Blackjack is a card game in which players compete against the dealer. The goal is to accumulate cards that total 21 or as close to that amount as possible without going over. The cards have various values, from 1 for face cards to 10 for aces and tens. The game originated in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, where it was known as Vingt-et-Un or Seven-and-a-Half. The name was changed to Blackjack when it reached the United States. A popular theory holds that the name was inspired by a specific casino that paid extra for a hand consisting of an Ace of spades and a black Jack.
The game starts with the dealer shuffling the deck(s) of cards and dealing two to each player, including himself. After the players have their cards, they can decide to hit (request another card) or stand (keep the current cards). When a player has a blackjack, they win immediately. If the dealer also has a blackjack, the hands tie. Some casinos offer side bets, such as insurance.
After the players have made their decisions, the dealer reveals his card. He may then ask the players if they want to buy insurance, which pays 2 to 1 on their original wager if the dealer has a blackjack. Players who decline insurance can still make a separate bet, called even money, which pays 1 to 1 if the dealer has a blackjack.
A player’s decision on whether to hit or stand is based on the value of their two cards and what other cards are on the table. Depending on their situation, the player can also double down, which means they double their initial bet and receive two additional cards. The player can also split their cards, which is done by placing an additional bet equal to the original one and playing with two new hands.
As the game progresses, the players discard their old cards into a discard pile and shuffle the remaining cards. When all the players have completed their hands, the dealer collects and shuffles the discard pile, which is then combined with the remainder of the cards and reshuffled to prepare for the next round of play.
To become a blackjack dealer, an individual must complete a training program provided by the casino or gaming establishment they plan to work at. The training usually covers rules and procedures of the game, as well as customer service and money handling skills. Some programs also require that candidates pass a background check.
Some online casinos provide a practice version of blackjack for players to try out the game before they decide to invest any real money. Often, this practice mode offers a virtual chip balance that allows players to view their winnings and losses. Players can also choose the wager amount they wish to place by touching the chip circles on the bottom of the screen. The chips will then be placed into the appropriate circle. Players can also use the Bonus Spin button, which will spin a virtual wheel to allow them to win various payouts or a jackpot award.
