Blackjack is a casino card game where you compete against the house. It’s played on a semicircular table that can accommodate different numbers of players. The dealer stands behind the table and chip rack. The game is simple, and you’re trying to beat the dealer by getting a higher hand total than them without going over 21. To start, the dealer deals each player two cards face up. Then you can either hit, which means taking another card, or stand. If your first two cards add up to 21 or more, you’ll have a blackjack. Then you’ll win the game, unless the dealer also has a blackjack, in which case the hand ties.

Some blackjack games have side bets like insurance that pay out when the dealer’s face-up card is an ace. Other side bets can pay out if your first two cards match (like a pair of aces) or if you have a certain type of blackjack (as in “blackjack”).

Dealers in blackjack are expected to know many rules for the game, including how to handle various scenarios and contingencies. They must be able to pay out winning bets quickly and accurately. They also need to be on the lookout for players who may be attempting to cheat or otherwise take advantage of the casino.

One of the most important skills for blackjack dealers is active listening, which involves attentive communication and understanding. They use this skill when they’re interacting with customers to ensure they communicate correctly and answer their questions thoroughly. This ensures that the customer leaves satisfied with their experience.

In addition to active listening, blackjack dealers need to be able to perform basic math. This helps them determine the value of each hand and understand how much to pay to the winner. They also use mathematical reasoning to make decisions quickly and keep the game moving.

Counting cards is a common practice among blackjack players, and it can help them increase their chances of winning. However, this strategy requires a lot of time and effort to learn, so it’s not for everyone. Counting cards can be difficult for novices to master because it involves keeping track of the count as they play the game. Additionally, novices often miss opportunities to double down and split pairs as they should, which gives the house a larger edge.

Novice blackjack players are often overly conservative when playing the game. They’ll stand too often when they should hit, and they won’t split pairs of 2s against a dealer’s 4 like they should. Experts, on the other hand, will exploit every opportunity to maximize their wins.

To become a blackjack dealer, you must be at least 18 years old and complete a training course. These courses are offered by a variety of colleges and universities around the country. They usually last between eight and 12 weeks and include hands-on practice. During your training, you’ll be coached by experienced instructors and gain hands-on experience dealing blackjack in a casino environment.