How to Deal Blackjack Like a Pro?

To deal blackjack, start by setting up the table with chips, cards, and betting spots. Ask for bets, deal two cards to each player and one or two to yourself, then manage player actions like hit, stand, or double down. Follow dealer rules for hitting/standing, resolve hands, and pay out winners. Whether at home or in a casino, smooth dealing keeps the game fair and fun.

Learning how to deal blackjack is an art. If you’ve ever sat at a table, wide-eyed, watching the dealer flick cards like magic and control the pace like a pro, you’ve probably thought, “Could I do that?” Short answer? Yes, you can. And I’m here to walk you through it—no fluff, no filler. 

Whether you’re hosting a home game, prepping for dealer school, or just want to know how the other side of the table works, this guide has you covered. I’ll break it all down like you’re right across the table from me, chips in hand. 

My Intro to Dealing 

I’ve been behind a Blackjack table for quite a while, and showing someone how to deal the game is still one of my favorite things. I remember getting flustered during my first few shifts, but once I developed a little system, it all clicked into place. 

What follows is my own step-by-step method—everything from arranging the table to paying out bets. Along the way, I’ll toss in a couple of stories about the times I fumbled cards or messed up payouts (it happens to the best of us).  If you are interested in becoming a blackjack dealer, check this.

Step-by-Step: How to Deal Blackjack 

Follow these steps, and you won’t be any different than a pro! 

Step 1: Set Up the Table 

Start by setting the scene. You’ll need: 

• A standard 52-card deck (or multiple decks if using a shoe) 
• A felt or playing surface marked with betting spots 
• Chips for betting 
• A discard tray and card shoe if you’re dealing casino-style 

If it’s a casual home game with two players, don’t sweat the fancy setup—but be consistent with the rules and flow. 

Step 2: Ask for Bets 

Before dealing begins, the dealer calls out, “Place your bets.” Players put their chips in the betting circle. Once bets are down, announce “No more bets,” and proceed to the deal. 

Quick tip: Always deal left to right (dealer’s left, players’ right). That’s the standard blackjack dealing order. 

Step 3: Deal the Cards 

Now comes the fun part—dealing the cards: 

• One card face-up to each player, left to right. 
• One card face-up to yourself (the dealer). 
• Second card face-up to each player. 
• Second card face-down to yourself (if you’re using classic American rules). In European blackjack, the dealer doesn’t get the second card until the players have finished. 

Dealing blackjack is about rhythm. Smooth, steady hands keep players calm—and confident in you. 

Managing Player Decisions 

Once all the cards are dealt, go around the table again (left to right), asking each player what they’d like to do: 

• Hit – Give them one card face-up. 
• Stand – Move to the next player. 
• Double Down – They double their bet and receive one more card only. 
• Split – If they’ve got two of the same card, they can split into two hands. 

The Moment of Truth 

After all players have acted, it’s your turn: 

1. Flip your hole card face up. 
2. Follow the dealer rules: hit or stand accordingly. 
3. Compare your final total to each player’s hand. 

Payouts go like this: 

• Player beats dealer = pays 1:1 
• Player hits blackjack (Ace + 10) = pays 3:2 
• Player ties dealer = push (no one wins or loses) 
• Player loses = dealer takes the bet 

Sound straightforward? It is—once you’ve run through it a few dozen times. And if you’re dealing blackjack professionally, muscle memory takes over. 

Dealing Blackjack from a Shoe 

Using a shoe is common in casinos, especially for multi-deck games. The method is the same, but: 

• Cards are dealt directly from the shoe. 
• There’s less handling of the deck—more security, less cheating risk. 
• It’s faster for large tables. 

It might feel weird at first, but once you get used to it, it’s actually easier. 

How to Deal Blackjack with Two Players (Or Just One) 

Home game with a couple of friends? Dealing blackjack doesn’t change much, but you’ll want to keep the pace friendly. Announce actions clearly, shuffle often, and use chips to track bets—trust me, keeping things structured avoids awkward moments when someone swears they bet more than they did. 

Things I’ve Learned the Hard Way 

• Keep Your Area Tidy: One time, I accidentally mixed two players’ chip stacks and spent five minutes sorting them out. Total mood killer. Now I keep everything in neat rows. 
• Always Double-Check Bets: I once forgot to take a losing player’s bet before moving on to the next hand. We had to backtrack and fix it—very awkward. 
• Practice Makes You Way More Chill: Dealing can feel nerve-wracking at first, but once you’ve done it a bunch, it’s like muscle memory. 

Keeping It Fun (Even If Mistakes Happen) 

Being patient and friendly is huge. Players often have random questions: “Should I split these 9s?” or “What does double down mean again?” I do my best to answer without sounding condescending—after all, everyone was new once. 

I’ve watched people bust on 20 more times than I can count (they thought, “Eh, why not?!”). Rather than scolding them, I just smile and say, “Welp, better luck next time.” A laid-back vibe makes folks want to come back and play again. 

FAQs

1. What do I do first when I deal Blackjack?

Make sure everyone’s chips are placed on the table before you touch the cards. 

2. How do I keep things fair?

I shuffle carefully, keep track of bets, and follow the house procedures so nobody gets an unfair edge. 

3. What’s my best dealer behavior tip?

Being polite and approachable. Players appreciate a friendly face, even if they lose. 

4. How do I handle multiple players?

Just go in order (left to right). Everyone gets their turn without confusion. 

5. How many cards do you deal in blackjack? 

Each player and the dealer get two cards at the start. The dealer usually has one card face-up, one face-down.