Blackjack is a card game in which players compete against the dealer. The goal is to beat the dealer by having a higher hand than his or hers without going over 21. Players can reduce the house edge to less than one percent by learning basic strategy, which is a set of rules that determine when it is correct to hit, stand, double down, or split. Basic strategy differs slightly between casinos, and it also depends on the rules of the particular game being played.
Blackjack dealers are responsible for managing the blackjack table and providing excellent customer service to guests. They often use active listening skills when communicating with customers to ensure that they fully understand the situation and are able to provide clear, concise answers. For example, they may nod or paraphrase what the customer has said to demonstrate that they are paying attention and understanding what is being communicated.
Some blackjack games have side bets that are placed in addition to a player’s initial wager. These bets can range from betting on the dealer having a specific hand to betting that the player’s two cards will make a poker hand. These side bets are not available at every casino and can add a significant amount to the house edge of the game.
In some blackjack games, the dealer must hit if the dealer has a soft 17 (two cards with an ace counting as either 1 or 11). The game is called Vingt-et-un or Siebzehn und Vier in France and Germany respectively, and it doesn’t include splitting. There are some casinos where the dealer must stand on a hard 17, but it is becoming more common for dealers to hit on soft hands.
Most casinos offer insurance on a blackjack hand, which pays 2:1. However, it is important to note that the dealer’s actual odds of having a blackjack are around 9:4 depending on how many decks of cards are being used. In any case, it is not wise for a player to purchase insurance unless they have a good estimate of the dealer’s hole card using a technique known as card counting.
Another strategy that can help players win more often is to take advantage of the rule that allows players to double down after receiving their first two cards. This can increase a player’s original bet by up to 2 times, but it only applies to certain situations where the dealer has a weak hand or an ace. Regardless, this is an effective way to improve a player’s chances of winning.