THE DEALER AND GAME PROTOCOL

Blackjack is played with one to eight decks of cards. Before a new game begins, the dealer spreads the new cards to be used across the table, first face down so the backs can be inspected for telltale markings, and then faceup, enabling both dealer and the players to ascertain that there are no extra or missing cards. Standard 52 card Poker sized decks are used and the four suits have no significance; only the numerical value of each card is important: twos through nines are counted at their point value, and all tens and face cards are valued 10. The ace is unique, and can be counted as one or eleven at the players option.

Then the dealer thoroughly shuffles the deck of cards. Upon fishing a player is given a colored "cut" card, which is to be inserted anywhere in the stack of cards placed on the table but held by the dealer. Some people prefer not to cut, and the option is then given to the next player. If no one wants to cut, the dealer does it himself. After the cut is completed, the dealer places the colored card towards the back of the stack to indicate when to reshuffle. If it's single-deck game, the dealer holds the cards and deals; if it's a multideck game, the cards are placed in a wooden or plastic dealing box called a shoe. In any case the first card, a "burn" card is not used, but is placed on the bottom of the single deck or in a discard rack. This card is not usually shown but in many cases the delay will expose it when a player asks.

Starting with a player on his left, often called first base, and continuing in a clockwise direction, the dealer gives each player a card and himself one face up; then he deals each player a second card, and this time the dealer's card is placed face-down, under the dealer up card. Both of the players cards are usually dealt face down in a single-deck game and face-up in multideck play, but whether the cards are exposed or not, the game is played in the same manner. Although many bettors prefer the single deck, with its feeling of secrecy as they peek at their cards, the trend is overwhelming towards the multi-deck game. Not only is faceup play much faster and therefore more profitable for the casino, but since bettors are not permitted to touch the cards the opportunity for players cheating is nearly eliminated.

When everyone has his initial two cards, again starting at first base, each bettor is permitted to draw additional cards, which are always dealt one at a time, faceup. If the player goes over 21, he loses, his bet is collected, and his cards are placed with the rest of the discards. After each player has acted on his hand, the dealer must complete his hand based on fixed rules printed on the table covering-usually hitting all sixteens and standing on all seventeens (the exception is that in some casinos the dealer hits the soft seventeen (ace, six).) The dealer's play is not affected by the players exposed hands, his decisions are mechanical. If the dealer does not go over 21 (going every 21 is called breaking), he collects from players with hands totalling less than his, pays off players with hands better than his, and ties or "pushes" with players holding hands of equal value.

Now you're ready for the next hand which is dealt from the remaining cards. This continues until the colored cut card appears, signalling a reshuffle at the completion of a hand in progress, and the entire procedure is repeated. As you play you may notice a well dressed person with an air of authority casually observing the dealer, the players and the action; this is the pit boss or floor person who's responsible for group of tables and settles all the disputes. His decisions are final.