So you wanna learn how to deal blackjack, huh? Whether you’re tryna impress your buddies at poker night or thinking about making some cash as a casino dealer, I got you covered! This ain’t your grandma’s boring guide – we’re gonna break down everything from the basics to pro moves.
The Basics (Gotta Start Somewhere)
Before we jump in, let’s get the basic rules straight:
Blackjack’s all about getting as close to 21 as possible without going over. Simple, right?
The cards work like this:
- Numbers (2-10) = exactly what they say
- Face cards (J, Q, K) = worth 10
- Aces = 1 or 11 (whatever works better for you)
As the dealer, you gotta follow strict rules about when to hit or stand – no winging it!
What You’ll Need
Grab this stuff before you start:
- Regular deck of cards (casinos use 6-8 decks)
- Table (not required but helps)
- Betting chips
- Somewhere to toss used cards
Setting Up Your Game
First things first:
- Shuffle those cards GOOD
- Burn a card if you’re using a shoe
- Get everyone to put their bets down BEFORE dealing
How To Deal The Game
1. Dealing Cards
- Give each player one face-up card (go clockwise)
- Deal yourself one face-up
- Hit everyone with a second face-up card
- Give yourself one face-DOWN card (your hole card)
2. Check If You Got Blackjack
- If your face-up card is an Ace or 10/face card, offer insurance
- Peek at your hole card (keep it secret!)
- Got blackjack? Show it right away
- No blackjack? Keep it moving
3. Player Turns
Starting left, ask what they wanna do:
- Hit (give ’em another card)
- Stand (they’re good)
- Double Down (double bet, one more card)
- Split (if they got two of the same card)
4. Your Turn
After everyone’s finished:
- Flip over your hole card
- Follow the rules:
- Usually gotta hit till you have 17+
- Some places make you hit on “soft 17”
5. Who Won?
- Player wins if closer to 21 than you OR if you bust
- You win if closer to 21
- Push if it’s the same number
- Pay winners (usually 1:1, blackjack pays 3:2)
Dealer Etiquette (Don’t Be Sloppy)
- Keep those cards where everyone can see ’em
- Talk clearly – say “Hit,” “Stand,” “Blackjack,” “Bust”
- Don’t play favorites
- In casinos: chips in one hand, cards in the other
Rookie Mistakes (Don’t Be That Guy)
- Forgetting house rules (especially about soft 17s)
- Screwing up the count
- Not offering insurance when you should
- Dealing to the wrong person
Pro Tips
- Practice shuffling till you look smooth AF
- Be patient with slow players
- Know your payouts cold
- PAY ATTENTION to every hand and bet
The Bottom Line
Dealing blackjack isn’t just about throwing cards around – it’s about running a tight game while keeping it fun. Master this skill and you’ll be the MVP of game night or crush it at the casino.
Now quit reading and start practicing! Grab those cards and show ’em what you got!
