Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games. It is played between a dealer and up to seven players at a time. Each player is dealt two cards and the dealer one card face up. If a player’s first two cards add up to 21 (an ace and a card valued at 10) they win. If they do not have 21 they can ask for additional cards, called hitting, to try to get a better hand.

Dealers must deal cards fairly and respect all players’ decisions. They must also be able to keep their cool in high-stress situations. Hiring managers want to know that you can handle the pressure of working as a casino dealer with grace and professionalism.

During your interview, you might be asked how you deal with intoxicated players. This is a crucial question because it is part of your job to ensure a fair and enjoyable gaming experience for all players. Hiring managers want to see that you can handle these kinds of high-stress situations while maintaining professionalism and adherence to game rules.

The game of blackjack has many variations and rule changes. For example, some casinos offer 6 to 5 blackjacks which increases the house edge and makes counting cards a waste of time. This rule change is not universal, however, and you should always read the rules on the table before playing.

Blackjack is a simple game that requires skill and concentration. It can be very rewarding when played well. A good way to improve your game is to practice with friends and family. However, if you want to play professionally, it’s best to find a professional trainer who can teach you the correct strategy and hand-to-card movement.

Basic strategy is a mathematically optimal way to play each hand given the dealer’s up-card and your own hand. It is calculated by computers that have simulated millions of hands and determined what worked out most often. Following basic strategy will help you maximize your profits at the table and reduce your losses.

When the dealer has an ace up, some players will buy insurance. This bet is usually half the original bet and pays 2-1 if the dealer has a blackjack. This is an extremely profitable bet for the dealer, so if you have a blackjack and the dealer has an ace up, you will have a push (you keep your original bet and win your insurance bet). If the dealer does not have a blackjack, she will take all insurance wagers and pay them out. This is called even money.