Blackjack, which is played by thousands of people around the world every day, is a casino game that relies on both skill and chance. The goal of the game is to beat the dealer by getting a hand value of 21 or closer without going over. The game has an overall house edge of less than 1%, which makes it one of the lowest profit margins in the casino. If you know the right strategy, you can greatly reduce this advantage.
The first step to playing blackjack is placing a bet. Players place their bets on a special betting area in front of the table. The minimum and maximum bets are usually posted on the table. Once all bets are placed, the dealer deals each player two cards face up. The players must then decide whether to “hit” and receive additional cards or “stand” and keep their current hand. The dealer must also reveal his or her card. If the dealer has a blackjack, the players who made insurance bets win twice their initial bets. Otherwise, the players with the highest hand wins.
Some players make the mistake of thinking that they can always hit when their hand is below 16 and never stand. This is not true, and in fact it is usually better to stand when you have a hand value of 12-16 if the dealer has an ace showing. Hitting will only make your hand worse, while standing will almost always improve it.
Side bets are offered on many blackjack tables and can be very profitable if you play correctly. The most common of these bets is insurance, which pays 2:1 if the dealer has a blackjack. This bet can increase your bankroll significantly, but it is important to understand the odds of the dealer having a blackjack before making this bet.
Blackjack dealers are required to work in shifts that can be up to 8 hours long and must remain at their gaming tables for most of the time. They must also be able to stand for long periods of time and use their hands and arms extensively. They must also be able to tolerate second-hand tobacco smoke and other fumes while working in casinos.
Blackjack dealers typically work evenings, weekends and holidays. Their job duties include dealing cards to players, taking bets and settling winning bets. They must also be able to work under pressure and maintain a high level of customer service. This is a fast-paced and challenging career for someone who enjoys working with people and being on the go. The average salary for a blackjack dealer is $35,900. This is below the national average for all careers, but it is above the national average for jobs in the hospitality industry. Blackjack dealers are required to work in casinos, which may require them to travel between locations. They must also be able to handle stress and have a flexible schedule. In addition to these requirements, a blackjack dealer must be a licensed driver and have a clean driving record.