Blackjack is a game where players compete against the dealer. Each player is dealt two cards and must decide whether to hit (request more cards) or stand (stop drawing cards) based on the value of their hands and those of the dealer. The goal of the game is to accumulate cards that total closer to 21 than the dealer without going bust. In addition, some cards have special values – the picture card, or 10, and the ace, which is worth either one or eleven points. Players can also make a side bet, called insurance, when a dealer shows an ace in the hole. In the long run, insurance bets lose money to the player.

The first step to playing blackjack is understanding the rules of the game. Players place bets with chips placed in the betting circle. Depending on the casino and game, bets can be made in increments of $1, $5 or $100. Blackjack rules vary from casino to casino, but the basic concept is always the same: each player must try to make a hand with a total higher than that of the dealer.

During the game, the dealers are responsible for keeping track of all bets placed and distributing cards to players. They must also ensure that the decks of cards are shuffled properly before each deal. Dealers are also required to answer any questions that players may have about the rules of the game.

A primary responsibility of a blackjack dealer is communicating with guests to provide information and make sure they understand the current situation at the table. Dealers use active listening skills and paraphrasing to convey messages clearly and concisely. They also use nonverbal cues, such as nodding, to communicate their full attention to the customers.

Another aspect of dealing blackjack involves ensuring that all bets are placed before the dealer starts drawing cards. Dealers must be able to count the money that has been deposited and be able to trade it in for chips in an efficient manner. This requires an excellent knowledge of math and how to follow a list of instructions.

Dealers must be able to communicate the results of the dealer’s hand to players in a timely fashion, but they must also maintain concentration and not disrupt other players. They must be able to accurately explain the rules of the game and make decisions that are in the best interest of the casino.

Lastly, blackjack dealers must be familiar with the strategy of the game. There are many different methods of playing blackjack, and each method has a specific strategy that maximizes the probability of winning. For example, a dealer should never draw a card when holding a hand of 16 against a dealer’s 10. However, the opposite is true for a dealer with a hand of 17 or more.

Ultimately, a dealer’s job is to keep the game moving and provide the best possible customer service. A dealer’s competence in mathematics empowers them to calculate the earnings of winning players quickly and accurately.