Blackjack etiquette
If you’re enjoying blackjack at your favorite online casino, you can sit back, relax and not worry about any other players. This is one of the many appeals of playing online: it’s all about you and the experience that you want. however, land-based casinos are a little different. While they’re just as much fun, there is certain Blackjack etiquette that you need to be aware of.
While the game has its rules that you need to know all about before you can play, there is also playing etiquette to consider. Getting this right will keep you on the right side of the dealer as well as the other players. Here’s a look at the common mistakes that new players make so that you can be sure to avoid them.
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Blackjack etiquette #1 – About giving money straight to the dealer
Casinos are, understandably, hot on security. Though in this case we are talking about land-based casinos, of course this is true for online casinos. That means that when it comes to cash transactions, they want to know exactly what’s going on. Handing money directly to the dealer makes it hard for observers to see exactly what’s taking place.
The right thing to do here is to ensure that all cash transactions can be caught on security cameras. This means that you must place your cash on the layout outside of your betting spot. You then just tell the dealer what chips you want to play with.
Blackjack etiquette #2 – Using two hands to hold your cards
If you’re playing single or double-deck games, there’s a good chance that your cards will be dealt face down. When this is the case, you need to make sure that you only pick these up with one hand and resist the temptation to use two.
Blackjack etiquette #3 – Touching the cards
If you’re playing a game where four or more decks are being used, the cards will typically be dealt face-up and come from a dealing shoe. When the cards are face up, you can see what they are so there’s no need for you to touch them at all.
The cards are dealt face-up to prevent cheating. It stops players from being able to mark, or even switch, cards. As well as this, it also leads to the game being played much faster. Touching the cards will slow the game down or see you being accused of cheating.
Blackjack etiquette #4 – Taking cards from the table
Again, the big point to note here is that there is no need to touch your cards, let alone take them from the table. You need to make sure that your cards are never concealed and that they’re kept in full view of the dealer and the security cameras. Resist the urge to take them from the table and hold them on your lap.
#5 – Putting anything on the table
If you have a bag, a wallet or any other item it’s important to realize that these do not belong on the blackjack table. Putting such objects there will suggest that you’re extremely rude and that you perhaps shouldn’t be playing. When it comes to having a drink, it’s acceptable to have one on the table but make sure that you use the holders that are provided.
#6 – Touching your chips post bet
Once you’ve placed your bet and the cards have been dealt, make sure that you don’t touch your chips. The bet that you’ve placed has to stay on the layout and remain untouched until the hand has been played and settled. The moment that you see the dealer has started to deal, that’s the time when you sit back and leave your chips alone.
#7 – Telling the dealer what move you’re making
If you’re playing blackjack from home at a live casino, there’s no problem with shouting “hit” or “stand” so that the dealer knows what you want to do. However, this isn’t acceptable at a casino and it’s all down to security.
To prevent any disputes around what a player wanted to do, casinos insist that you use the correct hand signals. These can be caught on camera and mean that everyone is protected.
#8 – Putting the higher denomination chip on top of a lower one
If you’re placing a bet and you’re using two or more different denominations, the higher denomination should always be placed at the bottom.
#9 – Taking your bad luck out on others
If you’re on a losing streak you can be sure that this isn’t down to the dealer or any of the other players. Acting as if it is will be seen as a bad show and you may well be asked to leave the table or even the casino.
#10 – Making a bet in the middle of a shoe
You may well see a sign saying that you’re not allowed to take a seat and bet mid-shoe. If this isn’t the case, the right thing to do is to ask the other players if they mind you joining. Some players will say no as they believe that adding a new player will change the way the cards were going and that this could lead to them losing.
#11 – Handing out tips
If players want your advice you can be sure that they’ll ask for it. Other players don’t want to sit at a table while you tell them how to play their hand. Ultimately, they have wagered their own money and how they play is entirely up to them.
#12 – Smoking
Just because a casino allows smoking, it doesn’t mean that you should do it. Consider other players and if they’re smoking too. If you really need to smoke, be sure not to blow the smoke in the direction of other players or do anything else that is likely to upset them.
Final thoughts
When it comes to playing blackjack, or any other casino game, it’s important to know what’s expected of you. knowing the rules of blackjack and how to play is just one part of being at a casino. Learning the whole etiquette of a game is just as, if not more than, important. Ignoring blackjack etiquette isn’t going to win you any friends and you’re hardly likely to be welcomed with open arms by the casino.
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