How to Deal Blackjack: Step-by-Step Guide for Dealers

Looking to add the skill of blackjack dealing to your casino repertoire? It’s not too difficult, but there is a real blackjack dealing order to follow and other steps that go into the process. Here’s a complete look at how to deal blackjack and run the entire game.

How to Deal in Blackjack?

Dealing a blackjack game involves several seps to keep the game running smoothly. Here’s a complete order of how to deal blackjack and what to expect in various situations.

Shuffling the Deck

Shuffling the deck or decks is a critical part of any card game and helps randomize the cards. The dealer often “strips” the cards first into two separate piles to begin the shuffling process and may also “wash” the cards, mixing them together on the table. This may depend on the casino’s rules.

When shuffling like a casino dealer, the goal is to keep the cards face down. The dealer usually simply lifts the card corners to shuffle the cards together quickly. Multi-deck games may require shuffling several times, taking sections from two different piles before mixing them together.

Cutting the Deck

Cutting the cards is another way to randomize the cards. Those using a single deck will allow a player to insert a cut card into the deck to determine where the first cards will be dealt. Blackjack games using more than one deck will usually use a shoe.

Once the cut card is in place, you’ll want to move the back half of the entire deck to the front and the insert the cards in that order into the card shoe. A shot makes it easier to deal multiple decks, usually up to eight decks.

When the dealer reached the cut card in the deck or shoe, that is the signal that it’s time to reshuffle.

Dealing Initial Cards

A blackjack table usually has five seats for each player to place their bets (or any available side bet options) on the spot in front of them. When the dealer begins the hand with a new deck, he will “burn” the first card into the discard pie located to the dealer’s right. Then the dealer deals each player one face up card from his left to right and also one card face down card to himself.

The dealer then distributes another face up card to each player so that all players have two cards and then also deals one last face up card to the dealer. If the dealer has an ace, the dealer peaks at the bottom card first to see if he has a blackjack after also allow players the opportunity to make an insurance wager equal to half the initial bet.

Managing Player Actions

Once the initial cards are distributed, how do you deal blackjack to each player? It’s pretty simple. Per blackjack rules, each player can hit or stand, double down, or split. Dealers usually help players by telling them the total they currently have. Under blackjack rules, all numbered cards retain that same face value while face cards count for 10 and aces count as one or 11.

If a player receives a blackjack (an ace and a 10-value card), that player is paid out immediately and the cards placed in the discard pile. A blackjack is paid out at 3 to 2 or 6 to 5 depending on the blackjack casino rules.

When does a player have to hit in blackjack? Each player decides on their own whether to hit or stand on any total they want. To hit, players often motion with a finger toward themselves on the blackjack table. To stand, players often use a flat hand to move left and right as if to say “stop.”

When it comes to doubling down, players move a bet equal to the original bet out on the table next to the first bet. Under traditional blackjack rules, the player then receives one face up card but receives no additional cards. Rules on what number players can double down on vary depending on each individual casino or online platform.

To split, a player much been dealt two of the same cards, such as 6-6 or 5-5. The player makes a an additional bet to split, equal to the original bet, and then receives another card to go with the first of those first two cards that were split. The player can then hit, stand, or double and the process repeats for the second hand.

When players splits aces, then receive only one card on each ace. Some casinos may also allow for resplit if you receive another of the first two cards.

There is also a rule called “surrender” that is allowed in some casinos. This allows players to give up their hands on their first two cards for only half their bet.

As players hit and stand, the dealer collects cards from players who bust (go over 21) as well as their losing bets. The busted hands then go in the discard pile and the chips go into a tray in front of the dealer for the house.

Once a player stands or busts, the action then proceeds to the next player until everyone has acted except for the dealer, who acts last.

Handling the Dealer’s Hand

Once the players have made their decisions, the dealer then reveals his hole card (also known as a face down card). The dealer must then follow the house rules for hitting or standing. The dealer hits a 16, and stands on 17 or higher.

However, whether to hit or stand on a soft 17, meaning a hand with an ace that could be 7 or 17, depends on the house rules.

Comparing Hands

Resolving Bets

As the dealer determines who has won and lost, the blackjack dealing order then has a payout going to each player during this process. If you win, he will place chips equal to the amount you bet next to the original wager. You can then pull back your chips.

The dealer will also collect losing bets as well. If any players push (ties with the dealer), those chips will be left in from of them.

Handling Side Bets and Insurance

Some casinos may allow players to make various side bets as well. These will also be paid out during this period. The insurance bet is offered when the dealer has an ace for an up card. These bets will be paid out or collected after the dealer peaks at his hole card. If the hole card is a 10-value, then the dealer has a blackjack.

If the dealer does have blackjack, all losing bets and cards will be collected. Any players with a blackjack push against the dealer blackjack.

