Key aspects of blackjack etiquette

Blackjack is a basic card game played in casinos around the world. Although the rules of the game are simple, there are several important aspects of blackjack etiquette that you should be aware of. The question arises, “What is blackjack etiquette?” and how can you be sure you’re doing the right thing? In this guide, you’ll learn what the correct actions are in the most common situations.

Handling the cards

The way you handle your blackjack cards is one of the points you should be very careful about. It may seem natural to take them in your hand and hold them while you decide what to do next, but in many casinos this goes against good blackjack table etiquette.

How do you know if you can touch the cards or not? Simply check whether they have been dealt face up or face down on the table. Here are the main points to keep in mind when playing.

Do not pick up the cards or hold them in your hands if they have been dealt face down.
If the cards have been dealt face down, pick them up with only one hand
You must make sure that your cards are visible to the dealer and the casino security camera at all times.
These rules are designed to avoid the risk of card tampering by players. Most casinos deal cards face down, so there is no need to touch them.

Handling of chips

Place your chips in the betting area before you start dealing, keeping in mind the minimum and maximum limits at the table. As soon as the dealer starts dealing cards, you can no longer touch your chips unless you intend to double down, surrender or use insurance. When can you touch your chips again? They will remain in place until the hand is over and your chips are doubled or the dealer takes your chips.

Interaction with the dealer

The dealer’s job is to run the game in a smooth and professional manner, and how you interact with him is an important part of blackjack etiquette. This section of our blackjack etiquette guide makes some particularly important points about good table behavior.

• Use hand signals to let the dealer know your intentions
• If you want to hit, all you have to do is make a gesture like “come here.”
• To stand, you can wave your hand over your cards with your palm facing down.
• Splitting or doubling can be signaled by placing the number of chips needed next to the original bet.
• Ask the dealer to explain the rules if you are unsure of your options.
• When you want to tip, you must pass the chip over the table to the dealer and make it clear that it’s for him.

For more information on hand signaling, visit our section on blackjack rules.

Interacting with other players

What is blackjack etiquette when there are other players at the table? Each blackjack player has his or her own way of playing, and it’s important that you respect it while keeping in mind all the general rules of blackjack etiquette.

Should you talk to other blackjack players? Some casino regulars talk to others and ask for advice, while others do not. Don’t make suggestions if no one has asked you for advice. Similarly, you should avoid making comments that might discourage or offend others.

Regional differences in blackjack etiquette

Does blackjack etiquette differ from country to country? The main points we have discussed here are valid no matter where you play this card game. However, there are some differences that you may notice when playing in different parts of the world.

Perhaps the most important of these concerns tipping. In American casinos, dealers rely on tips to increase their earnings. Players in the U.S. typically pay about 1%-2% of their winnings in tips, but this is an individual decision. You can take into account how often you win, as well as how good their service is.

In Asian casinos, there is no culture of tipping and if you do, it may be considered offensive. When playing in Europe, tipping may be given discreetly, but it is not as prevalent as in America. Tipping in casinos was not allowed in the UK until 2005. Some gamblers tip, while others do not.

Playing online with a human dealer

The introduction of live blackjack games with human dealers has introduced a new way of playing. It is an approach that combines an authentic casino environment with the convenience of playing anytime, anywhere.

Does playing with a live dealer change your approach? Of course, there is a big difference between playing online and in a physical casino, and some of the rules of blackjack table etiquette we looked at don’t apply here, as you can’t physically pick up your cards or signal your intentions to the dealer. However, you should still consider whether to tip the dealer for his services.

You can also interact with the dealer as well as other players at the table through the chat feature, which is available in many live blackjack games. The best advice is not to do anything that could be considered rude. Imagine you are playing in a casino and stick to the same basic blackjack rules.

Blackjack etiquette summary

We’ve seen that there are several different aspects of blackjack etiquette to adhere to, but nothing that is too difficult to remember when you sit down at the gaming table.

By following the commonly accepted etiquette at the blackjack table that we’ve discussed here, you’ll enjoy the game more. It’s also a way to help make your casino experience more enjoyable for other players and those working there.

Did you know.

Picking up cards is prohibited in most casinos. If they are dealt face up, you should not touch them. If they are laid face down on the table, you should only use one hand to pick them up and hold them. Of course, playing online eliminates the need to think about this issue.