Blackjack is one of the world’s most popular card games. It has simple rules that have remained unchanged over time, and it has a house edge of only 2%. It can be even lower if players follow a defined strategy. The most important thing is to know your limitations. Even the most disciplined gamblers can make mistakes at a blackjack table, and it is essential to limit your losses by setting a win limit for yourself.

Always check the betting limits on your blackjack table before you play. These will determine how much you can bet on each hand and how many hands you can play per hour. If you want to make a large bet, it is often better to split your chips into smaller stacks than to bet them all at once.

You can also make the game more exciting by adding side bets to your betting limits. You can bet on a player or the dealer getting a blackjack, and you can also bet that a particular hand will beat another one (blackjack, six-seven). These side bets can increase your winning potential significantly.

The best way to improve your chances of winning in blackjack is by following a basic strategy chart. These charts will tell you exactly what to do in each situation, based on the cards you have and the dealer’s upcard.

A good rule of thumb is to hit when your cards add up to 11 or less. This will give you the best chance of beating a dealer’s upcard, and it is also a lot safer than standing. If you have a strong hand, like a pair of 10s or an Ace, you should double down. This will make it harder for the dealer to get a blackjack and will give you a higher chance of making your own.

Keep in mind that the dealer has a better chance of making a blackjack than you do, so it is a good idea to stick with your decision even when you feel tempted to change your mind. It is also important to stay focused and not be distracted by what other people at the table are doing.

Lastly, you should always count cards. This will help you predict when the dealer is likely to bust and can save you a lot of money in the long run. The most common counting system is called the hi-lo method, but there are many other ways to do it as well.

One last tip is to never comment negatively on other players’ play at the blackjack table. This can be very dangerous to your success. Negative comments can lead to a negative mindset, which will ultimately hurt your results. It is better to compliment a player’s play that looks smart or made you money than to criticize it. It is also a good idea to avoid gossiping about other players, as this could affect your own blackjack performance.