Blackjack is a card game played against the dealer in a casino. The goal is to beat the dealer by having a hand value that is closer to 21 than theirs without going over. Players are able to place side bets in addition to their standard wager. Some of these side bets include insurance (which loses money in the long run) and doubling down. Some casinos also offer extra side bets on aces or on certain pairs of cards.

Whether you’re playing in a live casino or online, the dealer at your table is one of the most important aspects of your experience. A friendly dealer can make the game feel more social, while an unfriendly dealer can ruin the mood of the table. Fortunately, you can find many professional dealers who have years of experience behind them and are skilled at interacting with customers.

A Blackjack dealer’s main responsibility is to deal the cards and pay out bets when winners occur. These professionals must know how to do this quickly and accurately. In addition, they must be on the lookout for cheating players and resolve disputes between table members. They must also understand how the rules of blackjack apply to all situations and be able to spot when a player is making an incorrect move.

Blackjack dealers often have competence in mathematics, which empowers them to calculate winning bets quickly and accurately. They use mental math throughout the game, calculating the values of each card as they’re dealt. This allows them to communicate the status of each player’s hand accurately and keep the game moving along.

Dealers also must be able to deal with all types of players from all walks of life. They need to be able to explain the rules of the game and interact with each customer in a way that is respectful and comfortable. This is especially true if the table has several different kinds of players.

While some dealers are naturally gregarious and like to chat with players, others prefer to be quieter and blend into the background of the game. If you’re a more social person, you might want to play at a blackjack table with a more chatty dealer. On the other hand, if you’re a more serious player, you might prefer to play at a table with a more serious dealer.

Another aspect of being a blackjack dealer is knowing when to reveal the dealer’s hole card. This is a key moment in the game and can be a huge advantage for the player. Dealers who take a quick peek at their cards will be more likely to have a high value card in their pocket, such as a face card or ace.

In the game of blackjack, a player’s total of 21 on their first two cards is known as a “blackjack” and immediately wins against any other hand. However, if the dealer has a blackjack as well, it’s called a tie or a “push” and bets are returned without adjustment.