Blackjack is a card game that pits players against the dealer. Typically, the dealer and the player each receive two cards. The goal is to have a hand that totals 21 or higher. The player can ask for more cards (hit) or stand after the initial deal. A face card is worth 10, an ace can be valued at either 1 or 11, and all other cards are assigned numbers.

Those who have a higher hand than the dealer win. If a player has a pair, they can split the cards and play two hands, each with its own bet. If the dealer has a blackjack, bets are paid at odds of 2 to 1. If the dealer does not have a blackjack, all insurance wagers are lost.

Aside from basic strategy, the rules of blackjack can vary from one casino to another. For example, some casinos pay out blackjack at 3 to 2, while others offer 6 to 5. Changing the rules of blackjack can affect your bankroll and make it harder to beat the house edge.

Mathematics is a key skill for blackjack dealers, who use it to calculate the winnings of customers accurately. They also use mental math when distributing the cards to customers, which allows them to maintain the pace of the game. In addition, their competence in mathematical concepts empowers them to communicate the status of a customer’s hand quickly and effectively.

Blackjack dealers also rely on their active listening skills to deliver exemplary customer service. In addition to verbally communicating with customers, they often deliver nonverbal cues such as nodding and paraphrasing to demonstrate that they are listening intently. Using these skills helps them to better understand their customers’ thoughts and make the right decisions for each hand.

Another way that blackjack dealers improve their customer service is by learning how to handle difficult situations. For example, if the dealer’s up card is an ace, the player may wish to ask for more cards (hit). However, if the dealer’s face-up card is a 10, the dealer must draw a card, and this can make the player’s hand bust. In such a case, the player should rethink his or her decision and not hit.

Other challenging situations that a blackjack dealer may encounter include when the player has an ace and a ten in his or her hand, and the dealer has a 10. In this situation, the hand is called a push, and all bets are returned without adjustment. The dealer will also check his or her hole card for a ten underneath. If the dealer has a ten, the hand is a blackjack, and all bets are paid out at odds of 2:1. If the dealer doesn’t have a ten, all bets are paid at even money. This is known as the “dealer’s ace rule.” However, some casinos will allow players to choose to have their bets paid at even money rather than at 3:2 in this circumstance.