How to Deal Blackjack – Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Dealing blackjack requires precision, game knowledge, and quick decision-making. Whether you’re learning to deal blackjack at home or aiming to become a professional casino dealer, mastering the fundamentals is key. A dealer is responsible for shuffling, dealing cards, managing bets, enforcing rules, and maintaining game flow. Understanding how to handle splits, insurance, and payouts ensures smooth gameplay. This guide covers how to deal blackjack cards, from beginner-friendly tips to casino-style dealing techniques.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Deal Blackjack Cards

Mastering the process of how to deal blackjack involves precise card handling, managing player actions, and ensuring a smooth and fair game flow.

How to Deal in Blackjack Cards – The Dealing Process

1. Shuffle the Cards – Use a thorough shuffle to ensure randomness, either manually or with a shuffling machine.
2. Cut the Deck – Offer the cut card to a player; place it to divide the deck.
3. Deal the Initial Cards – Starting from your left, deal one card face-up to each player, then one to yourself. Repeat until each player has two cards face-up and the dealer has one face-up and one face-down (hole card).

How Many Cards to Deal in Blackjack – Initial Hand Distribution

• Each player receives two cards at the start.
• The dealer also receives two cards, but one remains face-down.
• In single-deck and pitch blackjack, cards may be dealt face-down.

How to Deal a Splits in Blackjack – Managing Split Hands

• If a player receives two identical cards (e.g., two 8s), they may split them into two separate hands.
• Place an additional bet equal to the original wager.
• Deal one new card to each split hand, continuing play as usual.
• Some casinos allow resplitting, depending on house rules.

Blackjack How to Deal Insurance – When to Offer Insurance

• If the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, offer insurance before checking the hole card.
• Players can place an insurance bet (up to half their original wager).
• If the dealer has blackjack (21), insurance bets pay 2:1. If not, insurance bets are lost.

How to Deal Blackjack Hands Rules – Managing Player Actions

Each player decides their action, starting from the left:
✔ Hit – Deal an additional card.
✔ Stand – Player keeps their hand.
✔ Double Down – Player doubles their bet, receives one more card, and must stand.
✔ Split – If allowed, separate pairs into two hands.
✔ Surrender – If available, the player forfeits half their bet.

Do You Need to Burn a Card When Dealing Blackjack?

In most casino blackjack games, the dealer burns one card after shuffling and before dealing the first hand.

Why Do Dealers Burn a Card?

✔ Prevents card tracking: Makes it harder for players to predict the next card.
✔ Maintains game integrity: Eliminates potential dealer errors or manipulation.
✔ Standard casino procedure: Common in shoe-dealt blackjack (multi-deck games).

When Is a Burn Card Used?

• After the shuffle, the dealer removes the top card and places it in the discard pile.
• Some casinos burn a card after each shuffle but not between rounds.
• In hand-dealt (pitch) blackjack, burn cards may not always be used.

What is a Blackjack Shoe

A shoe in blackjack is a plastic or wooden device used to hold and dispense multiple decks of cards during gameplay. It allows the dealer to draw one card at a time smoothly and helps prevent cheating or card manipulation.

Features of a Blackjack Shoe:

✔ Used in multi-deck blackjack (typically 4, 6, or 8 decks).
✔ Enhances casino game security by making it harder for players to track or manipulate cards.
✔ Speeds up dealing by allowing quick and consistent card distribution.
✔ Common in online casinos, while single-deck and double-deck games often use hand-dealt (pitch) methods instead.

Dealing Blackjack in Different Settings

Dealing blackjack varies depending on the setting, whether it's a casual home game, a small group session, or a professional casino environment.

Home Games – How to Deal Blackjack Casually

Dealing blackjack at home is more relaxed than in a casino, but following proper procedures keeps the game fair.
✔ Use a single deck or multiple decks based on the number of players.
✔ Shuffle and cut the cards before dealing.
✔ Play without a shoe for a more casual experience.
✔ Allow flexible betting rules, but keep basic blackjack strategy in place.

Small Groups – How to Deal Blackjack With 2 Players or 3 Players

✔ For two players, one acts as the dealer while the other plays against them.
✔ With three players, rotate the dealer role or assign a dedicated dealer.
✔ Keep the betting structure simple, ensuring smooth gameplay.

Casino-Style Games – Following Professional Procedures

Dealing blackjack in a casino follows strict rules and requires precision.
✔ Always use a dealing shoe for multi-deck games.
✔ Follow house rules for payouts, insurance, and blackjack hand values.
✔ Manage chips and ensure accurate payouts to prevent disputes.
✔ Maintain game security by preventing card marking and dealer errors.

Professional Blackjack Dealing – Becoming a Skilled Dealer

✔ Learn casino etiquette, including hand signals and clear communication.
✔ Master pitch blackjack, where cards are dealt face-down in single-deck games.
✔ Practice card counting awareness to spot advantage players.
✔ Understand blackjack variations, including double-deck and VIP high-stakes tables.

Special Variants – Dealing Different Blackjack Games

Dealing different blackjack variants, such as single-deck, double-deck, pitch blackjack, and 21+3 blackjack, requires adapting to unique rules and strategies.

