Blackjack is an entertaining casino game in which players compete against a dealer to obtain cards that come closer to 21 than their opponent’s hand without going over 21 themselves. Blackjack also requires skill; knowing when and how to hit, stand, double down, surrender, or hit again can reduce house edges significantly while learning to read your dealer’s up card can assist with more informed decision-making.
At the outset of blackjack, bettors place their bets. Minimum and maximum bets are usually posted on the table. After everyone has placed their bets, a dealer will distribute two cards to each player; these should then be examined carefully to decide whether “hit” and add more cards or “stand.” After making your choice, place it face-down beneath your chips in the betting circle.
If the first two cards you are dealt are an Ace and Ten card, this is known as natural or blackjack and pays 6 to 5. Your bet will also be paid out according to posted limits, while any purchased insurance policies will also be processed as normal by the dealer.
When should you hit in blackjack? Hitting is recommended when your hand value falls to 11 or lower or when your hand total is 12-16 and the dealer has exposed seven cards or higher face up. In addition, dealers offer bonus bets of equal amount when you hit certain numbers such as 17 to increase your chances of success and increase chances of victory.
Double down when you have either an ace and 10-value card or an ace and picture card in hand. To do this, signal to the dealer by touching your extended pointer finger against the table – they’ll then place another bet equal to your initial bet, giving you another card and increasing your odds of victory! This strategy provides another excellent way of increasing chances of victory!
When faced with two identical cards such as an eight and six, you have the option to “split them.” By doing this, two additional cards will be given for each hand and played separately – if one hand reaches 21, that hand wins, while any going beyond 21 results in its loss.
Blackjack dealers need to be comfortable working in an unpredictable, fast-paced environment. Many attend a two week or less blackjack dealer training program offered through either their local casino or vocational school, typically covering casino rules, hand signals and the basics of the game. Most casinos also require their dealers communicate with players using hand signals instead of speaking verbally – this ensures games run more smoothly while all parties involved understand each other – and will provide training manuals with these hand signals for future reference.
