Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games, and it can be played in many ways. The basic rules of the game are that each player has two cards dealt to them and must either hit or stand. A player may also double his bet after receiving the first two cards, and he may signal his hand to other players and the dealer. The dealer then pays any players who have won their hands.

A career as a blackjack dealer involves interacting with customers, explaining the rules of the game and responding to questions from players. A blackjack dealer must be able to communicate effectively and make good decisions to ensure the game runs smoothly. In addition, a blackjack dealer must be able to identify any suspicious behavior and report it to security personnel.

The first step in a blackjack career is to find a school that offers dealer training courses. These typically last between eight and 12 weeks and teach dealers how to deal the game correctly. After completing a dealer school, students can look for employment opportunities at local casinos.

Another important factor to consider when looking for a blackjack dealer job is the house edge. This number is calculated by subtracting the average bet from 100 rounds of play. The lower the house edge, the more profitable the game is. There are several factors that affect the house edge, including the rules of the game, the minimum and maximum bet sizes, the type of card deck used, and the number of players at a table.

Some casinos change their rules from time to time. This can affect the overall house edge, and it is important to know the specific rules of a particular game before you start playing. You can get this information by visiting Stanford Wong’s Current Blackjack News website and downloading a free sample or buying a copy of the latest monthly issue. The website shows the specific blackjack rules, minimum and maximum bet sizes, house edge, and other playing conditions for most casinos in the United States that offer the game.

When deciding whether to hit or stand, it is always best to follow the logic of the game. This means hitting if your hand is valued at 16 or less and the dealer is showing a 2 or 3, for example. On the other hand, hitting a 12 against a dealer’s 4 is not recommended because there is a very high chance that you will bust and lose your money.

The goal of the game is to beat the dealer, and this can be done by achieving a hand value of 21 or more. In order to do this, you must be able to count cards. This can be difficult for some people, but it is possible to learn how to do it with practice. It is also important to stick to the basic strategy chart and not deviate from it based on your feelings.