Blackjack is a card game where players try to beat the dealer. In the game, players are dealt two cards each, and can choose to hit, stand, double down, or surrender. They win when their hand totals higher than the dealer’s, or if the dealer busts (exceeds 21). A blackjack pays one-to-one. The game is typically played on a semicircular table, and can be played by up to seven players. The blackjack dealer is the only person who can see the cards that are dealt to the players.

In most casinos, the dealer has a face-up and a face-down card. When the players place their bets, the dealer checks the face-down card to see if it is a ten. If it is, the dealer has a blackjack and will take everyone’s original wager, plus their insurance bets. If the dealer does not have a ten, she will just continue with the normal game of blackjack.

There are a number of different blackjack rules that vary depending on the casino and the variant being played. For example, some games allow the player to split pairs of cards with the same value (such as a pair of aces) and play them independently as two separate hands. Other games do not allow this. The player may also be able to buy insurance, which is usually offered at 1:1 payouts. Some dealers offer ‘even money’ when a player has blackjack, which is just another way of saying that the dealer will pay out three-to-two on the original bet.

Many players use basic strategy, which is a method of playing the game that maximizes the chances of winning against the dealer. In general, this means standing on a hard 17 or higher, and hitting when the dealer has a weak card (such as a 6). However, expert players know when to deviate from basic strategy, doubling down or splitting more often when the odds are in their favor.

Novice players tend to miss golden opportunities by playing too conservatively. They will hold their 17 against a dealer’s 7 or not split a pair of 2s against the dealer’s 4, for instance, and they will hesitate to hit a 16 against a dealer’s 7. This type of behavior gives the house an edge over the player in the long run.

To be a good blackjack dealer, you must be able to make quick decisions and be confident in your abilities. In addition to dealing, you must be able to communicate well with other staff members and customers. You should also be able to tolerate second hand smoke and moderate noise levels. You will be required to work shifts, including evenings and weekends, which can be stressful at times.