Blackjack is a game of chance where the higher your hand total is, the more you win. You can hit (take another card) or stand (remain at your current hand), and you can double your bet by doubling down. If your total is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, you win; if it is not, the hand ties and your original bet is returned without any adjustment. A Blackjack is an Ace with a 10 or a Jack, Queen or King and pays 6 to 5; it is the only game in the casino where the player can re-double.
As a blackjack dealer, your job is to distribute cards to players and keep track of their wagers. You may also offer side bets, such as insurance and dealer matching (which pays when your first two cards match the dealer’s face up card). A dealer should always be familiar with their casino’s rules for blackjack and the regulations set by their jurisdiction. They should also be comfortable working in a noisy, fast-paced environment where they are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke and fumes.
A blackjack dealer’s shift is typically up to 8 hours long and they will work one table for an hour before a 20 minute break. They must be able to stand for long periods of time, use their hands to handle and feel the cards and talk to players and customers. A good attitude and disciplined approach are essential to performing well as a blackjack dealer.
While blackjack has been a mainstay of the Vegas Strip for decades and enjoyed a brief revival after 21 – the 2008 film based on the real-life MIT counting team – the game has been losing ground to new games like baccarat and slot machines, not to mention the resurgence of Asian high rollers. To counter the competition, many casinos have whittled off a little bit of the game’s edge here and there to make it more profitable for the house.
In addition to removing the tens from the deck, some casinos have also lowered the payout for Blackjacks to 6 to 5. This reduces the player’s edge dramatically and is counterproductive to any type of card counting strategy. Luckily, this rule is not universal and you should always check the rules on each individual table to make sure you are not being cheated.