Blackjack is a casino game that requires a lot of thought and strategy. While some people think it’s all about luck, the truth is that you can win if you play smart. The game is also a great way to practice skills like observation, computation and memory.
As a blackjack dealer, your primary objective is to make sure that all players at the table receive a fair chance to win. You should always keep an eye on how much each player is betting, since this will impact how many cards you deal to them. In addition, you should collect all used cards and place them in the discard holder. Afterwards, you should begin dealing to the next hand.
To start dealing, take the top card from the deck or blackjack shoe and deal it to the first player on your left. As you distribute the cards, gently slide them across the table and keep them face up. When you are finished, shuffle the cards and place them in the blackjack card shoe again.
You will usually be on your feet for up to eight hours at a time as a blackjack dealer, and you will work on evenings, weekends and holidays. In addition, you may be exposed to secondhand smoke and fumes, as well as moderate noise levels while working in a casino.
The basic rules of blackjack are the same for all casinos, but there are some differences in house rules and table etiquette. Some games have special rules for splitting, doubling and when to hit or stand. You should know these rules before you start playing, so you can make the most of your experience.
Unlike poker, where players compete against each other, blackjack is a game of strategy and teamwork. This is why it’s so important to play with a good team. If you want to improve your blackjack skills, you should try to find a team that has the same goals and plays to a similar style as you.
After each player has placed their bets, the dealer will reveal their card and determine who wins the hand. The dealer must hit if their hand value is 12-16 and stand if their hand is 17 or higher. Some dealers even recommend players to take ‘insurance’, which is a side bet that pays 2-1 if the dealer has an ace.
When the dealer shows a card, each player should extend their forefinger to show they only want one card. However, some players will peek at the card to see what they have before extending their forefinger. This is against table etiquette, and you should never do it at home. It is also a good idea to have a separate deck of cards for playing home games, as these are more likely to be dealt correctly.