Blackjack is a casino table game in which players compete against the dealer. Each player has two cards and the aim is to get a hand value closer to 21 than that of the dealer without going over it. The game is played on a semicircular table that can accommodate different numbers of players (known as “spots”) from seven to 12 or more. A dealer is present at all times and oversees the entire game.

While it is true that luck determines the hand you are dealt, there are some strategies you can follow to improve your odds of winning. These strategies revolve around card counting, which requires an attentive and disciplined mind. They also include studying the history of the game and understanding how the rules have changed over time.

Another important strategy is knowing when to double down and when not to. The correct timing of this move depends on the dealer’s up-card. For example, an ace and a ten-card gives you a total of 21, referred to as a “blackjack.” This is a strong hand that beats the dealer’s, so it is wise to double down on this type of hand. But be careful because this strategy can backfire if you are over-confident.

It is also important to understand when to split a hand and when not to. The rules of splitting are simple: you can split any two cards that total 10 or higher, including a pair of 5s or 8s. The exception is a pair of face cards, which should never be split because this would give the dealer an advantage.

In addition, it is important to know when to surrender. If you are losing to the dealer and you have a weak hand, you may choose to surrender and forfeit your wager. This is known as a push, and it is a way for you to keep your money while not losing it all.

A good blackjack dealer should be able to communicate the status of the game clearly to their guests. They also should be able to answer any questions that customers have about the rules and regulations of blackjack. They should also be able to talk about other casino games and encourage customers to play them as well.

Blackjack dealers need to have competence in mathematics to accurately calculate the earnings of winning customers. They also use math to ensure that they distribute the right number of cards to each guest. They can also count the cards quickly to maintain momentum during the game.

Blackjack dealers must be able to prevent players from seeing information they are not supposed to see. They must be able to use nonverbal cues, such as nodding, to show that they are listening to the customer. They must also be able to paraphrase what the customer has said to demonstrate that they understand it. Additionally, they must be able to keep track of all the bets placed by each customer so that they can pay out winning bets promptly and accurately.