Blackjack is a casino card game for people who like a challenge and the chance to beat the house. The game has long been popular among mathematicians and those with a love of gambling. To get the most out of your time at the table, learn about blackjack strategy and how to play it well. This will allow you to make the most of your bankroll and increase your chances of winning.

The goal of blackjack is to have a hand value closer to 21 than that of the dealer without going over. Players are not competing against other players at the table; their hand competes solely against the dealer. When a player’s hand is better than that of the dealer, the player wins. If the dealer’s hand is better than the player’s, it is a push and neither side wins.

When a player is not happy with their cards, they can “hit” to draw more cards. To signal that they want another card, the player must extend their palm in front of their face as if they were “scratching an itch.” The dealer will deal a new card to the player and place it next to the original two cards. The player can then decide whether to stand or hit again.

If a player believes that the dealer has a blackjack, they can buy insurance. This bet is equal to the player’s initial bet and pays 2:1 if the dealer has a blackjack. Often, dealers will offer this to players before they begin official play. This can be a good way to protect your winnings, but it is important to remember that the dealer may not have a blackjack after all and you will lose money if this is the case.

During the course of a game, it’s common for a dealer to experience a streak of winning hands. These streaks are called hot tables and can result in a huge amount of money won. It’s important to keep track of your winnings and losses, and when the streak ends, know when to walk away.

To become a blackjack dealer, you’ll need to complete a training program that teaches the basics of casino dealing and card counting. Some programs last between eight and 12 weeks and prepare you to start work at a casino. In addition to completing a training program, you can also find internships in the gaming industry that will help you gain hands-on experience and prepare for a career as a blackjack dealer. Some casinos may even offer these opportunities to recent high school graduates. These internships can give you a leg up on your competition when applying for a job as a dealer. You can even use your blackjack dealing experience as a stepping stone to advance into a management position. These positions can include a gaming manager, where you’ll be responsible for overseeing blackjack and other table games.