The game of blackjack involves players trying to get a card total higher than those of the dealer, without going over 21. Each card has a value, with number cards worth their numerical value, and the jack, queen and king (also known as face cards) worth 10 each. Aces can count as either 1 or 11, depending on which would best help the player’s hand. Players may also split a pair of cards of the same rank, receiving one additional card for each. Suits are irrelevant. The aim is to beat the dealer, and win money by getting a better total than them.
The first step in playing blackjack is to place your bet. The betting circle is usually marked on the table, and you place your chips in that circle to indicate the amount you wish to bet. The dealer then deals two cards to each player, and to themselves. You can then choose to hit (receive more cards) or stand (keep your current hand). The dealer then checks their hole card, and if they have a ten underneath, they will pay out anyone who had insurance bets, which are equal in size to the player’s initial wager.
There are a number of rules in blackjack that should be followed, including the fact that no player may touch the cards after they have been dealt. If a player wants to change their bet, they must leave the betting circle and inform the dealer.
Novice players are often prone to making mistakes that cost them money. They tend to play defensively, hesitating to hit when they should, and missing opportunities to double down or split pairs. They also fail to take advantage of the odds that favor hitting a 16 against the dealer’s 7, for example.
As a blackjack dealer, you must be prepared to work shifts, which are generally 8 hours long and can include weekends and evenings. The working environment is usually smoke-filled and moderately noisy, and you are regularly exposed to second-hand tobacco fumes and nicotine. In addition, you must be able to stand for long periods and use your hands and arms constantly.
While the house edge is high in blackjack, it can be reduced by learning basic strategy and knowing when to hit, stand, double down or split based on the dealer’s up-card. You can even make a profit by placing side bets, which are bets on specific outcomes in the game. The most common are insurance bets, which can be placed at the same time as your main bet and are paid out 2 to 1. There are hundreds of other side bets available on blackjack tables, however. These can range from bets on whether the dealer will have a blackjack to bets on specific pairs of cards. The most successful blackjack dealers know when to take these bets and when to avoid them. This can reduce their house edge significantly. They should also keep their eyes peeled for suspicious behavior on the part of other players and dealers.