If you’re a new blackjack player, you should learn appropriate blackjack etiquette to make sure you (and the other players at the table) have as much fun as possible. This includes understanding some basic rules of conduct, proper hand signaling, avoiding slow play, handling chips correctly, sharing information appropriately, using cell phones responsibly and tipping the dealer. By following these good blackjack manners, you can not only improve your own experience but also contribute to a more fun atmosphere for everyone at the blackjack table.
Here are 7 unwritten rules of etiquette for the blackjack table in a casino:
1- The Basics of Blackjack Etiquette
The most important aspect of blackjack etiquette is maintaining a respectful attitude towards other players and the dealer. This means refraining from using profanity or engaging in disruptive behavior. This also includes being mindful of your body language and facial expressions, especially when winning or losing.
Proper hand signaling is another important aspect of blackjack etiquette. You should always use the appropriate hand signals to indicate when you want to hit, stand, double or split. This helps the dealer understand your intentions more clearly and prevents confusion at the table.
Another important aspect of blackjack etiquette is avoiding slow play. Taking too much time to make decisions can slow down the game for everyone and cause other players to lose interest. To avoid slow play, make your decisions quickly and clearly.
Chip handling is also an important aspect of blackjack etiquette. Always handle your chips carefully to avoid accidentally dropping or spilling them. Also be mindful of the amount of chips you’re betting. You shouldn’t be confused about how much you’re betting on a hand. If you are, it’s because you’re not paying attention.
When and how you share information with other players is also important. While you’re free to discuss basic strategy and share blackjack tips, avoid sharing information that would give you or the other players at the table an unfair advantage. Never try to cheat or collude with other players. Casinos take this seriously, and so do the jurisdictions where they operate. You don’t need trouble with the law.
Cell phones are now an issue, too. Avoid using your cell phones during the game; it can distract the other players and the dealer. If you need to use your phone, step away from the table and take the call outside the gaming area.
Tipping the dealer is important, too. Tip the dealer when you win a hand; it’s a way to show appreciation for the dealer’s service. Be mindful of how much you’re tipping, though, as it can eat up your bankroll if you’re not careful.
Following these basic guidelines of blackjack etiquette can contribute to a more pleasant and enjoyable experience for everyone at the table. Here are more details about each of these aspects of good manners at the blackjack table:
2- Why and How to Use the Appropriate Hand Signals
Proper hand signaling helps the dealer understand the your intentions more clearly and prevents confusion at the table.
In shoe-dealt games, players should use the following hand signals:
- To hit, tap the table with your finger or gesture with your hand towards yourself.
- To stand, wave your hand over the cards, palm down.
- To double, place a new bet next to your original bet and then point to their cards with two fingers. (The new bet must be the same size as your original bet.)
- To split, place a new bet next to your original bet and then gesture with two fingers. (You’ll then be playing two hands, each with the starting card from your original hand.)
In shoe-dealt games, the proper etiquette for hand signaling is different:
- To hit, make a “scratching” motion with your finger towards yourself.
- To stand, wave your hand over your cards, palm down. You can also put the cards under the chips you bet.
- To double, place a new bet next to your original bet and then point to the cards with two fingers.
- To split, place a new bet next to your original bet and place the cards face up, side by side.
Always use consistent hand signals and avoid using different or multiple signals. There’s no need to confuse the dealer.
3- Why and How to Avoid Slow Play
Avoiding slow play helps ensure that the game runs smoothly and that everyone at the table has fun. Slow play happens when a player takes too much time to make decisions.
One of the main causes of slow play is being unprepared. Be familiar with the rules and strategies of blackjack before sitting down. This will help you make decisions faster and with more confidence.
Being indecisive also causes slow play. The dealer can refuse to wait for a player decision if it’s holding the game up too much.
Avoid distractions while playing. This includes using your cell phone, talking to other players, or watching other games. These distractions can cause you to take longer to make decisions and slow down the game for everyone.
