Blackjack is a card game that involves players and dealers. Cards have printed values, with numbers worth the number on them, face cards worth 10, and aces worth either 1 or 11. A player must aim to accumulate a hand total of as close to 21 as possible without going over. The dealer must also try to make a higher hand total than the player.

The game is played with one or more 52-card decks. Each player is dealt two cards, and they must decide whether to hit (take more cards) or stand (stop drawing cards) based on a set of rules. When a player has an ace and a ten-card, they have a natural or blackjack. This beats all other hands and pays the player one and a half times their bet amount.

To maximize your chances of winning, you must learn the rules of the game. This includes knowing which cards are good to split, when to double down and when to surrender. You should also know when to buy a card and when to stay at a table. The best way to learn the rules is to play the game for free. Then when you know the game, you can apply the rules that you have learned to make better decisions.

Another important skill is the ability to keep a cool head and not let the other players or the dealer affect your concentration. This is especially important if you are counting cards, as most casinos train their dealers to look for signs that players are counting. They look for things like players who pay attention to other players’ cards after the hand is over, major changes in bet sizes, and people who seem to be solving mathematical problems as opposed to simply gambling.

A dealer’s job is very physically demanding. They have to stand for long periods, reach with their arms, and talk frequently with players. They are also exposed to second hand tobacco smoke and fumes at work. In addition, a dealer must be able to concentrate and perform well during long shifts that often exceed 8 hours.

Lastly, a dealer must be able to follow blackjack charts. The charts provide the player with an idea of how to play different situations, and they are usually available at the casino. However, it is a good idea to practice using the charts before trying them out on actual tables. This will help you avoid distracting other players with your charts and prevent them from getting annoyed with you if you constantly refer to them.

Finally, the dealer must be able to deal cards quickly and accurately. This is especially important during busy times when the dealers must process a high volume of bets. They must also be able to pay out all the bets promptly and correctly, even in situations where the players have a mistake. In some cases, this can be challenging because the dealer may have to wait for a player to signal them that they are ready to buy.