Blackjack is an exciting casino game that involves beating the dealer in order to win. It’s important to know the rules of the game before you start playing, and how to make the right decisions when you’re at a table. You should also practice before you play, so you can develop a feel for the game and learn what moves to make.

In the early stages, you should focus on learning the basic strategy chart. Once you have mastered this, it’s time to move on to more advanced strategies. You should also practice by using a card counting system to increase your chances of winning big at the casino. This system works by keeping track of the number of cards that have been played, which is a key factor in determining how much to bet.

Using a simple card counting method is relatively easy. To start, you should practice keeping a running total with a single deck. Turn over the cards one by one and add up their values as you go. This will give you an idea of how many favorable cards are left in the deck. Once you’ve gotten good at this, you should try keeping a true count, which is a more accurate way of calculating the odds of winning blackjack hands.

Another thing to keep in mind when you’re playing blackjack is that the game can be very emotional. It’s important to remain calm and cool throughout your gambling session, so you can think clearly. This will help you avoid making reckless decisions that could cost you your money.

One of the best ways to stay in control is to establish a bankroll before you head out to a casino. Set how much you want to spend, and don’t exceed it. This will prevent you from spending more than you can afford to lose, and it’ll allow you to savor your gaming experience.

Once you’ve established your budget, choose a table that has a low minimum to begin with. This will prevent you from spending too much money on a single round of blackjack. Afterwards, you can increase your stake as you gain more experience.

It’s also a good idea to practice your bankroll management skills by starting small and gradually increasing your stakes as you get better at the game. Lastly, it’s vital to respect your gambling limits and walk away when you’re losing money.

When you’re deciding on whether to double down or hit, remember that the higher your hand is, the more likely it will be to beat the dealer’s. Therefore, a hard 11, which is made up of the first two cards you’ve been dealt, is a good choice. Likewise, you should always split a pair of eights and aces. Moreover, you should only double down when the dealer is showing a 3, 4, 5, or 6. You should also consider surrendering if you have a hard 14 against a dealer’s 7, 8, or 10. Alternatively, hit your hand when the dealer has a 4.