What Does a Dealer Do?
Blackjack is a card game played between two or more players against a dealer. The goal is to get a higher hand total than the dealer without going over 21. The game uses one to eight standard 52-card decks, with each card counting as its number value. The face cards (Jack, Queen, and King) score 10 points while the Ace can count as either 1 or 11. The game can be played in a variety of settings, including casinos, restaurants, private clubs, and homes.
When a player sits down at the table, they will receive two cards. Depending on the hand value and the dealer’s up card, the player can decide to hit, stand, or split the cards into two new hands. The dealer will then reveal their own card and act based on the player’s decision.
A dealer must be able to quickly and accurately change money for customers who place bets at the blackjack table. This is often done by hand, although some dealers use a bill acceptor that counts the bills as they are exchanged for chips. The dealer must also be able to identify counterfeit money. Dealers are also required to keep the tables clean and organized, as well as to ensure that all cards are shuffled properly before dealing.
While the rules of blackjack vary from casino to casino, most require the dealer to stand on all 17s and double against 2 through 8. A doubling after splitting option is sometimes available, but this must be agreed upon by the players at the table. It is important for the dealer to understand the rules of the game before starting play, so he can answer any questions from players or explain any rule changes that have taken place.
After the cards are dealt, players may choose to take insurance. This is a side bet that pays 2-1 if the dealer has a blackjack. Taking this bet loses the player’s original $10 bet, but the player will still win the $5 insurance bet payoff. Some casinos may also offer even money on blackjack, which is effectively the same as insurance.
The dealer will then check their hole card to see if they have a blackjack. If they do, the dealer will take any insurance wagers and continue playing the hand. If not, the dealer will return any blackjack bets and end the round.
A dealer’s responsibilities also include offering impeccable customer service. This is especially important when dealing with unhappy players who are losing money. It is the dealer’s job to help these players regain their confidence and come back to the table with a positive attitude. It is also the dealer’s responsibility to report any instances of foul play or cheating to management. This is usually a quick and simple process, but some casinos will investigate any claims of cheating or illegal activity for an extended period of time. This could lead to a termination of the dealer’s employment.