Blackjack is an engrossing card game requiring both skill and luck, played either individually or collectively, that challenges players to get hands with a value of 21 or less in order to beat the dealer. Although its rules vary greatly from variant to variant, typically two cards will be distributed equally among the players, including the dealer, with two dealt out to each of them (excluding themselves and the dealer) then players decide whether they want another card (known as hitting) or stand. Some players also split pairs such as when one pair of tens can make two separate hands although both cannot contain tens. Finally, when asked by the dealer if anyone wanted ‘insurance,’ which involves placing half the original bet and pays out at 2-1 should the dealer have one!

Blackjack is typically played on a semicircular table that can accommodate various numbers of players. Each player typically occupies their own spot on the table, marked with color or symbol. A dealer stands behind the table and chip rack; they shuffle and deal cards out starting from leftmost spots for all players; also providing themselves two cards (an “up card” and an “hole card”) at random to use themselves during gameplay.

Once all players have placed bets, the dealer will inspect his or her hole card to see if a blackjack has been achieved. If so, all insurance bets will be collected while original wagers will be returned as usual; should no blackjack appear however, play will continue normally.

Although the rules of blackjack vary slightly between casinos, all dealers should understand a set of fundamental principles regarding when to draw additional cards and when to stand. Furthermore, it’s essential that dealers understand each card’s intrinsic value in order to properly assess potential winning hands.

Know when it is necessary to split and double down in order to maximize the chance of big wins. Novice blackjack players might assume that ten-ace winning hands are best, while experts know it is usually split and double down hands that provide greater earnings potential.

Blackjack dealers work in an often stressful and physically taxing environment, frequently exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke and fumes from casinos and their staff, and often standing for long periods, reaching arms out, standing still with arms crossed, standing still for longer than necessary, standing for extended periods, reaching arms out, standing still while the hands reach into tight spots on tables with cards on them and occasionally reaching arms across. Pay rates range between $14-20 an hour; additionally some casinos provide special bonus payouts based on win rate alone.