Blackjack is one of the world’s most popular card games. It is played with one or more standard international decks of 52 cards without the jokers, in which case the values are printed on each card (face cards are worth 10, cards numbered 2-10 are worth their respective values, and aces count as 1 or 11). The goal of the game is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. The player and dealer each receive two cards. Players can choose to hit, stand, or draw more cards based on a specific set of rules.
Blackjack dealers make good money and work in a fun environment. Unlike some casino jobs, it doesn’t require a fancy degree to get started, and the hours are flexible. Some casinos are even found on cruise ships, making this a great job for anyone who wants to travel.
A blackjack dealer has a high degree of mathematical competence, which empowers them to calculate winnings accurately. They also use their math skills when distributing the cards to guests and during the game. Having a solid understanding of the numerical aspects of blackjack allows them to communicate the status of their customers’ playing immediately and helps keep the game moving quickly.
In addition to being knowledgeable about the rules of blackjack, a dealer needs to understand the various side bets that are available to players. These include insurance, double down, and split pairs. It is important to know when to offer each option, as well as how much to pay for it. This allows the dealer to make a profit while also keeping the game fair for everyone involved.
It is also necessary to have excellent memory, as a blackjack dealer must remember the cards that were dealt and the cards that were discarded. This is important because it allows the dealer to know when to reshuffle the cards or to offer a new hand to a player. It also helps them to maintain the flow of the game and ensure that all players are receiving the same number of cards.
When a player has a total of 21 on their first two cards, they are said to have a “natural” or “blackjack.” This is an automatic win against all other hands except for the dealer’s own blackjack, which is also an automatic winner. Players can also opt to take insurance against the dealer’s blackjack, which is an additional bet that pays out if the dealer has a 10 underneath their ace.
If the dealer has a blackjack, they will pay out all players’ original wagers. If they don’t have a blackjack, they will collect the chips that players paid for insurance and continue dealing. If the dealer has a face up card of a 10, then they will check their hole card, which is a viewing window in the table. If the dealer has a ten underneath, they will pay out all insurance bets and continue dealing.
