Blackjack is a casino card game that pits players against the dealer. Each player is dealt two cards, and the goal is to build a hand with a value as close to 21 as possible. The game is played on a semicircular table that can accommodate up to seven players (or “spots”). The deck of cards is shuffled by the dealer, and each player places a bet in one of the betting areas. If a player has a hand of blackjack, they receive their original bet back. Players may also place side bets, such as insurance, which pays 2-1.

Once the bets are placed, the dealer will reveal one of their own cards. If this card is a ten, the dealer has a blackjack and all player hands lose except for matching a blackjack. Players may also choose to take insurance, a side-bet that protects their initial bet against the dealer’s blackjack. If the dealer does not have a ten exposed, the player can choose to “hit” (request more cards) or “stand” (stop drawing cards).

Aside from preventing players from busting and making sure that the house edge remains low, blackjack dealers must be able to communicate effectively with the guests. They must be able to answer questions about the rules of the game and explain the various side bets available. They must also be able to handle customer complaints and misunderstandings in an efficient manner.

Blackjack dealers typically work in shifts that can be up to eight hours long, and they must be able to stay alert throughout the entire shift. This job can be very physically demanding, as the dealer must stand for long periods of time and frequently reach with their arms. Additionally, they are exposed to second-hand smoke and fumes and must interact with a variety of people throughout the course of their shifts.

There are some common mistakes that blackjack players make that give the house an unfair advantage. Novices will often play their hands too conservatively, meaning they will stand more often than they should and fail to double down or split pairs when the odds favor doing so. This can cost them a lot of money over the long run.

Another mistake that blackjack players can make is to fall for a bad strategy or counting cards. Counting cards in blackjack is more difficult than in other games such as baccarat, and it requires skill and prior training. Nevertheless, a good blackjack player can minimize the house’s edge by using the proper strategy and counting favorable cards.

Finally, blackjack dealers must be able to manage their tables well and keep track of all bets. They must be able to keep the floor supervisor and team lead apprised of disputes among players, gaming irregularities, credit card rejections, and guest requests. They must also abide by all casino rules and procedures for dealing blackjack. If they fail to do this, they can be disciplined or even dismissed from their positions.