How to Deal Single Deck Blackjack – Mastering Precision

✔ Cards are hand-dealt (pitch style), usually face-down.
✔ Players can pick up their cards, requiring extra attention from the dealer.
✔ The dealer shuffles more frequently, as the deck depletes quickly.

How to Deal Dobule Deck Blackjack – Dealing with More Complexity

✔ Cards are hand-dealt or dealt from a shoe, depending on casino rules.
✔ The game follows similar rules to single-deck blackjack but offers different house edges.
✔ More strategic dealing is required to track played cards.

21+3 Blackjack – How to Deal Side Bets

✔ Players can place a 21+3 side bet before the cards are dealt.
✔ The dealer evaluates the first two player cards plus their own upcard for poker-style combinations (flush, straight, three-of-a-kind, etc.).
✔ Winning 21+3 bets are paid according to the payout table, usually 9:1 for suited trips, 5:1 for a straight, and 3:1 for a flush.

Pitch Blackjack – Dealing Face-Down Cards

✔ Typically used in single-deck blackjack, where the dealer manually pitches the cards.
✔ Players hold their cards, which means dealers must watch for card bending or marking.
✔ The dealer must maintain a professional hand motion, flicking cards to players smoothly.

How to Deal Blackjack Casino Style – Following Professional Standards

✔ Cards are dealt from a shoe in casino games with six or more decks.
✔ Dealers must handle large bets, side bets, and VIP players professionally.
✔ Proper hand gestures and clear communication help maintain security and fairness.

Advanced Tips – How to Deal Blackjack 21 Professionally

Mastering advanced blackjack dealing requires a deep understanding of blackjack card values, clear communication, security awareness, and professional etiquette.

Mastering Blackjack Card Values for Accurate Dealing

A professional dealer must have a solid grasp of blackjack card values to ensure accurate payouts and smooth gameplay.
✔ Numbered cards (2-10): Face value.
✔ Face cards (Jack, Queen, King): 10 points each.
✔ Ace: 1 or 11 points, depending on which benefits the hand.
✔ Soft hand: A hand containing an Ace counted as 11 (e.g., Ace-6 = 17).
✔ Hard hand: A hand where the Ace must be counted as 1 (e.g., Ace-6-10 = 17).

Communicating Clearly and Using Proper Hand Signals

✔ Announce player decisions (hit, stand, double down, split) to prevent disputes.
✔ Use hand signals for each action, ensuring clarity for security cameras.
✔ Handle chips properly when collecting bets or paying winnings.

Maintaining Game Security and Preventing Card Manipulation

✔ Monitor for card counting and advantage play techniques.
✔ Ensure players follow proper hand etiquette, especially in pitch blackjack where cards are held.
✔ Watch for betting irregularities that may indicate cheating attempts.

Managing High-Stakes and VIP Players Professionally

✔ Be prepared to handle large bets and high-pressure situations.
✔ Always remain calm and professional, regardless of player behavior.
✔ Know the casino's VIP rules and how to accommodate high-rollers.

Dealing Blackjack at a Casino vs. Home Games

✔ Casinos use multiple decks and a dealing shoe, requiring efficient dealing skills.
✔ In home games, dealers may shuffle manually and play with fewer players.
✔ The dealer must adapt to different house rules, especially for side bets like 21+3 blackjack.

Becoming a Skilled Blackjack Dealer

A great blackjack dealer is more than just someone who distributes cards—they are responsible for maintaining the game flow, enforcing rules, handling bets, and ensuring fair play. Whether you're learning how to deal in blackjack at home or aiming to work in a casino, mastering blackjack card values, dealing techniques, and player interactions is essential.

By following proper card-handling skills, using professional hand signals, and managing different game settings, dealers can create an engaging and smooth gaming experience. With practice, professionalism, and attention to detail, anyone can become a skilled blackjack dealer, whether for casual games, casino employment, or high-stakes tournaments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dealing Blackjack

1. How many cards do you deal in blackjack?

Each player receives two cards face-up, while the dealer gets one face-up and one face-down (hole card). In single-deck or pitch blackjack, cards may be dealt face-down to players.

2. Do you burn a card when dealing blackjack?

Yes, in most casinos, the dealer burns one card after shuffling to prevent card tracking. Some variations may not require a burn card.

3. How do you deal a split in blackjack?

If a player splits, separate the identical cards into two hands and place an additional bet equal to the original. Then, deal one new card to each split hand and continue normal play.

4. What does a dealer do if players want to double down?

If a player doubles down, they must double their original bet and receive only one more card before automatically standing. The dealer must enforce this rule.

5. How do you deal blackjack in a casino?

In casinos, dealers use a shoe for multi-deck games, follow strict house rules, manage chips carefully, and ensure clear hand signals for players and cameras.

6. What is 21+3 blackjack, and how do you deal it?

21+3 blackjack includes a side bet where a player’s first two cards plus the dealer’s upcard form a poker-style hand (flush, straight, three-of-a-kind, etc.). The dealer checks and pays out side bets before normal gameplay continues.

7. What happens if the dealer gets blackjack?

If the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, they check the hole card. If they have blackjack (21), they immediately win, and all player bets (except insurance) are lost unless a player also has blackjack (resulting in a push).