How to Be a Blackjack Dealer

Blackjack is a card game played in casinos and other locations where gambling is legal. The object for players is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. In order to do this, the player must decide whether to hit, stand, split, or double down based on the cards that have been dealt to them. Blackjack dealers are responsible for managing the game and dealing cards. They must be able to handle customers, answer questions, and resolve problems as they arise. Many casinos also offer additional gaming options, such as poker and craps. In some cases, a dealer who has experience dealing these games may be able to advance to other positions within the casino.

The minimum education required to become a blackjack dealer is a high school diploma. However, some casinos require additional training to deal the game. In addition, a dealer must be able to perform basic mathematical tasks and count money quickly. This is important both for keeping track of winnings and paying out bets.

In addition to their blackjack duties, dealers must be able to perform well under pressure and work long shifts. This is especially true in large, busy casinos. The job can be physically demanding, as it involves standing for long periods of time and may expose the dealer to secondhand smoke. The dealer must also be comfortable with a wide variety of people, including those who are drunk or rude.

While it is possible to learn how to deal blackjack in a few weeks, becoming an expert takes more than just practice. There are other skills that must be mastered, such as chip handling, efficiently managing your float, and positioning the cards neatly in front of the punter’s box the first time (no nudging them into place afterwards). A blackjack dealer must also know how to handle situations when a player cheats or tries to steal information from her.

Lastly, it is essential for a blackjack dealer to have excellent customer service skills. This is particularly important if the dealer works in a high-end casino, where the patrons are likely to be wealthier and more sophisticated.

In some cases, a blackjack dealer will need to pay out winnings to a player, even though she has not personally seen the hand. This can be difficult, especially if the player is being aggressive or rude to her. In this case, the dealer should call over her floor supervisor, who will be able to deal with the situation accordingly.

Blackjack is a fast-paced, exciting game that can be challenging to deal. It is an ideal career for a person who enjoys working with the public and making them feel at ease. Those who are interested in the psychology of personality and cognitive thinking can pursue a bachelor’s degree at GCU, an online or campus-based university. Courses include neuroscience, abnormal psychology, and adult development. The school also offers a master’s in counseling psychology.