How Does a Blackjack Shoe Work?

A blackjack shoe is a device that is used to hold multiple decks of playing cards. It is typically rectangular in shape and has a cover that can be opened and closed.

The cover helps to protect the cards from dirt and debris.

The shoe is placed on the table in front of the blackjack dealer. The dealer will then slide the cards out of the shoe one at a time.

The player will then place their bets before the first card is dealt.

Once all of the player’s bets have been placed, the dealer will deal two cards to each player face up. The dealer will also deal themselves two cards, one face up and one face down.

The face up card that the dealer has dealt themselves is called the “upcard”. The player’s will then look at their own two cards and decide if they want to “hit” or “stand”.

Hitting means taking another card from the deck in hopes of improving your hand. Standing means keeping the hand you have.

Once all of the players have made their decisions, the dealer will then reveal their face down card. If the dealer has an upcard of an Ace, they will offer “insurance” to the players.

Insurance is a side bet that pays 2-1 if the dealer has a blackjack. If the dealer does not have a blackjack, then the player who took insurance loses their bet.

The dealer will then continue around the table until all players have either busted or chosen to stand. If the dealer busts, then all players who are still in the hand win their bet.

If the dealer does not bust, then whoever has the hand closest to 21 wins their bet. If there is a tie, then it is a “push” and no one wins or loses their bet.