Blackjack is the card game for intellectuals, mathematicians and anyone who likes a real chance of beating the house. This popular casino table game is easy to learn and requires minimal preparation before heading to the gaming floor. However, the rules of blackjack can be complicated, and there are many strategies that players can employ to increase their chances of winning. The first step is to familiarize yourself with the rules of the game, which can vary from one casino to the next.
Before the game begins, each Player must make a wager. This amount is set by the casino, usually posted in front of the table. Once the wager is made, the dealer will deal each Player two cards. If the Player’s first two cards are an Ace and a picture card or ten, this is called a “natural” and the Player wins. The dealer, however, pays out only one and a half times the bet amount to the Player.
Once the hands are dealt, the Player can choose to hit additional cards (again, depending on their strategy). In addition to basic strategy, many players use card counting techniques to increase their chances of winning by predicting which cards will be played in the dealer’s and other Players’ hands. While this isn’t always possible, it’s a great way to beat the house edge.
Another option is to take an insurance bet. This bet is placed at the same time as a Player’s main bet and offers a payoff of 2-1 if the dealer has a blackjack. The dealer will check the hole card with a special viewing window to ensure she has a ten underneath before paying out any insurance bets.
While blackjack is a game of skill, casinos are very protocol-driven places, and hiring managers want to know that you can handle difficult situations with grace and tact. How would you respond if you were dealing with an intoxicated Player who began making inappropriate or unruly comments? The key is to remain calm and professional, while still ensuring that the game remains fair for all players.
Aside from card counting, most players simply aim to beat the dealer by getting a hand value of 21 or less before they go bust. In some cases, this can be achieved by splitting a pair of aces and hitting only the one that has the best value after the split. Other methods of achieving blackjack include betting on the dealer’s hole card being a ten, taking insurance, or playing a side bet like “even money.”