Blackjack is a card game that pits the player against the dealer. The objective is to beat the dealer by getting a hand value of 21 or higher on your first two cards. In the process, you must be careful not to bust (go over 21) because the dealer will get a chance to do the same. Players must also keep an eye on the other players at the table and try to avoid playing against high rollers who will likely beat them.

The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards and each player places a bet. The dealer receives two cards – one face up and the other face down. You must then make a decision whether to ask for another card, hit, or stand. If you decide to hit, you must be careful not to bust and should stick with your current hand unless it is a natural (an ace and a 10). A natural means that the dealer will beat you; however, if you have a 10, 11, or 19, the dealer will too.

In addition to knowing the basic rules of blackjack, you must understand what a “soft” and “hard” hand is. Soft hands are those that contain an ace and a 10, while hard hands are those that do not. The differences between the two types of hands are important because they determine how you play your hand. For example, you should treat a 10-A (soft 16) differently than a 5-A (hard 16).

It is also helpful to know what a “double down” is. When you double down, you increase your initial bet by as much as two times its amount. This is only possible if you have a good reason for believing that the next card will not cause you to go bust, or if you are confident that you can beat the dealer’s hand.

Some casinos pay 3 to 2 for blackjacks, while others only pay 6 to 5. The lower payout increases the house edge and is therefore not beneficial to the player. It is best to play in casinos that pay the higher payout.

Casinos are protocol-driven environments, and hiring managers want to know that you can follow the rules when dealing with players. This question is designed to test your knowledge of the blackjack rules and etiquette, as well as your ability to manage a potentially difficult situation.

Balancing speed and accuracy in blackjack is a skill that must be learned. Hiring managers want to know that you can deal quickly while still maintaining absolute accuracy. This is a challenge for many dealers, but it is a crucial aspect of the job. Hiring managers also want to see that you can effectively manage personal bias, especially when dealing with regular players. This is particularly important because dealers are the frontline of ensuring fairness and integrity in blackjack games.