Blackjack is one of the world’s most popular casino games. It is played by two or more players against a dealer and involves making bets based on the probability of a player’s cards beating those of the dealer. While luck plays a big role in this game, knowledge of basic strategy can help players win more often than not. The goal of blackjack is to get a hand value of 21 or higher before the dealer does. This is not as easy as it sounds, however, and understanding the nuances of the game and casino protocol can make or break a blackjack player’s chances of winning.
In blackjack, players are dealt two cards face down and the dealer has one card turned up. The player may choose to hit, or take another card, in order to try and get a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s. The rules of the game state that all face cards count as 10, jacks, queens and kings count as 11, and aces are worth either 1 or 11 depending on the player’s choice. If the player’s first two cards form a pair of 11s, this is referred to as a blackjack and the player wins immediately.
Some casinos will allow players to place an insurance bet of up to half their original bet, which pays a 2-1 payout if the dealer has a blackjack. Most dealers will advise their players to take the insurance, as it can be an effective way to increase your winnings.
There are many different side bets that can be placed on blackjack, such as insurance, a dealer match, and the ace defender. These side bets can add a lot of money to your total winnings, but the key is to bet intelligently and not get carried away. If you play a side bet that you are not sure about, always ask the dealer to explain it to you.
Blackjack dealers work in shifts, usually 8 hours long. Their job requires them to stand for extended periods of time and to use their hands a lot. They also have to be able to handle the pressure of handling a large amount of cash and interacting with players in a professional manner. They are also exposed to second hand tobacco smoke and fumes at their casinos.
After the dealer has collected all the chips from the table, he or she will shuffle the cards and start a new round of play. Blackjack is a fast-paced game and the casino’s staff needs to be able to move quickly, keep the players engaged, and deal quickly.
In addition to their duties at the blackjack table, casino dealers must follow strict rules of casino protocol. They must be courteous to all customers and make them feel comfortable in the casino environment. Female blackjack dealers in particular are subjected to sexual advances from players and they must be able to deal with this type of behavior.