Blackjack is one of the most popular casino table games. The rules are simple – get your cards to add up closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over. However, there are some unspoken rules of etiquette and strategy that players should follow to be respectful to the dealer and other players. Understanding these unspoken rules can help make the game more enjoyable for everyone.
Know the Basic Rules and Etiquette
Before sitting down at a blackjack table, make sure you know the basic rules and etiquette:
- Wait for the dealer to invite you to join the game. Don’t just walk up and insert yourself.
- Don’t touch the cards. Let the dealer handle them at all times.
- Use hand signals to indicate your actions – hit, stand, split, double down, etc. Verbal calls are not required.
- Be polite to the dealer and other players. Don’t criticize play or be rude.
- Don’t discuss hands in progress. Wait until the hand is over to talk strategy.
- Don’t give advice to other players unless asked.
- Don’t celebrate loudly. A subtle fist pump or quiet “yes” is fine for a big win.
- Tip the dealer if you have a big win. Tipping is optional, but dealers appreciate it.
Don’t Take the Dealer’s Card
Some new blackjack players mistakenly think they are allowed to touch or look at the dealer’s facedown card. This is not allowed! Only the dealer can handle their cards before the end of the hand. If you try to peek at or grab the hole card, you will likely anger the dealer and be asked to leave the table.
Wait for Your Turn
Many newcomers to blackjack want to quickly act on their hand before other players have made decisions. However, etiquette rules say you should wait for your turn. The proper order of play goes clockwise around the table, starting with the player to the far left of the dealer. Don’t hit or signal your intention out of turn – be patient and let the other players act first.
Play at a Consistent Pace
You should play your hand in a timely manner once it’s your turn. Don’t agonize over every decision for minutes on end. The dealer and other players are waiting. However, don’t feel rushed – take a reasonable amount of time to consider your options based on the rules and make your best strategic play. Just be consistent from hand to hand with your pace.
Don’t Hand Money to the Dealer
To buy chips at the blackjack table, put your cash on the felt layout, announce “Change only” or “Color change”, and the dealer will exchange it for chips. Don’t try to hand your money directly to the dealer – the cameras need to see the transaction take place on the table. The same goes when “cashing out” – trade chips for cash by stacking them up and asking the dealer to “Color me out.”
Know When to Leave the Table
If you’re having a bad run and losing consistently, don’t keep buying more chips endlessly trying to chase your losses. Be smart, accept it’s not your day, and leave the table while you still have some money left! Don’t get angry and blow your entire bankroll. Politely tell the dealer you are coloring out, tip if appropriate, and step away.
Don’t Criticize Other Players
You may see other blackjack players at the table make strategic plays you disagree with. For example, constantly splitting 10s when the dealer has a 6 upcard. However, don’t be rude by openly criticizing their play. They may be superstitious or have a unique strategy. Keep any judgments to yourself – it’s their money they are free to use as they wish.
Watch Your Alcohol Consumption
Having a drink or two while playing blackjack can be enjoyable. However, be careful not to overdo it! Consuming too much alcohol impairs your judgement and can lead to spending more money than you intended. Also, dealers have the right to stop serving you more drinks if they feel you are getting too intoxicated.
Tip the Dealer for Good Service
If the blackjack dealer is friendly, helpful, and provides an enjoyable playing experience, tip them. Standard etiquette is to tip when you have a big winner. For example, give them your $5 winning bet after hitting blackjack. You can also tip when taking a chip tray break or coloring out your large stack of chips. Just don’t tip every small win or every few minutes – save it for the big occasions.
Stay Off Your Phone
Having your phone out at the blackjack table is rude to the dealer and other players. It slows down the game when you’re focused on texting or surfing the web rather than your hand. Save checking your messages for breaks between shoe changes. The only time it’s acceptable is using your phone discreetly to record wins for tax/record keeping.
Don’t Talk Strategy in the Middle of a Hand
When the cards are out and a hand is in progress, table chatter should be kept to a minimum. Don’t discuss the correct strategic play or advise other players while the hand is live. Wait until the dealer collects the cards and pays winners before talking about what just happened. You don’t want to distract players still involved in deciding their best move.
Don’t Take the Last Seat at a Full Table
Some blackjack tables have up to 7 player spots. If all seats are filled except one, avoid taking the last spot. This leaves no space between you and the player on your right, crowding them and making them uncomfortable. Leave that seat open as a buffer zone. Wait for a spot to open where you can play without crowding others.
Conclusion
Following these simple unspoken rules of blackjack etiquette will ensure you don’t annoy the dealer or other players. You’ll enjoy your experience more while being respectful to everyone involved in the live game. Ignore these etiquette tips at your own peril – casinos can and will back up dealers who refuse service to rude or disruptive players not following the proper table conduct.