Blackjack is a game of chance where the goal is to get a hand that totals 21 or as close to 21 as possible without going over. Players do not play against each other, but rather against the dealer. To win, a player must have a card total that is higher than the dealer’s without exceeding 21, or “busting.” To do this, the player can ask for another card (hit), stand with their current hand (stand), or double down if the current cards are of good value.
The dealer and the players each receive 2 cards, one face up and one face down. The dealer then looks at the face down card to see if they have a blackjack. If the dealer has a blackjack, the player loses. If the dealer doesn’t have a blackjack and the player has a total greater than 21, this is called a push, where the player gets their original bet back.
When you have a hand of 16 or higher, it is important to stand. This is because if you hit, you will have a 2% chance of beating the dealer’s hand and a 58% chance of busting. This is a bad situation, and you should never make it worse by hitting.
Doubling down is a great option when you have an 8 and a 3. This will give you a total of 19, which is better than the dealer’s up-card of 6. It is also important to remember that doubling down is only worth doing if you think that you won’t bust, and you can only do this once.
Insurance is a side bet that pays out 2 to 1 when the dealer has an ace. However, you should only take insurance when the dealer has a weak showing, and you should only bet half of your original bet. Otherwise, you should just hit.
Blackjack is a fast and fun card game, and it’s easy to learn. You can practice the game by playing for free online or at a real casino. There are many different variations of the game, so you can find a version that fits your taste. You can even learn how to deal the game!
To become a casino dealer, you will need to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Then, you can enroll in a blackjack dealer training course. These courses typically last two weeks or less, and can prepare you for a rewarding career. In addition to learning the rules of blackjack, a dealer training program can teach you valuable skills such as mental math and following a procedure. These skills can be useful in a variety of careers. If you are a people person, this may be the perfect career for you.