Blackjack is a game of skill, and knowing how to play can significantly increase your chances of winning. There is no such thing as a guaranteed winning strategy, but proper technique can reduce the house edge to less than 10%.

If you want to win at blackjack, it is important to know basic strategy and when to hit, stand, double down, and take insurance. You should also be aware of how to make the most of secondary bets, which can boost payouts and odds of winning.

Generally, it is best to hit when your cards add up to 11 or less. This is because it is very difficult to bust at this point, so you have a good chance of making up your hand with the dealer’s hole card. However, you must always be careful when hitting; if your cards are higher than 11, it is better to stand.

When you have a pair of cards with the same number, you can choose to split them. This creates two hands that compete in the round and requires an additional bet equal to your initial stake. You can also double down, which requests one additional card and a wager of equal size to your initial bet. In some games, you can also take insurance, which is a side bet that pays out 2 to 1 if the dealer has a blackjack.

Some casinos change the rules of the game to make it more profitable for themselves. They may, for example, change the 3:2 payout on blackjacks to 6:5. This lowers your chances of winning and increases the house edge.

You should never bet more than you can afford to lose, and you should not chase losses. Keeping your bet value consistent can help prevent this, but it is also important to practice responsible gambling and set a budget.

Another way to improve your odds of winning at blackjack is to use a basic strategy chart. This will tell you when to hit, stand, and double down, as well as how much money you should bet in each situation. You can find these charts online or in printed form, and many casinos also offer them at the table.

Finally, you should always stay alert and pay attention to the other players at the table. They can influence your decision, but they should not be the deciding factor. It is also a good idea to avoid the temptation of side bets, which can greatly increase your house edge.