Blackjack is a card game played by players and dealers in casinos, racetracks, and other gaming establishments. The game’s rules are simple and it is a popular casino table game. The objective of the game is to have a hand closer to 21 than the dealer’s. If the player busts, he loses his bet, even if the dealer also busts. If the player’s hand is higher than the dealer’s, the player wins the round.
The first step in becoming a blackjack dealer is to be certified. This is usually done by a local gambling commission or the casino that hires him. The certification process usually includes a background check and fingerprinting. A dealer must also pass a test that shows he is knowledgeable of the game’s rules and procedures.
Once a dealer has been certified, he is trained in the specifics of the casino’s blackjack games. This training involves learning how to deal the cards and how to handle the various side bets available. In addition, the dealer is taught to deal with difficult or irate customers. The dealer must also be able to explain the rules of the game to players and answer any questions they might have.
There are many different types of blackjack games, and the rules vary from one place to another. Some use fewer decks of cards than others, while some offer additional side bets such as insurance. Regardless of the exact rules, the game of blackjack is generally played with two or more 52-card decks. Each player is dealt two cards and can choose to hit (take another card) or stand (stop taking cards) based on predetermined rules. The dealer takes cards face up or down and pays out winning hands according to the rules of the game.
To play blackjack well, a player must learn basic strategy. This is a set of charts that tell the player what to do given the value of their cards and the dealer’s up card. It’s not necessary to memorize all of the charts, but knowing a few will improve your chances of winning. The charts will help you avoid making mistakes that cost you money.
The goal of blackjack is to get a hand that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s. A hand of 21 on the first two cards is known as a “blackjack” or “natural” and pays out 3:2 unless the dealer also has blackjack. If the dealer has a blackjack, the player loses.
The dealer must be able to spot any tells that the player may be giving him by watching his face. This is because a player who is trying to hide his emotions will tend to blink more frequently or raise his eyebrows. It is also important for the dealer to keep his body language neutral, as this will make him appear more authoritative and trustworthy. He must also be able to speak clearly and quickly in order to give instructions to the players.