Blackjack is a card game that involves players trying to beat the dealer. It is a table game that is played in casino-like settings as well as cruise ships and Caribbean islands. The objective is to have a hand total that is higher than the dealer’s without going over 21. The game is played on a semicircular table that can seat anywhere from five to seven players. Each player is dealt two cards. A player can hit (ask for an additional card) until they have a hand total that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s or they decide to stand. Face cards count as 10 and aces can be counted as either 1 or 11.
The dealer has a hole card that is hidden and an up card that is visible to the players. The dealer’s goal is to have a hand that has a value of 17 or higher without going over 21. If the dealer has a hand that is less than 17, she will draw cards until she has a value of 17 or more. If the dealer has a hand that exceeds 21, she will sweep the player’s wager. If the player has a higher hand than the dealer, they get their bet back plus one times their wager if they have a blackjack.
In addition to basic blackjack rules, there are several side bets available that can dramatically change the odds of winning a hand. Side bets are generally placed at the same time a player places their initial bet. The most popular side bet in blackjack is insurance, which pays 2 to 1 if the dealer has a blackjack. Insurance is available in most variations of the game and is offered by nearly all casinos.
The work environment for a blackjack dealer is often harsh and requires long shifts that are frequently interrupted by short breaks. The dealers may also be exposed to secondhand smoke and other fumes from the casino floor as well as moderate noise levels. It is important for a casino dealer to maintain focus and concentration throughout the entire shift and stay physically fit in order to meet the physical demands of the job. In addition to the job duties, a blackjack dealer must have the ability to communicate clearly and work in a team setting. Lastly, the ability to deal with stressful situations is necessary as they will be dealing with unhappy customers on occasion. A good blackjack dealer will always remain professional in these scenarios and will never lose control of their emotions. The blackjack dealer will be the face of the company and should portray professionalism at all times.