Blackjack is a casino card game that pits the player against the dealer. The goal is to get a hand that totals 21 or comes closer to it without going over, and then beat the dealer. The cards are valued at their numerical value, with aces as either 1 or 11, and face cards at 10. Suits do not count. Players may choose to stand (stop drawing cards) or draw additional cards, based on a set of rules.
Players always go first in a hand of Blackjack. Before they begin playing, however, a player may opt to do one of two things: buy insurance or surrender their hand. If they buy insurance, the dealer will reveal their hole card and pay out any insurance wagers. If they don’t, the dealer will continue to deal cards like normal.
A blackjack table usually seats five to seven players. The dealer will then shuffle and deal everyone two cards. If there is an open seat at the table, a player may join unless chips or a coat are holding it for another player or the casino has a “No-Midshoe Entry” policy.
Then, the players and the dealer each make their decisions based on the rules of the game. For example, if the dealer is showing an ace, you should take the risk and buy insurance. This side bet pays 2 to 1 if the dealer has a blackjack, and it is worth making if you think your hand will bust before the dealer’s.
If your hand is higher than the dealer’s, you win a certain amount of money based on how much you wagered. If your hand is a blackjack, which is also known as a natural, you win 3 to 2. A player with a higher hand than the dealer’s is said to have a push.
If you want to work as a blackjack dealer, you need to have the right skills to succeed. A high school diploma is a prerequisite for dealer training, and you should prepare by practicing mental math and learning how to follow a list of steps in a procedure. You also need to be able to analyze situations quickly and give a response that persuades the customer to continue gambling. Eventually, you can advance to a gaming manager position. These managers oversee dealers and other casino employees, and they can serve as mentors for new hires. In addition, a blackjack dealer can help evaluate and coach other dealers, which is beneficial for the entire staff.