How to Become a Blackjack Dealer
Blackjack is a popular casino game where players bet against the dealer. The objective of the game is to have a hand that totals closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand. If you do, you win; if you don’t, you lose.
You can become a blackjack dealer by attending a dealer school or by working at a casino. You must be able to play the game well before you can deal it, and most casinos require a background check before hiring a dealer.
A blackjack dealer must be a skilled player who knows the rules of the game. They also need to be able to understand the house rules and know when it’s time to make decisions.
In most casinos, you’ll need to be at least 19 years old to work as a blackjack dealer. You’ll need to complete a thorough background check and receive certification from the gaming commission or some other body. This ensures that you’re not a criminal who could cheat the other players or the casino.
There are many different ways to approach a blackjack table, but there are two main approaches you should be aware of: basic strategy and card counting. Both of these methods are important to reducing the casino’s edge and turning the odds in your favor.
Basic strategy, or simply “strat”, is the most important way to reduce the house edge and turn the odds in your favor. It can be used to determine when to hit, stand, double down, or split. It can also be used to determine when you’re not in a good position and should take a loss or surrender your cards.
The most common form of blackjack strategy is called the “Ten Count” and it was developed in the 1950s. It’s a simple rule that helps you improve your winning percentage by playing more aggressively and less conservatively.
Card counting, on the other hand, is a more complex method that requires extensive knowledge of the game. It involves monitoring the dealer’s face-up card, as well as the player’s hole card. It can be used to increase your winning percentage if you’re able to spot patterns in the dealer’s behavior.
You can also use a combination of both strategies to make the most profitable decisions. However, if you’re not skilled at card counting, you may want to consider other options, such as betting on the dealer’s up-card or betting on whether or not they have a blackjack.
There are also several side bets you can place on the felt at a blackjack table, including Insurance. This is a popular bet for card counters because it’s a way to cover your initial wager while you wait for the dealer’s up-card to come up.
6 to 5 Blackjacks: Some casinos will lower the payout for a natural (two cards that add up to 21, or an ace and a ten-value card) from 3:2 to only 6 to 5. This reduces the chances of you winning and makes card counting almost useless.