Blackjack, one of the most popular casino games in the world, is a game of chance and skill. There are a few key rules that should be understood by any player before playing. These include the dealer’s bust rule, the payout on a blackjack, and the basic strategy. The game also has several side bets that can be placed at the same time as a standard wager. These bets can be as simple as betting on a pair of matching cards or as complex as predicting whether the dealer will have a blackjack.

A player’s goal in blackjack is to beat the dealer. This is accomplished by forming a hand value of 21 or better on their first two cards. If the dealer does not have a blackjack, the player wins and is paid an amount equal to their original wager. If the dealer has a blackjack, it is called a “push,” and the player’s bet is returned to them. If both the dealer and a player have a blackjack, it is a tie.

If the dealer has an ace as their first card, players may choose to take insurance. This is a side bet that pays out 2-1 if the dealer has a blackjack. The player must place a bet equal to half their original wager in order to take insurance. This is a risky bet because it is possible that the dealer could have a 10 up and beat the player’s hand.

Casinos are always looking to increase their profits. As a result, they have whittled away at the player’s edge in blackjack. For decades, the game was king of the table, even enjoying a revival after the release of 21 in 2008. However, competition from other casino games like slot machines and baccarat is taking its toll.

In addition to reducing the payout for blackjacks, casinos have also increased the house edge on side bets. These bets can be made at the same time as a player’s main wager and can be placed on different outcomes of the hand. They can range from a simple bet on the dealer having a blackjack to more complicated bets on the hand making a poker hand or the dealer busting.

Blackjack can be played with different decks of cards and with different rules. The number of decks used, the rules of the game, and the player’s skill can affect how profitable the game is for the player. In general, a good player will have a slight advantage over the house, around 2-5%.

As a blackjack dealer, your job is to deal the game in a way that meets guest service standards and complies with minimum internal gaming controls. You must be able to read and exchange currency with guests, handle large bills and make quick decisions. You are also responsible for ensuring that all blackjack wagers are tracked and placed in the correct bet box. You must also keep the floor supervisor and team lead informed of any disputes among players, gaming irregularities, credit card rejections or guest requests.