Blackjack is a card game played by players against the dealer. The object is to get a hand that totals closer to 21 than the dealer’s. If you go over 21, you bust and lose your bet. There are a number of rules in place, including the fact that all cards have their face value – twos through 10s – while aces can be counted as either 1 or 11 points. The dealers are also required to use a cut card, which is a solid red card placed in the deck that marks where the cards should be separated during the cut.
Blackjack dealers are responsible for distributing and collecting bets from players and ensuring the integrity of the table. They often have a background in customer service, and must be able to communicate clearly with all members of the table. They must be able to answer questions, explain betting options and make the players feel comfortable. This is particularly important if the dealer has multiple tables.
Many people are interested in becoming a casino blackjack dealer, but they may not know what to expect from the position. A good way to prepare yourself is to attend a dealer school, which can teach you the basics of the game as well as proper procedures. These schools can be found in a variety of locations, including colleges and trade schools. They typically take between eight and 12 weeks to complete, and offer a hands-on opportunity to apply your skills.
One of the most important aspects of being a casino blackjack dealer is demonstrating excellent active listening skills. This involves attentively listening to the customers’ thoughts and paraphrasing what they said in order to show that you understood them. This is a very valuable skill, as it shows the customers that you care about them and their opinions.
Another blackjack dealer skill is being able to read the other players at the table. This is known as reading dealer tells, and it can give you a slight edge over the house. A common tell is when the dealer bends their neck or looks at their face-up card for an extended period of time. This indicates that they are likely holding a high-value card.
After the player has decided how much to bet, the dealer will look at their hole card. If the dealer has a ten underneath, the dealer will have blackjack and win everyone’s original wagers. They will pay 2 to 1 on any insurance wagers as well. If the dealer doesn’t have a ten, they will continue playing their hand normally.
If the player has a good chance of winning against the dealer’s hand, they can choose to surrender. This allows them to reclaim half of their original bet, but will cost them some of their winnings. This option is especially useful when the dealer has an ace or a 10.