Blackjack is a card game played by two or more players against the dealer. It is played using one or more standard 52-card decks, and the object of the game is to accumulate cards that total as close to 21 as possible without going over. Each card has a value, such as 1 for a number, 10 for a face card, or 11 for an ace. A player who has a total of 21 on their first two cards wins the hand, unless the dealer also has a 21, in which case it is a tie. Blackjack dealers are responsible for explaining the rules of the game to their customers, and they must be able to answer any questions that players may have. They must also be able to communicate with other casino employees, such as security, to ensure that players are following the rules of the game and that no one is cheating.
Blackjack dealers are also required to understand basic mathematics, which is essential for determining the winner of each hand and the payout amount. They must be able to calculate numbers faster than the average person, so they can determine the winner and award the winning bets quickly. Additionally, blackjack dealers must be able to spot any type of dishonest play or cheating during gameplay, and they must be able to report this to the pit boss or another employee.
Another important skill for blackjack dealers is active listening, which involves attentively hearing and understanding what a customer is saying. This is especially important when a customer is complaining about a bad experience, as it allows the dealer to calmly and effectively address the situation. They often use non-verbal cues, such as nodding and paraphrasing, to demonstrate that they are listening carefully to the customer’s concerns.
In addition to basic blackjack, many casinos offer a variety of side bets that can be placed by players on the table. These bets usually have a higher house edge than the main wager, but they can be profitable for those who are skilled at counting cards. Blackjack side bets can include insurance, which pays if the dealer has an ace up, and surrender, which allows players to forfeit half of their wager against a face or ace.
Blackjack dealers must be able to explain the different side bets available and how they work. They must also be able to explain the basic rules of blackjack, as well as any special rules that are in place at their particular casino. For example, some games require that a player’s blackjack wager must be equal to or exceed any side bet. This is to prevent players from putting all of their money on side bets and then losing the rest of their chips on the main wager. In addition, some tables limit the number of side bets that a player can make.