Blackjack is a card game that involves strategy and luck, and it is not easy to win. However, there are a few tips that can help you get better odds of winning and reduce the house edge.

Know Your Limits

The first thing that you should do before you play blackjack is to understand your betting limits. This will make sure that you don’t spend more than you can afford to lose and will also help you manage your bankroll effectively.

Whether you’re playing online or at land-based casinos, minimum and maximum betting limits are usually displayed on a sign next to the table. They’re important because they tell you how much money you can put on the table, and how much you can win in the process.

When to Hit or Stand

The decision of whether you should hit or stand is a very personal one, and depends on your hand and the dealer’s hand. If you’re confident that your hand will beat the dealer’s, then you should hit; if you’re not so confident, then you should stand.

A good way to find out whether you should hit or stand is to look at your cards and compare them with the dealer’s cards. If the dealer has a higher card value than yours, then you should hit; if not, then stand.

Know When to Split and Double Down

If you’re dealt two cards of the same rank, you can “split” them. This means that you will receive a second card for each of them, and will play these hands independently from each other. If you’re dealt a pair of Aces, you can split them up to three times.

When to Double Down

If a player is dealt two cards of the same rank and they are thinking of doubling their bet, they should do so only when they have a good chance of getting a high hand. They should not double down when they’re in a poor position, because they won’t be able to beat the dealer.

When to Split a Pair of Aces

If you have a pair of Aces, it is recommended that you split them as often as possible. This will give you more chances of beating the dealer and making a profit.

Know When to Surrender

If your hand is too weak to make a winning bet, you should surrender it. This will recover half of your initial bet and let you walk away without having to risk any more money.

Know When to Ask for Another Card

If the value of your cards is higher than the dealer’s, you should ask for an extra card. This will give you the opportunity to see if the dealer’s hand is going to beat yours, and can save you from going bust.

You can do this by scraping your cards on the table or by touching them with your finger and waving them towards yourself. The dealer will then deal you a card, face up, and place it next to your original two cards. Then you can decide whether to stand or hit again.