How to Become a Blackjack Dealer
Blackjack is a card game in which players try to accumulate cards that total as close to 21 as possible without going over. The game is popular in casinos and on cruise ships. The dealer deals two cards to each player and himself, then players can decide whether to hit, draw more cards, or stand based on pre-defined rules. A player who has a better hand than the dealer wins.
While luck plays a major role in blackjack, there are a number of factors that can help you make the right decisions. Learning basic strategy, recognizing special situations as they develop, and practicing mental math can all contribute to making you a winning blackjack player.
Before you begin playing blackjack, it is important to understand the cards’ values. Cards numbered 2 through 10 have their printed value, while face cards are worth 10, and aces can be either 1 or 11. Knowing the values of these cards will help you work out the value of your own hand as well as that of the dealer.
When a player has a total of 16 or higher and the dealer has an ace, they have a blackjack, which wins against other players. However, a player can also win by beating the dealer with a stronger total than theirs, such as 21 or more. In this case, the player is paid one times their wager.
The first step to becoming a blackjack dealer is to attend a training school that provides hands-on experience and instruction. This school may last anywhere from eight to 12 weeks and will help you prepare for employment opportunities at a casino. In addition, completing high school level math and foreign language courses can also be beneficial.
After you have learned the basic rules of blackjack, it is time to start playing for real money. Once you have the necessary skills, you can find employment at a local casino or even travel to exotic locations to play the game and make good money.
A career as a blackjack dealer can offer you a variety of benefits, including flexible working hours and the ability to set your own schedule. The pay is often quite good as well, especially if you can improve your skill and make smart bets.
A good blackjack dealer pays close attention to the dealer’s upcard. This is important because it can tell you what type of hand the dealer is likely to have. It’s a good idea to hit when the dealer has a 6 or below, since this will increase your chances of winning by about 5%. However, hitting against a dealer 7 or above can be risky. You should only do this when you have a strong understanding of the probability of your hand beating the dealer’s. It is also a good idea to learn the basics of card counting. This can give you an edge over the dealer and allow you to make wise bets.