Blackjack is a casino game where the aim is to beat the dealer. It is played using one or more 52-card decks and is an exciting card game that takes the shortest time to learn, but requires a lot of practice.

The goal is to have a total value that is higher than the dealer’s hand, without going over 21. Cards that are valued at face value (two through ten) count as 21, while those with a value of ace or a 10 count only as 10. The dealer is dealt two cards and can draw additional cards based on the rules of the game.

There are several strategies for playing blackjack. Some involve tracking the cards that have been dealt to the dealer, and comparing them to the player’s own hands. Known as “card counting,” this strategy can give players an advantage of 0.5 to 1.5% over the house.

Basic Strategy

The goal of basic strategy is to make decisions that are mathematically optimal for each situation in a blackjack game. The strategy is derived from millions of hands played in the long run, and it takes the guesswork out of the decision-making process by taking into account the player’s hands and the dealer’s up-card.

Early Surrenders

The ability to forfeit half the wager before the dealer checks for blackjack is very helpful in certain situations. Some hands are so unlikely to win that it is better to surrender rather than risk losing the whole bet.

Resplitting Aces

If the first two cards a player is dealt are an ace and a face card, he may decide to split them. This will avoid a total of 12 that is almost always a loss.

Depending on the rules of the casino, doubles can be made after splitting, which is another useful tactic for reducing the house edge.

Side Bets

The number of side bets on the felt has increased over the past 2 decades, although insurance remains the most popular. There are hundreds of different side bets, and most will require the player to place a wager at the same time as their main wager.

Tournaments

Blackjack can be played in tournament form where players start with equal amounts of chips and are ranked based on their total score. Other forms of tournament play, such as Elimination Blackjack, allow the lowest-stacked player to drop out at a set point during the competition.

Professional Blackjack Dealers

Those who have competence in mathematics are ideal for a career as a professional blackjack dealer. Their knowledge of the numerical aspects of the game empowers them to calculate earnings accurately for guests and communicate the status of their play immediately.

Those who wish to become a professional blackjack dealer must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and experience working in a casino or other gaming establishment. They must also be skilled in customer service and able to interact with clients. They should also be familiar with blackjack rules and techniques so that they can explain the game to guests and help them make informed decisions.