Blackjack is a casino card game in which players compete against the dealer. The game is typically played on a semi-circular table that can accommodate anywhere from five to seven players (or “spots”). Each player places a bet in one of the betting areas marked on the table. Then, two cards are dealt to each player and a single card to the dealer. If a player’s first two cards total 21 or higher, the hand wins. If the dealer also has a blackjack, the hand ties. Otherwise, the bets are paid out without adjustment. Some blackjack games also offer side bets such as insurance and dealer match.

During the game, blackjack dealers must keep track of all wagers and payouts quickly and accurately. They must also be on the lookout for players trying to cheat or take advantage of others at the table. These workers often need to have competence in mathematics, which empowers them to calculate earnings accurately and make quick decisions about when to ask players to turn their cards over.

In order to understand the rules of blackjack, it’s important to know what each card means. Cards with the numbers 2 through 10 have their face value, while jacks, queens and kings are valued at 10 points. Aces can either be worth 1 or 11 points, depending on which helps the player’s hand the most.

Most casinos have a shoe that holds multiple decks of cards. These shoes are shuffled frequently, which prevents the cards from appearing in order and makes it difficult to count cards. In addition, blackjack dealers use a special tool called a card box to keep track of the cards in play. This box is a clear plastic container with slots for each card. This allows the dealer to view each card in play at a glance, but keeps the cards secure and hidden from other players.

Blackjack dealers must also be able to communicate with customers effectively. They must explain the wagers they place and how to play the game, as well as answer any questions. They must be able to deliver nonverbal cues, such as nodding and paraphrasing, in order to convey their understanding of the question and show they are listening attentively.

Many blackjack dealers are female, and therefore susceptible to sexual harassment and assault by some blackjack players. They are also subjected to verbal abuse, such as slurs and profanity. In some cases, the dealers have even been threatened with bodily harm.

The dealer’s first card is usually dealt face down and slid underneath the second, which is revealed. The dealer then checks to see if they have a ten underneath, which would give them blackjack. If they do, they pay out even money to everyone who made an insurance bet and then continue the game as usual.

The dealer must draw until they have a total of 17 or more. If the dealer has a blackjack, they collect all the player’s bets and win. If the dealer does not have a blackjack, they return all bets and begin a new round.