Dealing in blackjack relies on repeatable mechanics: set the table correctly, deal in a consistent order, announce actions clearly, and handle payouts with visible accuracy.
But the best dealers go further than a simple understanding of mechanics; they perform with precision and calm, even during busy sessions.
Understanding the Dealer’s Role
The blackjack dealer functions as both referee and operator, guiding every hand from start to finish. The job is to uphold game integrity, keep rounds flowing, and enforce house rules without bias. Dealers monitor bets carefully, manage chips cleanly, and maintain constant focus on the cards in play.
A professional dealer controls tempo. Shuffle, deal, and announce results clearly so each player knows what is happening. Payouts must follow the posted rules. Dealers also represent the casino’s image and standards. Politeness, consistency, and clear communication build player confidence.
Casino blackjack follows published rules of play set by each jurisdiction. For example, New Jersey’s rules, last updated in June 2025, are publicly available and work well as a procedural reference.
Table Setup and Equipment
A well-prepared blackjack table sets the stage for clean dealing. Each component has its place, and staying organized prevents confusion once play begins.
Start with a standard semicircular blackjack table. Stand behind the layout, facing up to seven player spots marked by betting circles. Each position should have enough space for chips and cards.
Place the shoe on the dealer’s left and the discard tray on the right. Sort chips by denomination in the rack, with higher values closest to you. Keep a clear space near the center for cards in play and winning payouts, and before the first deal, check that the decks are complete and properly shuffled.
How to Deal Blackjack: Step-by-Step
Dealing blackjack follows a fixed pattern that keeps the game orderly and fair, regardless of which blackjack format you’re playing. Every step should be performed in sequence with clear announcements and deliberate movements.
- Prepare the table: Check rack inventory, verify full decks, place the shoe on the left and the discard tray on the right, confirm signage and posted rules.
- Shuffle and load: Wash, shuffle per house procedure or machine, offer a cut, insert the cut card, and load shoe.
- Open betting: “Place your bets.” Confirm chips are inside betting circles and properly sized.
- Burn one card: Place face down in the discard tray.
- Deal opening cards: From your left clockwise, one face-up card to each player and one face-down card to yourself.
- Offer insurance when showing an Ace: “Insurance open.” Resolve after the peek if applicable.
- Manage player actions: Left to right, announce hits, stands, splits, and doubles, and place cards cleanly.
- Play the dealer's hand: Reveal hole card. Hit to 16; follow the posted rule on soft 17 (S17 or H17).
- Settle outcomes: Pay wins, collect losses, tap pushes. Place payouts next to, not on, original bets.
- Housekeeping: Square the layout, push cards to the discard tray, confirm rack order, and invite next bets.
Rules of Play for the Dealer
Posted rules govern the dealer’s decisions. After all players act, turn over the hole card and complete the hand by the sign. Some tables stand on all 17s (S17), while others hit soft 17 (H17). The dealer must hit on 16 or lower.
No splitting, doubling, or surrender applies to the dealer’s hand. After finishing the dealer's turn, compare hands with each player, pay winning wagers, collect losing wagers, and leave ties in place.
Following the same sequence every round keeps the table running smoothly and avoids disputes.
Managing Bets and Payouts
Handling chips accurately is central to good dealing, and each result requires care and clear motion to maintain transparency. In online formats, software automates chip movements; procedures mirror live tables.
- Blackjack: A natural 21 (Ace with a 10-value card) pays 3:2. Always verify the total before paying and announce “Blackjack” aloud.
- Push: When the dealer and player tie, no money exchanges hands. Tap the layout gently to signal a push before moving to the next spot.
- Win: Pay winning bets by placing chips neatly next to the original wager, not directly on top of it. This prevents confusion.
- Loss: Sweep losing wagers cleanly toward the chip rack without dragging chips across the felt.
- Insurance: If the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, offer insurance before revealing the hole card. It pays 2:1 if the dealer shows a natural blackjack.
- Even Money: When a player’s blackjack faces a dealer's Ace, offer even money for a quicker payout instead of insurance.
