Basic Skills to Learn in Order to Become a Blackjack Dealer
Blackjack is a fun and exciting game of skill that is played by thousands of people every day. While it may seem complicated or daunting to someone who is unfamiliar with the game, it actually has some basic rules that can be very easy to understand and follow.
1. Understanding Basic Strategy
Blackjack has a very small house advantage that can be reduced to a small percentage by learning and applying a basic strategy. This strategy helps players avoid making mistakes that can lead to a losing hand.
2. Listening & Active Listening
One of the most important skills to learn in order to become a successful blackjack dealer is listening to customers and their questions. Professionals at the blackjack table have to be able to understand and respond to questions from their customers while also giving them proper instructions on how to play the game correctly.
When a customer asks for help, the blackjack dealer will often communicate through a series of nonverbal cues to indicate they are listening carefully to their questions and responding appropriately. These nonverbal cues include nodding and paraphrasing what was spoken.
3. Observing Hot and Cold Tables
If you are new to playing blackjack, it is a good idea to practice on a few different tables before committing to a larger bet. This will allow you to get a feel for the game and determine when you’re winning and losing, which will give you an idea of when it’s time to up your bet.
4. Knowing When to Stand/Stay and when to Surrender
When you have a weak hand and the dealer has a high card, it is usually best to stand. This will leave you with a winning hand and allow you to win back half of your initial bet.
5. Using a Basic Strategy Chart
There are many charts available for blackjack that can be helpful in making decisions regarding the correct play when you have a particular hand. The charts break down the probability of winning a hand into hard and soft hands and show which play is most likely to win in each situation.
6. Practicing Mental Math
If you’re interested in becoming a blackjack dealer, it is a good idea to practice your mental math skills in preparation for the actual job. This will improve your speed, accuracy, and confidence in doing a variety of math-related tasks, which will make you more effective at the job.
7. Taking a Basic Blackjack Course
If your goal is to be a professional blackjack dealer, it’s important to take a basic blackjack course at a local casino. These courses typically last eight to 12 weeks and can provide you with the necessary knowledge to deal the game properly.
8. Getting a job as a blackjack dealer
After completing a basic course at a local casino, it is possible to apply for employment at a blackjack table in the same facility or at a different casino. These jobs can be very lucrative, and you will have a chance to gain real-world experience.
