Blackjack is one of the few casino games where players can use strategy based on probability rather than pure luck. While blackjack is still a game of chance, players who know the right moves can decrease the house edge to less than 0.5 percent. In this article, we’ll discuss the most important blackjack terms and explain how to correctly play each hand. We’ll also explore how to use betting patterns to maximize your winnings.

To increase your chances of winning, you should always double down when the dealer shows a weak card. This will give you a better chance of having two cards that will bring your total to 21 or higher. In addition, doubling down can help you increase your bankroll when you’re on a losing streak. However, you should only double down if you have enough money to cover the amount you would lose if you didn’t double down.

The best time to hit is when your hand is between 12 and 16 against a dealer’s 2. You can also hit when the dealer has a 5 or 6 and you have an ace. In most casinos, blackjack pays 3:2 so hitting is a good option for players who want to maximize their winnings.

Another way to improve your odds of winning is to keep a running count. Practice this by playing with a single deck of cards and counting each card as you flip it over. Once you can do this quickly and quietly, you’ll be able to determine the ratio of high-value cards to low-value cards. A running count will let you know when it’s favorable to hit and when it’s advantageous to stand.

Some players also use a true count, which takes the running count and divides it by the number of decks in play. While this is more difficult to do than simply keeping a running count, it can improve your odds of winning by giving you the ability to adjust your bet size based on the current situation.

In some blackjack games, players can also take insurance when the dealer has an ace up. While this may seem like a good idea, it’s actually a bad idea for most players. The reason is that the insurance bet costs more than the player’s original bet and only pays out if the dealer has blackjack. If the dealer doesn’t have blackjack, the player loses both bets.

Blackjack is a mathematical game that requires a clear head. You should avoid drinking alcohol before you play and only play when you can concentrate on the game. It’s also a good idea to stick to a basic strategy chart and review it before each session. These charts tell you when to hit, stand, split and double down based on the value of your hand and the card that the dealer is showing. By following this advice, you can lower the house advantage to less than 0.5 percent and make blackjack the most profitable casino game.