Blackjack is a card game that pits you against the dealer. You win if you get a higher total than the dealer without going over twenty-one. To do this, you must either hit (get another card) or stand (keep your current hand). The dealer is trying to beat you with a higher total than yours, but if you make a good strategy, you can minimize the dealer’s edge.
The game begins when players place their bets. Each blackjack table has minimum and maximum betting limits posted on it. Then, the dealer deals each player two cards, face up. Each player must then decide whether to “hit” and receive an additional card or “stand.” Those who choose to hit can look at their cards before making a decision. Players who stand must wait for the dealer to make a move before they can do so as well.
If a player’s first two cards are an ace and a picture card or ten-value card, they have a “blackjack.” This means that their hand is worth 21 points. The dealer must pay the player one and a half times their initial bet if they have a natural blackjack. However, players can take insurance on a blackjack, which reduces the payout to 1:1 and gives them a 2-1 payoff on their initial bet in case the dealer has a blackjack as well.
To become a blackjack dealer, you must be at least 18 years old and pass a background check. Most dealers complete a training program offered by the casino or gaming establishment they work for, which typically lasts about six weeks and covers topics such as game rules, customer service, money handling and local regulations.
In addition to requiring an educational background, being a blackjack dealer can be physically demanding and stressful. Dealers are required to stand for long periods of time, use their hands and arms extensively and frequently interact with customers. In addition, they are exposed to second-hand smoke and fumes in casinos and may be subject to moderate noise levels.
While blackjack was once king in Nevada casinos, it has fallen behind baccarat and other games as the Las Vegas Strip market becomes increasingly competitive. The decline has largely been blamed on competition from foreign gambling markets, the expansion of casinos outside Nevada and the growth of sports betting. But the fact remains that blackjack has always been a game of skill, and smart, disciplined players can still find ways to make it profitable for themselves.