Learn perfect basic strategy first (will take you a few hours to memorize), find games with good rules (3:2 blackjack, dealer stands soft 17, DAS allowed), manage your bankroll properly, and accept that you’ll still have a slight disadvantage unless you learn advanced techniques. The house edge can be as low as 0.36% with optimal play but that’s still negative expectation. Card counting can flip the edge in your favor but comes with significant risks and requirements most players can’t handle.