Blackjack is one of the most popular casino card games. In it, players attempt to get a hand value of 21 or to come closer to that number than the dealer. If a player busts, they lose; if both the player and dealer have a blackjack, it is a push and nobody wins or loses. Players may make side bets in addition to their main wager, such as betting that the dealer’s up card will be a ten or a face card. Side bets are typically placed in a separate area of the table from the blackjack main wager box. A player must place a blackjack wager in order to make a side bet, but the two can be different amounts.
The game can be played with any number of decks, from one to eight. The house has a statistical advantage over the players that will play out over time, but blackjack is one of the few casino games where the player can reduce this advantage to a small percentage by playing the correct strategy. This strategy is based on the player’s point total and the dealer’s visible cards, and includes knowing when to hit, stand, double down, or split.
There are a number of rules that vary from one casino to the next, but the basic rules of blackjack are always the same: The player must place his or her bet before the dealer shows an up card. The player must then decide whether to hit, stand, or fold. Once the decision is made, the dealer will deal two more cards. The goal is to beat the dealer by getting a higher hand value than the dealer, without going over 21.
If the player’s first two cards are an ace and a ten, it is known as a “blackjack” or a “natural” and the player immediately wins the bet. Other hands win if they are closer to 21 than the dealer’s, or if the dealer busts. Ties are a push, and the dealer does not have to reveal his or her card in a tie.
A dealer’s duties include dealing the cards, keeping track of the chips, and following a specific procedure for each hand. Many dealers also take part in customer service responsibilities, which requires excellent communication skills. Dealers should have a high school diploma or GED certificate, and can pursue additional training at a casino dealer school.
Dealer schools teach dealers the basic rules of blackjack, including how to deal the cards and proper etiquette. Many offer courses that lead to a Certified Professional Blackjack Dealer (CPBD) certification. This certification is widely recognized as a prerequisite for employment as a blackjack dealer. Obtaining this qualification will allow you to apply for positions at casinos across the country. If you wish to work at a casino in your home town, you can contact your local gambling establishment for more information on the necessary qualifications and availability of a dealer training course.
