How to Beat the Dealer at Blackjack
Blackjack is a card game that pits you against the dealer. The objective is to get a higher hand total than the dealer without going over 21. The game is played on a semicircular table that can seat between five and seven players. Players place a bet before the cards are dealt. The dealer will then deal each player two cards. A combination of an Ace and a ten or face card is a blackjack, and you win your bet back (except when the dealer also has a blackjack, in which case it’s a push and you keep your bet).
In addition to the two cards a player receives, they may choose to “double down,” meaning that they increase their initial bet and are dealt one additional card. Doubling down is only allowed against a dealer’s up card that is either an Ace, 10, or 9. (Some casinos only allow doubling down on 11).
After the player has their two cards, they can either hit, which means they try to improve their hand by adding more cards, or stand, which is when they remain with their current hand. The dealer will then make a decision based on their hand and the player’s bet amount. If the dealer has a blackjack, the player’s bet loses. If the player has a blackjack, the dealer will pay them one-time their bet amount. If the player and dealer have the same point total, it’s a tie.
The game is typically played with a standard 52-card deck. The rules of the game vary slightly from casino to casino, but all games will offer a minimum and maximum bet. You can usually find the minimum and maximum bet on a blackjack table placard. Unless you see chips or a coat holding an empty spot, a blackjack table is open for anyone to join (unless the dealer has a no-midshoe entry policy).
Blackjack is one of the easiest casino table games to learn, but there are some strategies that can help you beat the dealers. You’ll need to understand basic strategy and the odds of getting a particular hand value in order to maximize your chances of winning.
If you’re looking for a rewarding career that offers flexible hours and competitive salaries, then you should consider becoming a blackjack dealer. The job is a great fit for people who are good communicators and comfortable working in fast-paced environments. To start a career as a blackjack dealer, you’ll need to earn a high school diploma or equivalent. Fortunately, GCU has a variety of educational options to help you pursue your goals. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a recent graduate, our programs can help you build the skills and confidence you need to succeed as a blackjack dealer.
