Blackjack is a casino card game in which players compete against the dealer. The objective of the game is to get a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over. The game is played on a semicircular table that can accommodate varying numbers of players (or “spots”). Players sit around the table and face the dealer, who stands behind the table and chip rack.

Unlike most casino games, blackjack is mathematically symmetrical for the dealer and the player. This makes it one of the few casino games where it is possible for a knowledgeable player to gain a statistical advantage over the house. This advantage is known as “card counting.”

While many people play blackjack in casual settings, professional gamblers have developed a number of techniques that can give them an edge over the house. These methods are complex and require a great deal of practice, but they can significantly improve a player’s odds of winning.

The game begins with each player being dealt two cards, which are displayed face up so the players can see their total. They may choose to split, double down or stand if they think their hand will be good enough to beat the dealer’s. After the players have made their decisions, the dealer will reveal his or her card. If the dealer has an ace, they will offer insurance to the players. The dealer then pays each player their bet based on the posted limits and removes the cards.

A Blackjack is a hand that consists of an Ace and any picture card or 10 value card. If a player has a Blackjack and the dealer does not, the player is paid one and a half times the amount of their initial bet.

Some casinos reduce the 3 to 2 payout for Blackjacks to 6 to 5, which increases the house edge and eliminates any chance of a player making a profit by counting cards. This is not standard, so it is important to know whether a casino offers this rule before you play.

After the players make their playing decisions, the dealer will check their hole card for a blackjack (the ten). If they have a blackjack, they collect all bets on the table and immediately pay anyone who bought insurance. If the dealer does not have a blackjack, they will continue to deal cards.

The blackjack dealer’s job is to manage the game of blackjack in accordance with the rules established by the casino management and monitor the tables to ensure that all bets are placed within the established limits. In addition to ensuring that all bets are placed and collected correctly, the dealer also must maintain a high level of customer service and interact positively with the players.

A career as a blackjack dealer requires a high level of math skills, determination and self-mastery. In addition to working in a fast-paced environment, blackjack dealers must be comfortable standing for long periods and using their hands to handle chips and cards. They must also be able to communicate clearly with guests in a casino setting, which is often noisy and smoke-filled.