Blackjack is one of the few casino games where skill and strategy can make a difference. Played well, it can become a game of even money or even better — a game where players actually have a chance to beat the dealer! However, there’s more to becoming a professional blackjack dealer than just understanding the rules of the game. It takes practice, customer service skills and an in-depth knowledge of casino policies and procedures.
The game of blackjack is played on a semicircular table that can seat a variety of different numbers of players (up to seven). Typically, the dealers stand behind the table and chip rack and the players sit in the circle or box in front of them. The dealer flashes a warm smile, wishes the players good luck and shuffles the cards. He or she then cuts the cards and deals each player two cards face up so they can see their totals. Unlike many casino card games, where the cards are dealt face down, in blackjack each player’s hand is exposed for everyone to see.
Once the players have their two cards, they can decide whether to hit or stand. Hit means they want another card; stand means they don’t. In the latter case, the player may also choose to double their bet or split their hand. If the player has a pair of 10s or higher and the dealer has an ace, that’s a “blackjack,” which pays out 3 to 2 in most casinos.
Some casinos have special rules on the table that change the payout on blackjacks. For example, some casinos pay out 6 to 5 for blackjacks instead of the standard 3 to 2. This reduces the house edge by about 0.624 percent and can be advantageous to the player. However, these rules may not be posted on the felt and it is important for players to know before they play what the table’s rules are.
Another popular feature on some blackjack tables is insurance/even money. Before the first player plays their hands, the dealer will offer to take insurance bets of up to half the original wager and then pay them out at 2 to 1 if the dealer has a blackjack. This side bet is dangerous for a basic strategy player and should only be placed by skilled players who understand the game’s nuances and can calculate the odds of winning.
In recent years, hundreds of blackjack side bets have been introduced. While only a few of these bets are common, some can be quite profitable for skilled players. The most common side bets are the matched pairs, the perfect pairs, and the over/under. These bets are based on the number of matching cards or the number of identical cards in each hand. In addition, some blackjack side bets are based on the number and suit of the cards in each hand. These bets can add up to a significant amount of money in a short period of time.
