Blackjack is a casino game in which players compete against the dealer to make the highest value hand. This game requires strategic thinking and composure, which are important qualities to have as a casino dealer. Blackjack is one of the easiest casino games to master, and you can become a certified dealer in less than two weeks.
In a game of blackjack, each player receives two cards. They can then choose to hit (receive more cards) or stand (keep their current hand). The goal of the game is to get a higher value hand than the dealer, without going over 21. Players can also place side bets, such as insurance or a bet on the dealer having blackjack.
Before you start playing blackjack, familiarize yourself with the rules. You can do this by studying the basic strategy charts, which can be found in most casino games sections. These charts outline the proper plays for different situations. They will help you to avoid making mistakes that can cost you money. While these charts won’t be 100% perfect, following them will help you to make better decisions than most other players. These charts are based on slightly different variations of the game, so you’ll have to adjust them for your local casino.
Once you’re comfortable with the basic strategy, you can start learning about the nuances of the game. For example, some casinos will reduce the payout for a blackjack from 3 to 2 to 6 to 5. This will increase the house edge and make the game more difficult.
Other nuances of the game include knowing when to double down or surrender. This will depend on the dealer’s up card and your hand value. If you have a 16 and the dealer has an ace, you should always double down. Similarly, if you have a blackjack and the dealer has a 10, you should surrender.
Another important aspect of the game is knowing how to spot a fake hole card. This is important because the dealer will often try to hide his hole card from you by bending it or putting his finger over it. However, if you pay attention, you can often tell when the dealer is hiding his card by watching how hard he has to bend it and at what angle he has to do it.
If you are interested in becoming a blackjack dealer, you can apply at a casino near you or enroll in a professional training program. Most programs are about six weeks and cover both the casino game rules and local regulations. These courses are available at some vocational schools and in some areas that have large casinos. In addition, many employers offer in-house dealer training. If you are a people person, and you can handle the variety of hours that come with being a casino dealer, this is a rewarding career for you to consider.