Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games and there are a number of different ways to play it. The goal is to have a hand that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s without going over. Players compete against the dealer and other players at the table are not involved in the game. The game can be complicated, but the basics are not hard to learn.
The game begins with each player being dealt two cards. The dealer also receives two cards; one face down and one face up. Each player can then hit (ask for an additional card) until their total exceeds 21 or they choose to stand. A 10 counts as 1 and an ace may count as either 1 or 11.
Once the dealer has finished dealing all of the players, he will check for a Blackjack. If the dealer has a Blackjack, then he will pay out all of the remaining player’s bets and will collect his own. If the dealer does not have a Blackjack, then the bets will push and nobody will lose or win their money.
If a player has two of the same cards (a pair) they have the option to split those cards. This is done by placing a new bet equal to half of the original wager. Then each new hand will be played independently of the original hand. Depending on the rules of the specific casino, some pairs of cards cannot be split; for example, a pair of aces or two tens.
In some casinos, the players can place an insurance bet. This is a side bet that bets on whether the dealer will have a blackjack. If the dealer has a Blackjack, the player will lose their main bet but they will win their insurance bet.
Being a blackjack dealer requires many skills. It is a fast-paced job that involves being on your feet most of the time, except for breaks. You need to be able to quickly count and do simple math both when keeping track of the hands and paying out the bets. You must be able to spot cheaters or any other suspicious activity and deal with it appropriately. You must also be comfortable being under the spotlight and be a team player.