Blackjack is one of the most popular casino card games. It is played on a semicircular table with a fixed number of seats (seven is standard, but there are some tables that accommodate fewer players). The dealer stands behind the chips and the table. Each player is dealt two cards face up. The objective is to beat the dealer by having a higher, unbusted hand. If a player has a total of 21 or better, they win. If the dealer has a total of 21 or more, the player pushes, and no bets are exchanged.

Aside from the basic strategy rules, many players make use of side bets to improve their odds of winning. These can include betting on getting a pair as your first two cards, betting that the dealer will have a certain poker hand with their up-card (like a straight or flush), or betting whether or not the dealer will bust. Side bets are placed separately from the main wager, and some of them pay out if the player or dealer wins.

When a player has a pair of Aces, they can split them by placing an additional bet equal to their original wager on the new hand. This bet is called doubling down. Depending on the game, there are also limitations on how many times a player can double down during a hand.

Some players use a strategy called back counting or wonging, which involves keeping track of the count and only sitting down to play when the count is favorable. This reduces the player’s bet spread and increases their chances of beating the dealer, but casinos are now aware of this technique and watch for players who are just hanging around a table instead of playing.

Lastly, it is important to know when to walk away from a table. Just like in poker, some blackjack tables are hot and others are cold. If you are losing your bets at the table, it’s best to leave and find another one.

Being a blackjack dealer is not as hard as it may seem. While a background in customer service, being a people person, and having a history working with money are all helpful skills to have for the job, you don’t need any special training to become a blackjack dealer. In addition, you can learn many of the necessary skills for this position through on-the-job experience. If you want to be a blackjack dealer, you should start by learning as much as you can about the game. This way, you can be ready to work when the opportunity arises.