Blackjack is a casino table game in which players compete to get the highest total hand value. It is played with one or more 52-card decks. The cards have values of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. During the game, players are given two cards and can decide whether to hit (ask for another card) or stand (stop drawing cards) based on a set of rules. The goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. The dealer also has a specific set of rules to follow.
When a player has a total higher than the dealer, that player wins the round. However, if the dealer has a blackjack, all players lose the round. Unlike roulette, in which the player’s wager is returned, blackjack dealers do not return bets. The cards are swept up, and the next hand begins.
A dealer should always greet guests in a friendly manner, making eye contact, and thanking them for their bets. They should also be knowledgeable about the game, as well as casino etiquette and procedures. They should be able to explain the game’s rules and procedures in an easy-to-understand way. They should be able to answer questions and resolve any disputes with customers.
Dealers should also make sure that they understand the rules of the game before they start dealing it. Some casinos have different rules for blackjack, such as reducing the payoff for a blackjack from 3 to 2 to 6 to 5. This increases the house edge and makes card counting more difficult.
During the shuffle and deal, the dealer should check to see if any player has a blackjack. If they do, they must immediately pay that player one and a half times their original bet. Likewise, the dealer must take any insurance wagers from players. The dealer should also sweep up any used cards and place them in the discard holder.
Once the dealer has a hand, they will announce it to all players. If the dealer has a blackjack, they will sweep everyone’s bets. If they have a non-blackjack, the dealer will pay each player their original bet amount.
After the dealer has a hand, they will then check their hole card. If they have a ten underneath, they will get paid one-and-a-half times their original bets. If they don’t have a blackjack, the dealer will return everyone’s original bets and continue playing the game normally. If the dealer doesn’t have a blackjack, they will pay the players their original bets, but they won’t be paid on their insurance wagers. This is known as a push. Then the dealer will reshuffle and deal the next hand.