Blackjack is a card game played in casinos. It is a simple game to learn, but it can be complicated to master. The basic goal of the game is to get a hand total higher than the dealer’s without going over 21.
The best strategy for blackjack is to count cards and make decisions based on the information you gather as you play. This can increase your odds of winning and help you avoid losing too much money at the table.
You can take courses in high school or college to prepare for a career as a blackjack dealer. These courses typically last between eight and 12 weeks, and they teach you the basics of the game. You can also attend a casino-based dealer school to obtain hands-on experience.
When you first start dealing blackjack, you may be assigned to one or more tables. Depending on the size of the casino and the number of players, each table may have different rules and procedures.
Dealing Procedures
The first cards are dealt face down to the players. The dealer’s second card is then flipped over and slid underneath the dealer’s first card. The exact protocol for each game is determined by the casino’s management.
If a player’s first two cards are an ace and a “ten-card” (a picture card or 10), this is a natural or “blackjack.” The dealer pays the players one and a half times their bet if they have a natural. The dealer also collects the bets of all other players who do not have naturals.
There are also several special rules that can make a difference to your strategy in blackjack. These rules include splitting aces, doubling down, and checking your hole card.
Splitting aces is a common strategy to use when playing blackjack. This is because the ace can either count as a 1 or an 11 in order to boost your odds of getting a hand with a higher value. However, you should be careful when deciding to split an ace and a ten value card.
Double Down
The simplest way to double down is to use a single chip and bet double your original wager. If you’re not sure how to double down, you can ask the dealer for assistance.
Re-Doubling
If you’re a skilled blackjack player, you can re-double your bet twice on the same hand. This will increase your winnings by a substantial amount.
Insurance Bets
If the dealer displays an ace, players may be asked to place an insurance bet. This is a side bet that the dealer will have a Blackjack when they draw their hole card. If the dealer does have a Blackjack, this bet wins 2 to 1.
The dealers’ hole card is checked before any other players bet on their cards. The dealer then checks to see if there are any ten-value cards still left. If there are any, the dealer will pay off any insurance wagers and continue the game.