Blackjack is a card game that requires skill, determination and self-mastery. It is sometimes misconstrued to be a game of pure luck, but a well-learned player can achieve a significant advantage over the dealer using mathematical calculations and strategy. A good blackjack player knows the rules of the game, including proper etiquette and betting procedures. Those who are proficient in the game have an edge that can make it one of the best casino games to play.
A standard blackjack table holds two decks of cards in a boxlike device called a shoe, which allows the dealers to deal each player a pair of cards face up. A player may choose to stand (not draw more cards) or hit. Each hand is compared to the dealer’s in a head-to-head contest and whoever has the highest total wins. A player who gets a natural blackjack—an ace and a card worth 10—pays at three-to-two or one and a half times the original bet; a tie is a push, with the original bet returned to the players.
Some casinos offer side bets that can be placed at the same time as a player’s main wager, such as insurance, which pays when the dealer’s up card is an ace; and double down, which lets the player place a bet of equal value to his original bet on any subsequent pair of cards. These bets are often misunderstood by novice players and can increase the house edge considerably.
The dealer deals each player a card, starting with the one on their left and proceeding clockwise. When a player has a hand of 16 or more points, they must draw additional cards until they reach the point total they want (usually 17). If they have a higher total than the dealer’s, they can win by standing. The dealer, however, must follow a rule for drawing additional cards and will not draw until his or her hand is worth 16 or more.
The dealer then checks their hole card. If the dealer has a blackjack, they will pay out 6 to 5 on any bets, which increases the house edge and makes the game less profitable for card counters. Dealers also interact with players throughout the game, creating an atmosphere and setting the tone for the table. Their demeanor, professionalism and ability to maintain focus on the game can make or break a session. They must be able to read players and know when to speak up or stay quiet. They must be able to keep the flow of the game going without interfering with a player’s decisions or distracting them from counting cards.