is to keep a running count on your cards, based on their values. This is a skill that requires practice. The best way to practice this is by using a single deck of cards and keeping your count quietly. Once you’ve mastered this, you can add a new deck to the mix and repeat the process until your count is consistently accurate.

This will help you avoid losing too much money or getting out of your bankroll before you have a chance to get back in. It also prevents you from making bad betting decisions.

Once you have a running count, you should always keep it in mind when playing the game. You may even want to make it a habit to check your count every time you sit down at a table.

When you play blackjack, it’s a good idea to set a losing and winning limit before you start. If you hit the lower limit, stop playing and if you win, collect your winnings.

Don’t be afraid to increase your bets after you have won a few hands if the game is going well. This is the best way to end a session in the black.

Another way to win in blackjack is to split your hands when you have a pair of cards. This is the best way to reduce the house edge, especially for those who have an Ace or a 10-value card.

The house edge on split hands is usually slightly lower than on other hands, because you’re not paying as much for a double down. In addition, if you have a 10 or an ace, you can usually double down if the dealer has a 10 or less.

A few card counting tips that can help you beat the odds at blackjack are:

Choosing a low-stakes game

A lower-stakes blackjack table is a great way to cut your losses and win more money. You can find these at most casinos and online.

Set a limit for how much you’re willing to lose and how much you’re comfortable with winning, says Frank Scoblete, author of Beat Blackjack Now.