Blackjack is one of the most popular casino table games, and it’s also considered to be the game with the lowest house edge. However, the house edge isn’t just a percentage like in many other casino games; it can shift depending on how players play the game and whether they stick to basic strategy.

In order to understand the house edge of blackjack, you need to know how it’s calculated. This is done by calculating the expected value of every possible outcome of a hand. Then, you can compare the expected values of different pay tables to find the ones that offer the highest odds. Then, you can subtract the overall expected value from 1 to express it as a percentage.

The best way to lower the house edge of blackjack is by following basic strategy. This means always splitting aces and 8s, hitting when the dealer has a weak hand (like a 2 or 3), and standing on all other hands. However, the house edge is not completely negated by following basic strategy; it simply isn’t as low as some players would hope.

There are other ways to lower the house edge of blackjack by incorporating rules changes into the game. For example, some casinos allow players to switch cards between two wagered hands without doubling down, while others allow players to surrender undesirable two-card hands for no additional cost. These rule changes can make the game more player friendly and potentially increase players’ winnings. However, they can also distract players from using perfect strategy and may increase the number of mistakes that they make at the table.

A lot of blackjack players get carried away with trying to make their hands as good as possible. While making a hand with a high value is important, you should also keep in mind that the dealer has an equally strong chance of making a good hand. So if you have a good hand, it’s more important to keep your composure and don’t try to force a win.

Another thing that can affect the house edge of blackjack is the amount of side bets available. These bets are placed on different outcomes of a hand and can add to your bankroll significantly. However, it’s important to remember that these bets can have a negative effect on the house edge.

In addition to side bets, blackjack can also include a special bet called insurance. This bet is placed when the dealer has an ace showing and pays out 2 to 1. This bet can help you offset the house edge a bit, but it’s important to remember that even with this added benefit, the house edge of blackjack is still fairly high.