Blackjack is a card game in which players try to beat the dealer. The objective is to build a hand value of 21 or close to it without going over. Each player gets two cards, and the dealer has one card that is face up. In some cases, the dealer may also have an ace that can count as either 1 or 11 depending on the situation. In addition to the standard rules of blackjack, most casinos offer additional side bets such as insurance which pays if the dealer has an ace in his hand.

Blackjack dealers must have a strong background in math, and be able to follow a set of procedures. They must also be able to provide excellent customer service, and deal cards quickly and accurately. If you want to become a blackjack dealer, start working on your math skills and find a casino that offers training courses. In most cases, these will be offered for free or at a reduced cost.

Some players may think that blackjack dealers always win, but this is not the case. The reason for this misconception is that some people don’t understand basic blackjack rules, and they make mistakes when playing such as splitting when they shouldn’t. The other reason for this is that some people don’t use proper strategy when they play blackjack, which increases the house edge and decreases the odds of winning.

A dealer must be able to perform several tasks while dealing cards, including keeping track of bets and payouts, counting cards, and providing excellent customer service. It’s important for a blackjack dealer to know how to count cards, because it can give them an advantage over the player by allowing them to predict when there are more high cards left in the deck.

Before the dealer deals each hand, they must clear their hands of anything that is concealed in them or up their sleeves, such as cash or other items. This is done so that the other players at the table, as well as any casino cameras, can see that the dealer does not have anything hidden.

After the hands are dealt, the dealer will look at their up card to determine if they have a blackjack. A blackjack is a two-card combination of an ace and a ten-value card, which wins the game. In some casinos, a blackjack is paid 3:2 on the bet, while in others it is paid 6:5.

In addition to traditional blackjack rules, blackjack games often offer other types of side bets, such as insurance (which pays when the dealer has an ace), and Double Down (which allows you to double your bet if the dealer’s up card is an ace). Some versions of the game of blackjack also don’t allow splits, for example Chinese blackjack. However, all casinos should follow the same general rules for side bets. Most side bets should be placed at the same time as the main wager.