Blackjack is a card game that has a long history and many variants. In general, players compete against the dealer to win a hand by getting a point total of 21 or higher. There are several side bets that can be played which change the odds and payouts of the game. Using basic strategy and making appropriate decisions is the key to winning at blackjack.
A blackjack table can seat anywhere from five to seven players. A player can join any empty seat unless there is a chip or coat in the spot holding it for another player. Some casinos have a policy that you can’t join a table until the shuffle is complete.
To play blackjack, the dealer deals each player two cards face up and then takes one of his own in a hand that is based on specific rules. Then the dealer draws cards for his hand until it has a value of 17 or more. The players then have the option to hit, which means taking an additional card, or stand, which is refraining from taking a card. Then the dealers checks his own hole card, and if it is a ten, the player has a Blackjack and wins the round. The dealer sweeps the original wagers and pays any players who purchased insurance.
If the dealer doesn’t have a blackjack, the round is a push and everyone keeps their original bets. There are also some situations where a player may have a Blackjack and the dealer has a different hand-total, in which case it is a tie. Lastly, if a player splits two Aces and then hits each of those hands to 21, it is not considered a Blackjack in terms of payout, but still wins 1.5 times the original bet.
The job of a blackjack dealer involves working in shifts and being exposed to secondhand smoke, fumes and moderate noise levels. They must also work long hours and be able to deal with stressful situations. A career in blackjack is not for everybody, but if you have the right personality and attitude, this is an exciting and challenging opportunity. There is also a growing demand for qualified blackjack dealers. This is especially true in Las Vegas, where the casino industry is booming. Applicants should be prepared to work on evenings, weekends and holidays. In addition, they should be willing to travel to various casinos in the country to work. This is a fast-paced and high-paying career that requires a lot of energy. The average salary is about $70,000 a year. In some states, it can be even more than that. To become a blackjack dealer, a person should have excellent communication skills and be familiar with basic math. They should also have a high school diploma or GED certificate. A bachelor’s degree is preferred, but not required in some states. There are a number of certification programs available to help new dealers get started.