Beginners Guide to Blackjack Etiquette

Here is another entry on casino etiquette for those new to blackjack. The blackjack table players can be inconsiderate and sometimes abusive to dealers and players alike. So here’s your Beginners Guide to Blackjack Etiquette.

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General Table Game Considerations

• If the cards are dealt face down (pitch game – 1-2 decks), then only pick up your cards with one hand. If you break this rule, expect a sharp rebuke from the dealer or pit boss.
• Be gentle with the cards; don’t bend them or put drinks on them. Some players have tried to cheat by bending specific cards slightly, for example, the aces, and the dealers have to guard against this.
• If you take a break at the tables, make it short or give up your spot. For example, taking a bathroom break or walking to stretch your legs for a few minutes is fine. But free up your spot if you’re going to lunch or play another game. If you’re going to be gone for more than a few minutes, it’s not fair to other players or the casino to tie up the game.

• In some games, the cards are dealt face-up. If this is the case, never touch your cards.
• Don’t wave money in front of the dealer, as it is simply impolite. Instead, players should be patient, wait until the end of the round, and then buy in by placing the money on the table. Moreover, you’re not allowed to hand the money to the dealer.
• Dealers are working hard to provide players with the best services. So tip them or place a bet for them.

Blackjack Specifics

• If you’re playing a game where your cards are dealt face-up at blackjack, do not touch them. The situation is different in face-down games, such as single-deck blackjack. In those games, you pick up your cards.
• When you join a blackjack game, especially at higher-denomination tables, ask if the other players want you to wait until the shuffle to start playing. It makes no real difference in the long run, but sometimes players who have been on a roll will want to finish out the shoe before changing anything. Don’t expect the same courtesy at low-denomination tables. Space is so expensive that it’s too much to expect someone to wait at a $5 table. However, if you interrupt the play mid-shoe, have your money ready – it’s not as entertaining as you think to watch someone take his wallet out for 5 minutes.

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Don’t Be That Guy

• Don’t be annoying like the guy who keeps track of how much he’s up/down at the blackjack table and keeps giving a running update. Please keep it to yourself.
• If you bust, lay down your cards face up by your bet. Please do not throw them in disgust. It isn’t polite. If you can’t handle losing, then don’t play.

• Blackjack involves hand signals to signify how you want to play cards instead of verbal instructions. So please know them before you sit down.
• I don’t feel giving a blackjack lesson during the game is okay.
• Don’t give unsolicited strategy advice. Players are entitled to play how they want. Yes, it might have cost you your hand, but that’s just part of playing at a live casino.
• Leaving your chart out. Do not constantly take your basic strategy chart out; consult it and put it away only to take it out in the next round. Leave it out if you want to play with it, so it is readily available. For example, keep it open in another window if you are playing blackjack online. Constantly taking it out and putting it away will keep you from annoying other players.

That’s all for now.

Binbin