Blackjack is a card game where players compete with the dealer for a winning hand. It’s a fast-paced game, and you need to make quick decisions. To win at blackjack, you should first learn the rules and stick to a basic strategy. Then, you can practice your skills and improve them. As you gain experience, you will be able to beat the dealer. This is an excellent way to make money in casinos and online.

To start a game of blackjack, players make a bet in the betting areas on the table. The dealer then deals each player two cards and himself one face up and one face down. Each player then decides whether to hit, stand, surrender or double down. If the player’s two initial cards add up to 21 (an ace and a card valued at 10), it’s a blackjack and the player wins immediately.

Alternatively, the player may choose to split pairs. This gives them two hands that compete in the round and takes their turns separately. However, split aces cannot be combined into a single blackjack. In addition, you should never split 10’s, 5’s or 4’s.

You can also take insurance, a side bet that pays 2 to 1 on a dealer’s Ace if it’s an ace. You must bet an additional amount equal to half of your original wager to take this option.

The dealer then draws another card for their hand and continues to draw until they have a total of 17 or more. If the player’s hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, the player wins. If the hand is equal, it’s a tie.

There are several other betting options, such as doubling down, which allows the player to increase their original bet by up to twice as much. However, this can be risky and is only recommended if you are confident that your hand will beat the dealer’s.

A player can also choose to surrender if they are not satisfied with their current hand. This is a good option for beginners, as it reduces the chances of losing their money. However, you should always check the casino’s rules on this before playing.

In addition to determining the winner of each round, blackjack dealers must interact with customers and follow organisational guest service standards. They must also keep the floor supervisor, team lead and shift manager informed of disputes among players, gaming irregularities, credit card rejections and guest requests. They should also be able to handle cash, exchange it for game tokens and place them in the secure drop box. They should also be able to maintain their professionalism and create an atmosphere that is friendly and engaging for the players.