Blackjack is a game of strategy that involves beating the dealer. Players must learn the rules of the game, stick to a basic strategy and make decisions in real time. A dealer must also interact with players, creating an atmosphere and setting the tone for the table. A dealer who is friendly, professional and able to maintain the flow of the game can improve the player experience. On the other hand, a dealer who is not friendly, irritable or untrained can have a negative impact on the player experience.

In blackjack, the goal of the player is to accumulate cards that total a higher value than the dealer without going over 21. The card values in a blackjack hand are the number of the card, or its printed value, plus the face cards (Jack, Queen, King) and the Ace which can count as either one or 11. The dealer deals two cards to each player and then takes actions based on predefined rules. A player may draw more cards to increase his or her score, stand if they have a good hand and the dealer has an ace or hit if they have a poor hand and are trying to improve it.

A good blackjack dealer is able to deal cards quickly and efficiently, making the game fun for everyone at the table. They also understand the rules and payouts of blackjack, and are able to make informed decisions when asked for advice by players. They are also aware of the etiquette of the game and ensure that players respect each other and the casino staff.

The ability to read players is important for blackjack dealers as well. A dealer should know when a player is counting cards, and how to spot this behavior. A dealer should also be able to determine when a player is playing a poor strategy by how quickly they make decisions. Ideally, the dealer should avoid giving the players information they shouldn’t have, as this can be disruptive to the game.

There are several ways a dealer can unwittingly give away information to the players, including giving them a brief glimpse of their hole card before they place it on the table. This is particularly dangerous in games where the dealer must physically peak at their hole card, as this can give them an advantage over the players. A dealer can also unwittingly help the players by revealing their reaction to their hole card.

Some casinos have changed the rules of blackjack to reduce the payout for blackjacks from 3 to 2 to 6 to 1. This changes the house edge and makes it more difficult for the players to beat the dealer, but it is still possible with the right preparation and strategies. In addition, the players must be able to keep their emotions in check, because they will be losing money in the long run. Despite these challenges, the game of blackjack can be very rewarding for anyone who is willing to put in the effort.