Another cause of slow play is trying to count cards or use other advanced strategies. These require a lot of concentration and can slow down the game if you’re not proficient. Don’t even try card counting until you’ve practiced enough at home to do it almost automatically. Slowing down the game will bring the casino heat faster than almost anything.
Avoiding slow play is all about making and signaling decisions quickly. Memorize your basic strategy until you know it cold, and don’t even try any advanced strategies unless you’ve practiced them with a timer.
4- How to Handle Your Chips at the Blackjack Table
Keep your chips organized and don’t stack them too high. Keep your chips in one place, rather than spreading them out on the table. To avoid accidentally dropping or spilling your chips, keep your arms close to your body and be careful when reaching for your chips or cards. When placing a bet, put the chips in front of you, rather than sliding them across the table, which can cause them to fall or scatter.
Regarding cash at a blackjack table in a casino, exchange your cash for chips before you begin playing. You can exchange cash for chips at the blackjack table, but lay your money on the table. Don’t try to hand it to the dealer. Once you have chips, you should place your bets with them rather than using cash. If you need more chips during the game, ask the dealer for help. Some casinos allow you to play with cash instead of chips, but don’t do that. And make the dealer knows you’re not betting when you put your money on the table to exchange for chips.
5- What Information Can You Share at the Blackjack Table (And What Information Can You NOT Share)
It’s generally acceptable to share basic strategy tips and to discuss general strategies for playing the game. However, it’s not acceptable to share information about specific hands or to share details about the cards that have been dealt. Keep in mind, too, that many (if not most) other blackjack players aren’t interested in your opinions about how they should play their hands.
Respect the privacy and decisions of other players. Don’t make unsolicited suggestions or criticize another player’s decisions. Be aware of the casino’s policies regarding card counting — none of them allow counting — and to avoid discussing or participating in any activities that are considered cheating.
Don’t use electronic devices at the table. Whether your share the information you gain from the electronic device or not, it’s considered cheating to use a device to get an edge at the casino.
And never let your conversations or sharing of information at the table slow the game down. That’s one of the biggest breaches of etiquette you can commit at the blackjack table.
6- Cell Phones at the Blackjack Table
Being respectful of the players and the dealer at the casino includes how you use (and don’t use) your cell phone at the blackjack table.
Put your phone on silent or vibrate mode so that it does not make noise during the game.
Don’t use your phone while a hand is in progress. Wait until it is your turn or there is a break in the action before using it.
Use your phone discreetly and avoid prolonged use. Keep your phone use brief and avoid engaging in conversations or activities that could disrupt the game.
Definitely avoid using your phone for anything that could be considered cheating, such as looking up strategy guides or trying to count cards.
Be aware of your surroundings and the other players at the table. If someone seems uncomfortable with your phone use, put it away and wait until a more appropriate time to use it.
By following these guidelines, you can use your phone at a blackjack table in a casino without disturbing the game or other players.
7- When and How to Tip Your Blackjack Dealer
Tipping your blackjack dealer is common practice. The right way to tip the dealer is to place a bet for them. This is commonly known as a “toke” or “tip bet”. The amount of the tip bet is up to you, but it’s usually 20% of your total bet, such as $1 or $5 for a $25 bet. Or you might just place a dealer bet every 5 bets or so and bet the same as you’re betting on your own hand.
In most casinos, the dealer doesn’t get the entire tip. The tips are pooled together and shared among all the dealers working at the table.
Here’s how tipping can impact the game:
Dealers tend to be more friendly and accommodating when they know that you’re going to tip them. This can create a fun atmosphere at the table, which is better for everyone playing. Dealers getting tipped regularly are more willing to answer questions or provide advice.
Tipping is not mandatory in a casino. It’s ultimately up to you whether or not to tip. But it’s good manners to tip the dealer — at least when you’re winning, especially if you have had a good run or a big win.
Conclusion
Being respectful of other players, keeping your phone use discreet, and being mindful of the dealer and other staff are just examples of common courtesy. Following these unwritten rules of behavior makes the game more fun for everyone. Also, even though tipping isn’t mandatory, do tip your dealer. No one likes a cheapskate who doesn’t tip.