Clearing the Table

Once the hand is completed and all bets paid our, the dealer collects all cards and places them in the discard area. The dealer then prepares for the next hand and players place their bets again.

How to Deal With Common Blackjack Situations

There are a few important things to remember regarding blackjack dealer rules. Here are a few key situations.

Handling Splits and Doubling Down

When a player splits, they add a second bet and receive a second card for the first card and then decide whether to hit stand, double, or resplit if allowed. The same process then plays out for the second card. Players splitting aces only receive one card on each.

When doubling down, a player places an amount equal to the initial bet next to the first bet. The dealer then deals out a single card. Some casinos may allow doubling on only 9, 10, or 11, while other may allow on even more totals.

Dealing with Insurance Bets

If the dealer’s hand has an ace up, he will offer insurance. This is a side bet in case the dealer has a blackjack. The wager is half your bet and should be placed on the insurance line in front of the dealer.

The bet pays out at 2 to 1. If the dealer peaks and doesn’t have blackjack, he collects any insurance bets. If he does have blackjack, he will pay out any insurance wagers and proceed with collecting losing bets.

Addressing Player Disputes

Player disputes should be alleviated quickly and in a casino, the dealer may call for a floorperson or security to address the situation.

What are the Blackjack Dealer Responsibilities?

There are a few main responsibilities the dealer is responsible for and knowing how to deal blackjack correctly will help. It’s important to note that the blackjack dealing order outlined here is for playing and dealing the game in a professional setting in a casino. Someone dealing in a home game may have a slightly less regimented approach. But either way, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Managing the Game Pace

The goal is to keep things moving while also remaining professional, friendly, and allowing each player to make a decision. At many casinos, this can also mean helping players realize the total of their hands – and even occasional advice. Some new players may also need help in learning the order of play, the rules, and how the betting process work.

Handling Bets and Chips

The dealer is responsible for paying out and collecting bets. The dealer usually has a tray in front of him to store chips that are used to pay winners or collected from those with the losing hands in blackjack. The dealer will often help players who may not know all the rules and also enforce the table minimum bets.

When playing online at platforms like Lucky Block, all this is handled via the game software but there are also live dealer games that allow players to take part in some action with real human dealers. These give players the same feel of playing in a live casino just as they might in Las Vegas or Monte Carlo.

Ensuring Fair Play

Dealers also may be charged with watching for cheating while at a casino and making sure all procedures are followed in meeting gaming regulations. The dealer must also follow the blackjack dealing order as outlined by the casino.

This can help ensure fair play and make for happy players at the blackjack table.

Conclusion

Blackjack is a great game with a low house edge and some real strategic decision making for players. Someone well-versed in the art of dealing the game can make the experience even better and keep players having fun and entertained when winning or losing.

For an added thrill, try playing blackjack with Bitcoin at Lucky Block and experience the excitement of cryptocurrency gaming!

Learn more on blackjack:

• Infinite blackjack rules
• Odds of winning in blackjack
• Blackjack charlie rule
• No bust blackjack rules
• How to play Spanish 21 blackjack?
• History of blackjack
• Blackjack bankroll tips
• Blackjack card counting practices
• Advantages of multiple blackjack decks
• Blackjack terms glossary
• How Does the 212 blackjack strategy work?
• Blackjack etiquette guide
• Where to sit in blackjack?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does dealer hit on 16?

Yes, the dealer hits on 16. This is why basic blackjack strategy may recommend many players to double down in instances like this with totals lower than 17.

Is dealing in Euro blackjack the same as the traditional one?

No, dealing in European blackjack differs slightly from traditional American blackjack and other blackjack variants. In European blackjack, the dealer receives only one card, face up, initially and does not receive a second card (or check for blackjack) until after all players have completed their actions.

When does the dealer stop in blackjack?

Once all cards have been dealt, each player has the chance to act on his or her hand, and then the dealer turns over his down card. The dealer then hits or stands on his own hand. That brings the action to a stop and the dealer then pays out all winning bets and collects all losing bets.

Additionally, the dealer stops with the current shuffle once the cut card is reached then shuffles again.

Does the dealer have to hit on 17?

No, casinos always have the dealer stand on hard 17. However, some may have dealer hit a soft 17 (a hand with an ace).

Do you deal blackjack face down?

Most casinos deal blackjack face up. However, some higher stakes games may still see cards dealt face down.

Is dealing blackjack hard?

Dealing blackjack isn’t too difficult for those willing to learn and practice.

Does the dealer deal the same in blackjack tournaments?

Yes, in blackjack tournaments, the dealer follows the same standard rules as in regular blackjack, such as hitting until reaching 17. However, players compete against each other to accumulate the most chips, not just against the dealer.

When does the dealer have to hit in blackjack?

In blackjack, the dealer must hit if their total is 16 or less and stand on a total of 17 or more. This rule includes both “hard” and “soft” 17, depending on the casino’s specific house rules.