Blackjack is a game of chance played by two people at a table. The goal is to beat the dealer by having a hand that has higher point values than the dealer’s. It is played with six decks of cards and is the most popular casino game in the world.
A casino employee who deals blackjack must be knowledgeable about the rules of the game and be able to answer questions from customers. They also must be able to change money for players and shuffle cards before each hand. They must be able to deal the cards accurately and must know how to spot counterfeit money.
Basic Strategy
A blackjack player uses a set of rules known as basic strategy to determine how to play each hand. These rules can be derived from millions of hands that are played in casinos, and they can help the player make decisions when facing a difficult situation.
One of the most common blackjack strategies is to hit when the player has an ace and a ten-value card. This combination is called a “natural” and pays 3:2 on the bet. This is the standard rule in most casinos.
Another blackjack strategy is to hit when the player has an aces and a face card or a number higher than 7 (known as a “stiff”). Stiff numbers are harder for the dealer to see, so it is generally best to hit them.
Insurance
The dealer will ask the player if they want to buy insurance for their blackjack hand. If they choose to, the player will place an insurance bet that is equal to their original bet. When the dealer checks her hole card, if she has a ten underneath, she will accept the insurance bet and pay everyone who bought insurance 2 to 1. If she does not have a ten underneath, she will collect the insurance bets and continue playing like normal.
Dealer Tells
Blackjack dealers make many subtle expressions and gestures during a game of blackjack that they may not reveal to the player. These expressions and gestures are sometimes referred to as “tells.” They are used by a player to try to predict the dealer’s cards and increase their advantage in a blackjack game.
Dealer School
To become a blackjack dealer, you must attend a casino-approved training course. The courses are typically eight to 12 weeks in length and can help you gain the skills you need to get a job at a casino.
Dealer school is designed to teach you the rules of blackjack and how to deal the cards correctly. In addition, the program will give you hands-on experience dealing at a blackjack table and can provide you with valuable job experience.
Advanced Dealership
Once you have finished your blackjack dealer education, you can advance to a gaming manager position at a casino. This job involves supervising a team of dealers and customer service staff. This can be a rewarding career, and you might also enjoy the challenges of working with a team.
