Blackjack is a card game played by two or more players against a dealer. The object of the game is to get a hand with a higher total than the dealer without going over 21. Number cards count as their number value, face cards (Jack, Queen, and King) count as 10, and aces can count as either 1 or 11 depending on whether counting it as 11 would cause the player to bust. If a player busts, they lose the hand. A player’s hand with an ace and a 10 is called a “blackjack,” and is the strongest hand in the game.
The game is played on a semicircular table that can accommodate varying numbers of players (the standard table holds seven seats or “spots”). Each player places a bet in chips in their respective wager circle before the cards are dealt. The player then has the option to hit (receive additional cards) or stand (keep their current hand). The dealer receives two cards and also has the option to hit or stand.
Once all the players have a decision to make, the dealer will reveal their cards and determine the winner of each hand. If the dealer has a blackjack, they pay the player one and a half times their original bet. If the dealer has a non-blackjack, they collect the player’s bet and sweep the table of any insurance wagers.
Novices struggle with the game because they don’t understand it as well as the experts do. Dedicated expert players spend many hours studying and learning the game, so they have a strong understanding of it in most areas. But novices don’t put in the time, and they are less proficient at handling exceptions to the rules that occur from time to time.
Side bets in blackjack are popular and can add a lot to the enjoyment of the game. But they can also be a huge drain on the bankroll. These bets are placed alongside the player’s original wager and must be made before the dealer’s second card is revealed. They can be on anything from getting a pair as your first two cards to predicting whether or not the dealer will bust.
The job of a blackjack dealer can be very physically demanding and stressful. Employees must work long shifts, including evenings and weekends. They are regularly exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke and fumes and must frequently reach with their arms and talk with guests. It is a fast-paced environment, and the pay is not especially high. A dealer’s schedule can be unpredictable, and they often have to work a minimum of 8 hours before taking a 20 minute break. This job is a good fit for someone who has a love of gambling and is comfortable working in a highly pressured atmosphere. To apply for this position, contact a local casino or call the human resources department for more information. They can give you an application and explain the process of becoming a blackjack dealer.