In order to become a successful blackjack player, whether as a professional or a hobbyist, you need to have a basic understanding of how odds and strategy determine your risk. Taking the time to learn basic strategy is definitely worth it in the long run. Blackjack is advertised as being the table game with the lowest house edge, but that is only the case when players use strategy and routinely make the correct moves. Players who only follow general guidelines or their gut instincts when playing generally lose much more money in the long run. Learning perfect basic strategy doesn’t take long, and most people can usually memorize all of the correct moves in a few sittings.