Blackjack is a game of strategy, math, and luck. It can be played with one or more decks of cards, and the objective is to beat the dealer by getting a hand with a total higher than 21. The game also offers players the option of splitting pairs, which increases their odds of beating the dealer. While the house always has an advantage, there are ways to minimize that edge by understanding the rules of blackjack and how the odds and probabilities work.
A good starting point is the basic strategy chart, which shows the optimal way to play each situation in a given game. This chart is available online, and it will give you a 1% advantage over the house in most cases. However, it will take intentional practice to commit this knowledge to memory. Then you will need to learn charts for the specific rules of each game you will play.
The game begins with players making bets, and the dealer dealing two cards to each player and one card to himself (one face up, the other face down). Players then decide whether to hit or stand. Once the player has decided, the dealer will act according to predetermined rules. The dealer must hit on 16 or less, and he must stand on 17 through 21. If the dealer and player have the same hand value, it is called a tie or push, and the dealer retains the bet.
If the player has a higher total than the dealer’s, they win, and the payout is 1 to 1. If the dealer has a better hand than the player, the player loses. If the dealer’s hand is 21 or more, it is called a bust and they lose their bet. Then the dealer must deal another card, and the player may again choose to hit or stand.
Effective bankroll management is critical to long-term success in blackjack. It is recommended to set a budget for each session and predetermine the amount of money you are willing to wager per hand. This will prevent you from chasing losses or making impulsive decisions after losing a few hands in a row.
Many skills are required for being a blackjack dealer, including being comfortable on your feet and the ability to count and do basic math quickly, both in terms of keeping track of the hand scores and paying out bets. In addition, dealers must be on the lookout for players trying to cheat or otherwise exploit them at the table. It is also important for them to be able to deal with adversity and maintain a positive attitude when the chips are down. If they can do these things, they will be a valued member of the team.