Blackjack is a game of chance, but skilled players can greatly improve their odds of winning by following optimal blackjack strategies. These strategies include learning the correct way to play blackjack, understanding basic blackjack principles, and managing your bankroll effectively. By doing so, you can make your money go further at the table and avoid making costly mistakes.

One of the most common mistakes that novices make is playing their hands too conservatively. This can lead to them missing golden opportunities, such as doubling down or splitting pairs when they should have done so. They may also hesitate to hit their 16 against a dealer’s 7, or they might not double down when they have a strong hand, such as a 7 against a dealer’s 4. By doing so, they give up more than they should to the house. Expert players, on the other hand, exploit every opportunity to win.

Using blackjack strategy charts is an easy way to learn the game’s rules and improve your chances of winning. These charts show you the action you should take based on your hand and the dealer’s card. For example, if you have a hard 11, the chart will indicate that you should double down if the dealer has a 6. Doubling down on a weak hand will increase your chances of winning by allowing you to draw an additional card. However, it’s important to remember that what goes up must come down, and you could end up losing your entire stake if the dealer busts.

Another mistake that many novices make is not taking advantage of blackjack’s unique rules. For instance, some casinos offer tables that pay blackjacks only 6 to 5, rather than the standard 3:2. This reduces your odds of winning and takes more money out of your pocket. If you want to maximize your wins, look for a table that pays blackjacks at 3:2 and read the rules before you sit down.

The final mistake that many novices make is not knowing how to count cards. This skill can dramatically decrease the house edge and improve your chances of winning. Counting cards is an art form that requires discipline and attention to detail, but it can make the difference between winning and losing. To count cards, you must be able to distinguish between the face and the back of each card. You must also be able to determine which cards are high and which ones are low.

Once all the players have played their hands, it’s the dealer’s turn. The dealer will reveal their face down card and continue taking new cards until they have a hand of 17 or higher (or go bust). If the player’s hand is worth more than the dealer’s, the player wins. If the dealer has a Blackjack, then all the players lose (except for those with a blackjack themselves). If no player has a blackjack, then the round is considered a push, and nobody wins or loses.