Blackjack is a card game that requires both chance and skill to win. It is played using one or more 52-card decks. The cards have a value of either one or 11 for the face cards and ten for the ace. The goal of the player is to get a total closer to 21 than the dealer. To do this, the player can hit (request more cards) or stand (stop drawing). The dealer also gets two cards and must draw according to predetermined rules.

A good blackjack dealer must be able to keep up with the fast pace of the game, and must be able to change money for players quickly and accurately. He must understand how to pay out winning bets and be on the lookout for any suspicious activity by players. He must be able to spot counterfeit money and know how to properly exchange it for chips.

Another important job of a blackjack dealer is to deal the cards to the players. This is done on a semicircular table that can accommodate varying numbers of players. Each player is assigned a seat that is marked with a number, from 1 to 7. A blackjack dealer stands behind the table and chip rack, and deals two cards to each player. The players then decide whether to hit or stand based on the value of their cards and the dealer’s.

Blackjack dealers must also deal with other aspects of the game, including distributing cards to customers, counting money as it is being changed and determining which games are hot or cold. They must also have a strong understanding of mathematics so that they can calculate the earnings of each customer accurately. This helps them maintain the game’s momentum and prevents confusion.

A blackjack dealer must be able to communicate with players in an engaging and friendly manner. This is especially important during high-stakes hands, when the players are more likely to be competitive. A good dealer should be able to read the mood of the table and adjust his approach accordingly.

It is also the responsibility of the blackjack dealer to shuffle the cards after each hand. This can be done manually or with an automatic shuffler. He must be able to recognize when the decks have been tampered with, and must make sure that they are dealt correctly.

Lastly, a blackjack dealer must pay individuals who have won hands. This involves ensuring that all bets are paid out, and enforcing the casino’s rules regarding pushing hands when the dealer has an unfavorable combination. This can be a tricky task, since the dealer must determine which hands are eligible to push without revealing his own hole card. He must also be able to pay multiple wagers at once. Having a strong understanding of mathematics can help him do this more easily.