Blackjack is a casino card game that pits the player against the dealer. In order to win, the player’s hand total must be higher than the dealer’s without going over 21. The dealer deals each player two cards, face up so that they can see the value, and then takes a card, face down, in order to determine their hand. The player can then choose to hit, or stand. If the player has a higher hand than the dealer, they receive their original wager back. The dealer then reveals his hand and pays individuals who won the round.

While some players believe that there are tells in the actions of blackjack dealers, most experienced dealers do not show any tells. They are trained to not give away any non-verbal cues, and they can be very good at it. However, if you are a skilled card counter, you may be able to pick up on some subtle tells.

The game of blackjack requires a great deal of mental skill, so it is important that you are comfortable with math and keeping track of the table. It is also helpful to have a basic understanding of probability. You should also be familiar with the rules of the game, including splitting and doubling. In addition, you should be able to answer any questions that the players at your table might have.

One of the most difficult things to master in blackjack is knowing when to double down. You should always double for as much as your original bet amount, but the fact that you can only receive one additional card can make this a tricky decision. Ultimately, you should only double down when you believe that any additional card will improve your hand.

Generally, you should split Aces and 8’s, but not Fives or Faces. This is because splitting these hands allows you to get a total of 21 in both hands, which is much better than a soft 18 or lower. You should never split Tens, as this will leave you with a weak 16 against the dealer’s hole card.

In blackjack, the dealer is obligated to check their hole card if a player has a blackjack. If the dealer has a ten showing, they will pay out everyone’s original wager plus their insurance bet. If they do not have a blackjack, they will collect the side bets but discard their own hand of blackjack.

Blackjack is a very social game and there are many different types of players, so it is important to be friendly and welcoming. You can do this by greeting the players when they enter the table, and by introducing yourself at the start of the game. You can also help the players understand the rules of the game and encourage them to play. A good dealer should also be able to answer any questions that the customers might have about the rules of blackjack and other games in the casino.