Blackjack is a card game that involves playing against the dealer. The goal is to get a hand that totals closer to 21 than the dealer’s. The dealer deals the players two cards and then takes his own cards according to specific rules based on what number the cards add up to. The dealer then pays individuals who have won a hand. A good blackjack dealer must be able to interact with players and enforce rules at the table.
The dealer must be able to deal the cards quickly and accurately. In addition, the dealer must be able to pay out winning hands without making mistakes. This requires the ability to count quickly and understand basic math. In addition, the dealer should be able to spot cheaters and stop them from taking advantage of the casino or other players at the table.
Dealers are also responsible for collecting and paying out insurance bets before the start of a hand. They must be able to pay out even money on blackjacks and collect blackjack bets in the correct order. They must also know the rules of the game, how to handle a variety of different situations, and be on the lookout for players who might try to take advantage of the casino or other players at the blackjack table.
If the dealer shows an ace, players may buy insurance bets for up to half of their original wager. In most casinos, the dealer will reveal his hole card before the player plays his hand and will pay out the insurance bets two to one if he has a blackjack. In some casinos, the dealer will check his hole card with a special viewing window in the table and will pay out players who bought insurance before the hand is played.
In a blackjack game, a dealer is required to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent and be at least 18 years old. In addition to having good math skills, a dealer must be able to read and understand people well. The dealer must also be able to maintain a professional appearance. A good dealer will have a calm, patient temperament and be able to communicate effectively with players.
There are a variety of side bets that can be made in blackjack. These include betting on a dealer having a pair as their first two cards, betting on a dealer having a picture card or 10, and wagering on whether the dealer will bust or not. Players are encouraged to place these bets in the same betting circle as their main bet.
In blackjack, if the dealer has an ace and a ten-card, it is known as a natural or blackjack. This wins the player an equal amount to their bet, but it does not push and the bets remain in play. If a player has a natural and the dealer does not, the dealer will immediately pay the player.