Blackjack is a card game where players compete against the dealer. It is one of the most popular casino games and is played on a circular table that can be set up for varying numbers of players. Some tables are designed for seven players while others accommodate up to twelve players. A dealer stands behind the table and chips rack, facing the players. A dealer’s job is to deal two cards to each player and then make a decision on what the best course of action is for each hand. The goal of any player is to beat the dealer by having a higher, unbusted hand. This can be done by hitting, standing, or splitting a pair of cards. If a player has 21 on the first two cards, this is known as a natural or blackjack and the dealer will pay that player one and a half times their bet. If the dealer has a natural, they will announce it to the players and collect their bets.
A dealer has a few different ways to check for blackjack, but the most common is to peek at their hole card. They can also look at the other side of their cards, which is called the “middle” card. If the middle card is a 10, they know that they have a blackjack. Lastly, they can try to feel the top of the cards by running their fingers over them. If they feel any raised edges, they know that they have a blackjack. This method is not as accurate as peeking at the hole card and some dealers will still do this to be safe.
The dealer has a small advantage in blackjack because they have an up-card that cannot be seen. However, it is possible for players to increase their chances of winning by making smart decisions on when to hit and stand. It is also important to learn the values of the cards. Face cards are worth 10, numbered cards are worth their printed value, and aces count as either 1 or 11.
Some blackjack games offer side bets, such as insurance, that you can place in addition to your main bet. These bets pay out when the dealer’s up-card is an ace. However, insurance bets lose money in the long run because the dealer only has a blackjack less than one-third of the time.
In addition to basic strategy, it is essential for a dealer to have good mathematical skills. This helps them to calculate the payouts for winning players accurately. It also helps them to keep the game moving quickly by allowing them to count the cards in their hand without looking at them.
A successful blackjack dealer is able to read tells and understand what the other players are trying to do. This includes knowing when a player should split their cards and when they should double down. The ability to read these tells is an acquired skill that requires a lot of practice.