Quick Payout Reference Table
Outcome | Ratio | Example $5 | Example $10 | Example $25 | Example $100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular win | 1:1 | $5 | $10 | $25 | $100 |
| Blackjack at 3:2 | 1.5x | $7.50 | $15.00 | $37.50 | $150.00 |
| Blackjack at 6:5 | 1.2x | $6.00 | $12.00 | $30.00 | $120.00 |
| Insurance (if dealer BJ) | 2:1 on half bet | $5 pays $10 on $5 insurance | $10 pays $20 on $10 insurance | $12.50 pays $25 | $50 pays $100 |
| Even money (player BJ vs dealer Ace) | 1:1 | $5 | $10 | $25 | $100 |
Pace and Table Control
Steady tempo keeps the game enjoyable and prevents errors.
As a benchmark, full live blackjack tables typically run about 60 to 70 hands per hour, while heads-up games often reach 100 to 120 hands per hour.
Close betting before the first card leaves the shoe, state totals when hands resolve, and keep the layout squared so surveillance has a clear view.
Handling Special Scenarios
Resolve insurance and even-money decisions before players take further actions unless the posted rules specify a different order. Each scenario should be handled with clear verbal cues so the entire table understands the sequence.
- Insurance and even money. When your upcard is an Ace, open insurance before peeking. If the hole card makes a blackjack, pay insurance at 2:1 and resolve main bets accordingly. When a player holds a blackjack against your Ace, offer even money if permitted; pay 1:1 if taken, then continue with other decisions.
- Double down. After a player places a second wager equal to the first, deal one card only and set it sideways or per house orientation so the hand is clearly closed. Announce “double down, one card only” so the table knows the action is final.
- Splits and re-splits. When the first two cards match in rank, accept a second wager equal to the first and separate the pair into two hands. Deal to the first hand, complete its actions, then return to the second. Many houses cap re-splits at three or four hands; aces commonly receive one card each with no further hits. State house limits before dealing to avoid confusion.
- Surrender. If offered, a player may forfeit half the wager before completing the hand. Confirm the decision out loud, remove half the chips, and mark the hand dead.
- Side bets. Take side wagers only in their marked areas and resolve them in the posted order, typically after insurance and before main-hand settlement if the rules require it. Announce the resolution so players can follow the sequence.
- Peek procedure (hole-card games). Use the mirror or device exactly as trained to check for a ten-value under an Ace, or an Ace under a ten-value where applicable. Keep the hole card low to the felt and out of view. If a card is exposed accidentally, halt the round and call the floor for the correction.
How to Maintain Professionalism
Professionalism and training are what separate a casual dealer from those working for trusted blackjack sites. Every gesture, tone, and movement affects how players experience the game. Maintaining composure is crucial, even when dealing with mistakes or tense moments.
Start with posture: stand tall, keep your movements smooth, and avoid unnecessary gestures. Speak clearly and project confidence, especially when announcing totals or resolving bets. Avoid showing frustration or excitement, regardless of the outcome of a hand. Stay neutral so players do not perceive bias or emotion.
Consistency builds trust, and a predictable rhythm reassures players and keeps the table atmosphere professional. Good dealers control the game’s tempo and keep the tone clear and courteous.
Common Dealer Mistakes
Out-of-order cards, mispays, and exposed cards are rare when the pace is calm and movements are consistent.
If you deal out of order, stop immediately, explain what happened, and follow the floor’s correction. If you mispay, reverse the transaction in full view, recount the hand, and restack the correct amount next to the original wager.
When the hole card is exposed, freeze the action and escalate to the floor; apply the posted remedy.
Perfecting Dealing in Blackjack
Dealing blackjack well comes from repetition. Practicing the process develops speed and confidence; start by dealing mock rounds alone, then invite friends to simulate realistic gameplay. The more natural the motions become, the smoother the experience feels for players.
Pay attention to rhythm. Every card should land cleanly, and every payout should be visible. Practicing with a mirror or video recording can help identify bad habits, such as uneven card slides or inconsistent announcements.
Aspiring dealers often study how professionals operate in live casinos to refine their pace and poise. Patience, clarity, and fairness define the craft. Over time, practice turns mechanics into instinct, making each round consistent and mistake-free.
Remember to always play responsibly. If you’re struggling, call the national helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
