Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games. It is a card game played by two or more players against the dealer. Each player is dealt two cards and has the option to take more, called hitting, or to stand (refuse to take more) based on specific pre-determined rules. The objective is to accumulate a total closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. The player and the dealer each receive a payout if they win.
While there are some systems that can give the player a mathematical advantage in Blackjack, the vast majority of these are not legitimate. This is largely due to the fact that they require the use of a counting system which is illegal in most casinos. However, there is one exception to this rule: Colin Sullivan who runs the Blackjack Apprenticeship site where he teaches counting cards and his system has been successfully used by many of the most successful Blackjack players.
To beat the dealer in blackjack you must have a higher hand value than them at the end of the deal. The best way to do this is by getting a Blackjack (Ace and a ten-value card) or getting as close as possible to 21, without going over, which is known as Bust. You can also win by taking additional cards that are of a higher value than the dealer’s, which is known as Splitting.
You can split up to three times with a pair of identical cards, except for Aces, which must be kept separate. If you get another ace after splitting, you can “split” again, but this will only be worth one card each time. You can also “Hit” on a pair of 11’s, but it is generally better to Stand on a hand that contains an Ace.
The game of blackjack is very social and can be very entertaining. The dealer must be a people person and enjoy being around people to make the game enjoyable for all players. He or she must be able to read the players and know what they want before the cards are dealt. In addition, he or she must be able to take care of the bankroll and not spend more than is in it.
Blackjack dealers make a good living, and the job is very easy to learn. The average salary is about $22,000, but it can vary widely depending on the type of casino and the region. There are also opportunities to work in specialized tables for high rollers and VIPs. In general, the career is a below average growth industry. This is largely due to the fact there are more people employed in gambling-related jobs than there are blackjack dealers. However, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t enough jobs to go around for those interested in becoming a blackjack dealer. The most important thing to remember when playing blackjack is to always keep a count, and to avoid letting your emotions get in the way of making good decisions.