Blackjack is a game of strategy, luck and skill. The objective is to get a hand total that is higher than the dealer’s, without going over 21. If you go over 21, you bust and lose your bet. The dealer must also keep his or her own hand total below 21.

The dealer deals cards to the players one at a time, starting with the player to their left. The dealer then takes two cards for themselves, one face up and one face down (the “hole card”). The players may choose to hit, which means taking an additional card, or stand, which means keeping their current hand total. The dealer then acts based on the rules of the particular blackjack table.

A blackjack dealer must be able to deal cards properly and keep the players informed as to the status of their hands. In addition, the dealer must be able to make the proper side bets, collect the cards after each round and shuffle them before beginning the next one. This can be a complex process, and it requires a high level of competency and training.

Another important thing a blackjack dealer must do is not give the players information that they shouldn’t have. This can happen in a few ways, including by accidentally exposing the dealer’s hole card for an instant before placing it on the table or by giving away information about his or her reaction to the card.

In blackjack, the dealer must pay individuals who win a hand. This can be done with a paper slip or an electronic device that scans the chips and tallies them up. The player should make sure that the amount of money won matches the correct amount paid to the dealer before leaving the table.

The dealer must be able to handle the pressure of being the leader of the table, which can be stressful. Keeping the players happy is vital to the success of the casino and the career of the dealer.

During the last two decades or so, blackjack has become more popular than ever, and many casinos have added side bets. These bets can be placed at the same time as the main wager and offer players a chance to win more money than their original bet. They can include betting on a pair, splitting pairs, getting a certain poker hand, whether the dealer has a blackjack or not and more.

Some players will try to count cards in blackjack, which can help them beat the dealer and increase their chances of winning. The key to counting cards is to stay calm and always be aware of your opponent. It is also essential to understand the different strategies that can be used to play blackjack. While luck plays a role in any game, the better you understand the game, the more you can maximize your profits.