Blackjack is a card game where players hope to get a higher total hand value than the dealer without going over 21. The game is played on a circular table that can seat various numbers of players. Each player is dealt two cards face up and then has the option of splitting them into two separate hands. Each hand is then played independently of the other. In most games, aces count as either 1 or 11, and suits are irrelevant. When a player gets an ace and a 10 on the first deal, this is known as a natural or a blackjack, and it pays out 3:2.
When you’re dealing cards, you should always start with the hand on your left and deal alternately to both hands until they stand or bust. Then you can move to the right hand. Never deal a single card to both hands at the same time. This will result in both hands getting a card from the same suit, which can cause confusion and make it more difficult to evaluate each hand.
In some casinos, the dealer will offer even money on blackjacks. This reduces the payout from 3:2 to 1:1 and significantly increases the house edge. Whether or not the casino offers this is a good indicator of how competitive a particular game is and should be considered before placing your wagers.
If you have a strong hand, you can choose to surrender it by putting up half of your original bet. This is not an ideal strategy to use unless you have a high probability of winning the hand, but it can be a useful tool for some players.
The dealer in a blackjack game must hit on a hand with 16 or lower and stand on a hard 17 or higher. This is a standard rule in all casinos, but some dealers will disagree with this and have a different strategy. This is why it is important to read the rules of each casino before playing blackjack.
As a blackjack dealer, you will work long shifts on evenings and weekends. In addition, you will be exposed to secondhand smoke and other fumes from the casino environment. It is also common for blackjack dealers to work during holidays.
A blackjack dealer will have a great deal of interaction with players, so interpersonal skills are important. You will also need to be able to remain calm under pressure and work well in stressful situations. It is also helpful to have a strong attention span and be able to keep up with the fast pace of the game. Lastly, you will need to be comfortable with moderate noise levels.