Blackjack is a card game in which players compete against the dealer to build hands that total as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. The game is played with one to eight 52-card decks. Each card is valued based on its number, with face cards counting as 10, and aces as either 1 or 11. To play the game, each player places their bet in the betting areas on the table. The dealer then deals two cards to each player. The player may choose to hit (request additional cards) or stand (stop drawing cards) based on the rules of the game.
After the players have acted on their hand, the dealer draws his or her own card and then compares it to the players’ hands. If the player’s hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, the player wins and is paid his or her original wager. If the dealer has a higher hand value, the bets are a tie (called a standoff or push).
Unlike most casino games, where winning is largely dependent on luck, blackjack requires skill and careful analysis. Expert players know the correct moves to make at every stage of the game. They also use math to gain an advantage over the dealer. This technique, called card counting, involves keeping track of the contents of the deck and its sequencing, and calculating the probability that a particular card will be dealt to the dealer in each round.
In some jurisdictions, the practice of card counting is illegal. This is because it can give the player a substantial edge over the house. In fact, Ken Uston’s successful lawsuit against the Las Vegas Sands Corporation was based on his claims that he had developed a system to count cards and beat the house.
Another important consideration for blackjack players is the rule variations and conditions that apply to each game. In some casinos, the game is played with fewer decks than in others, and the payouts for certain hands are different. In addition, the way in which a dealer pays out winning hands can vary between games.
Despite these differences, there are some basic rules that all blackjack games must follow. The dealer must always deal two cards to each player, and if the first two cards are an Ace and a 10 (or a Jack, Queen or King), the hand is considered a “blackjack” and pays out at odds of 3 to 2. If the dealer has a blackjack, all losing bets are swept from the table, while winning bets are paid out.
Blackjack dealers typically attend a training program provided by the casino or gaming establishment for which they work. These programs cover the basics of the game, customer service and money handling, and gaming regulations. In some jurisdictions, blackjack dealers must also pass a background check and be at least 18 years old. This is not true in all states, though, as some allow younger employees to serve as blackjack dealers if the casino’s management approves it.