Blackjack is a card game played against the dealer. It is one of the few casino games that has a strategy involved. While many players believe that luck plays a large role in blackjack, some people have perfected the strategy of this game to beat the house. These strategies require careful practice, but they are worth it in the long run.

A good blackjack strategy involves keeping a running count of the cards that are dealt. To keep track of this, you need a deck of cards and a pen or pencil. As you go through the deck, write down each card’s value. Then, add up the total value of all of the cards you have seen. This will give you a running total that you can use to determine whether to hit, double, or stand. It’s important to practice this method before you try it at the casino.

You should also know when to walk away from a table. If you’re winning and the tables are hot, you may be tempted to increase your bets as high as possible to capitalize on your streak. However, it’s best to increase your bets in small increments so you can keep track of your total. You don’t want to make yourself too rich or you’ll start to lose your edge.

Some players will tip the dealer after they have a “natural” blackjack, which is a two-card hand that makes 21. This is a good way to show your appreciation for the dealer’s effort, but it’s up to you to decide when to do this. Some people will only tip a dealer after they have won, while others will do so randomly throughout the session.

It’s also important to understand when to ask the dealer for another card. You should do this when your hand total, which is the sum of all of your cards, is lower than 11. This will allow you to either cut your losses or win more money. However, you should only do this if you’re sure that the next card will not cause you to bust.

You can get a good job as a blackjack dealer if you have a high school diploma or equivalent. This is a great way to earn a steady income while traveling and seeing the world. The hours are flexible, and you can choose when you’d like to work. In addition, you can choose to be a dealer on cruise ships for more variety in your career. This is a good option for those who don’t want to wake up early or stay up late. The wages are very competitive for this type of work, and you can easily make more than $100,000 per year. You can also find positions that offer a variety of benefits, including health insurance and a retirement plan. This is a great job for those who enjoy entertaining other people and creating a fun atmosphere. You can even earn extra tips by entertaining your guests.