Blackjack is a casino card game in which the player must beat the dealer. Players get two cards and can choose to stand or draw (request more cards) based on a set of rules. If the player has a hand value that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, the player wins. This is known as a “blackjack” or a “natural”. The dealer must take another card if they have a 16, but they will not get a third if they have a 7.
Blackjack requires some math skills. Dealers need to be able to perform basic math quickly and accurately, both when keeping track of hand scores and paying out bets. They also need to be able to follow a list of steps in a procedure, such as collecting and placing used cards in the discard holder. A high school curriculum that includes mathematics and foreign language courses can prepare students for the demands of a career as a blackjack dealer.
After the player’s first two cards are dealt, the dealer will place one of their own cards face up on the table in front of them. This is called the “hole card”. If the dealer has a 10, he or she may offer Insurance to players. Insurance is a side bet that pays if the dealer has Blackjack. It is not required to play the game, and in fact it can negatively impact the dealer’s advantage.
The dealer will then deal himself two more cards, and the game continues. The goal of the game is to win as many hands as possible by getting your hand close to 21 and beating the dealer’s. If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, you will receive a payout of 3:2 as long as the dealer does not have blackjack. If your hand is higher than 21, you will bust and lose your bet.
A player may ask for additional cards in their turn by tapping their fingers on the table when the Dealer turns to them. This can be done by extending your hand palm-side-up over the cards and lightly waving it from side to side. The Dealer will then stop dealing cards to the Player and will continue to deal to other Players.
When the Player is satisfied with their original two cards, they can indicate this by gently waving their hand from side to side. This is called a “stand”. The Dealer will then move on to the next Player’s hand.
