Blackjack is a popular card game that involves beating the dealer. To win, players must get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. In addition to basic rules, some players may want to learn how to count cards or other strategies to improve their chances of winning. This article provides tips for playing blackjack and describes the rules of the game.
To start a hand, the blackjack dealer places two cards face up on the table for each player and takes his own card. Then the players decide whether to hit, which means taking another card, or stand, meaning keeping their current score. They also can split cards into pairs or double down on their hands.
The game is played on a circular table that can hold various numbers of players. Some tables only accommodate five or six players, while others can seat up to 12 people. The dealer stands behind the table and chip rack. A card deck is shuffled before the deal begins.
When a player has a pair of Aces, for example, they can split them by placing one of their chips on each of the two spots marked for splitting. Then they can hit each of their two hands one time, and if they are successful in getting a point total of 21, they have a blackjack and win the game.
If a player has a blackjack, they must inform the dealer immediately. They then get their original bet back, and the dealer will collect the cards and shuffle them before starting the next round. Players should always check their point totals before asking the dealer for another card, and they should avoid hitting their hands if they aren’t sure the next card won’t cause them to bust.
Throughout the years, several card counting systems have been developed to help players beat the dealer in blackjack. In 1966, Stanford University mathematician Edward Thorp published a book called Beat the Dealer, which introduced many people to the idea of card counting. Computer scientist Harvey Dubner later improved on the system, and it is now widely used by blackjack players.
In addition to being able to count cards, a blackjack dealer must have excellent customer service skills. She must greet guests as they approach the table and persuade them to participate in the game. She must also explain the betting rules and the payouts for each type of hand. She often uses nonverbal cues, such as nodding, to show that she is listening and paraphrasing what the guest has said. If she has a good relationship with the patrons, they may be more likely to tip her. Experienced dealers may also seek promotions to gaming manager positions, which supervise a casino’s dealers and customer service staff. A casino dealer can advance to these management roles with experience, training, and certification from a school that offers blackjack dealing courses. Dealers can also attend seminars that teach them additional casino procedures.