Blackjack is a casino game that requires both chance and skill to play. Players can hit, stand, double down or split cards to increase their chances of winning. It is a popular game that many people consider to be a team sport, with players working together to beat the dealer. If you have a strong memory and excellent customer service skills, you may be interested in becoming a blackjack dealer.
Blackjack dealers are responsible for greeting guests as they approach the table, persuading them to gamble more money and tip. They also need to have good math skills and a willingness to learn new information quickly. They must be able to recognize and read body language, which can tell them when a player is feeling uncomfortable.
A blackjack dealer is also required to know how to keep track of the cards they have dealt, the ones that have been discarded and the cards that have been played. This is known as shuffle tracking and is an important part of counting cards. It helps a player determine when the cards remaining in the deck are advantageous and when they should make larger bets.
If a player has a hand-total of 21 on the first two cards they receive, it is called a “natural” or a “blackjack.” This means that the dealer must pay the player one times their wager. However, if the dealer has a higher hand-total than the player’s, it is considered a tie and bets are swept.
Most blackjack games offer a side bet called insurance, which pays when the dealer has an ace up card. There are also hundreds of other side bets available, which are designed to give the player an advantage over the dealer. However, the majority of these side bets are illegal and should not be placed by players.
It is also important for a blackjack dealer to be familiar with casino security measures. This is especially important if they are dealing with a large number of players who use mobile devices to place their bets.
Lastly, a blackjack dealer must be able to work under pressure and remain calm in stressful situations. For example, if a player’s chips are running low, it is important for the dealer to know when to stop playing and call for another shoe. Otherwise, the dealer could be tempted to cheat by giving the player more chips or even stealing their money. The dealer should always be aware of his or her surroundings and should never take bribes. In addition, the dealer must remember to shuffle after each round and offer the next player a new shoe. This prevents the possibility of a count being discovered. If this is not done, the dealer should be fired immediately. The dealer should also be able to recognize hot and cold tables, and walk away when a bad run begins. Otherwise, he or she will lose credibility with the players and risk losing their jobs.