Blackjack is a game that involves a combination of skill and luck. But, even though it’s a game of chance, you can improve your chances of winning by using optimal blackjack strategies and managing your bankroll effectively.

The first step is to learn the basics of blackjack. Then, practice playing the game by using a free online blackjack trainer to perfect your skills. You should also avoid drinking alcohol or playing when you’re tired as these can negatively affect your decision-making abilities. Finally, don’t go over your bankroll. While this may seem like a simple idea, many players don’t follow it, which can lead to major losses.

In blackjack, the dealer’s face up card is known as their “upcard.” The upcard value helps you determine how to play your hand. For example, if the dealer’s upcard is a 7, you should stand on your pair of 9s. This is because there are four times more 10 value cards in a deck than any other card.

During the course of a blackjack game, you’ll receive two cards and the dealer will get one card face up and one face down. Then, you’ll have to decide whether or not to hit, split, or surrender your hand. The best strategy for splitting is to do it when your cards total 11 or fewer. This way, you can double your money and have a better chance of winning.

When playing blackjack, it’s important to know when to hit and when to stand. When your cards add up to 11 or less, it’s a good idea to hit. This is because it’s impossible for you to bust at this point, and hitting will increase your chances of winning.

Another useful strategy is to keep a running count of the cards you have in your hand. Then, you can multiply this number by the probability of getting an ace and multiplicate again by the probability of getting a ten-valued card to determine the probability of having a blackjack after the deck has been reshuffled.

In addition to keeping a running count, it’s important to remember that blackjack is a game of dependent events, meaning the results of previous trials influence the probabilities of future ones. This is different from games such as roulette and dice where each trial is independent of the outcomes of previous trials.

It’s also important to practice your blackjack strategy with a simulation program before playing in a real casino. This will help you understand the math behind blackjack and make more informed decisions. It will also teach you how to read the table limits and card values. And, most importantly, it will give you a feel for the game and allow you to practice before you start gambling with real money. Then, when you’re ready to take your strategy to the next level, sign up for a DraftKings blackjack account and start playing for real! It’s a great way to have fun while practicing your strategy.