Blackjack is a card game that is played between the dealer and the player. The goal of the game is to get a hand that totals 21 or as close to 21 without going over. The cards have different values; face cards are worth 10, numbered cards are worth their printed value, and aces can count as either 1 or 11. There are certain rules that must be followed by the players and dealer to prevent cheating.
Blackjack dealers are responsible for dealing out cards to the players, enforcing table rules, and collecting bets and paying out winnings. They also take part in the shuffling of the decks of cards before the next round begins. If you are interested in becoming a blackjack dealer, you can enroll in a dealer school to learn the skills necessary for the job.
Dealers must be able to memorize the rules of blackjack and understand how to apply them during gameplay. They must be able to perform mental math, follow a list of steps in order, and read the faces of the players on the table. They must also be able to remain calm and collected under pressure. Besides learning the rules of the game, it is important for blackjack dealers to have good communication skills.
Before the game begins, the dealer must shuffle and deal each player two cards. The dealer then takes a look at their own cards and may decide to hit (request another card) or stand (stick with their current hand). If the player has a blackjack, they win the game and no one else wins any chips. The dealer must pay out winnings and collect bets before starting a new hand.
After the players have received their cards, they can choose to ask for more (hit) or stick with their current hand (stand). Some players also decide to double down or surrender. Regardless of the decision, the players must place their bets in the betting circle. Once everyone has placed their bets, the dealer will deal each player another card and then a new set of cards for themselves.
The game of blackjack is a fast-paced and exciting one, so it’s important for dealers to be on top of their game. They should be able to answer any questions that the players have and explain any rule changes or special situations. They must also be able to recognize when the game is hot or cold and adjust their bets accordingly. If they notice that the game is slow, they should lower their bets and increase them when the table is hot. They can also call the pit boss to enforce a rule if they see someone break the rules.