Blackjack Etiquette

Formal Etiquette

1. Always place your chips neatly in the betting square.
   If you are using more than one chip and more than one denomination, make sure the largest denomination is on the bottom and the smallest is on top. This is to aid the dealer in organizing the chips when he removes them from the table after a loss and to help him pay you off after a win.
   It's also important so that the boss can keep an eye on the betting.

2. Never touch your original bet after the dealer has begun dealing. Whatever your bet is when the deal starts, that's what it will stay, even if you made a mistake. Also, when it comes time to double down or split, don't pick up your original bet to count what you have. Lean over so you can see what's out there and wheel out a bet, but don't touch the original bet. For obvious reasons, the casino doesn't want any "games" played with the original bet based on what type of cards you have.

3. Use hand signals! Simply saying “hit” or “stand” is not good enough! Be clear about your intentions. Point firmly down on the table when you want a card, and make a clear wave or hold up your hand when you want to stand (the wave is preferred).

4. Never offer advice to strangers; and if anyone offers unsolicited advice, ignore them.

5. If you want to tip the dealer, place a bet above and slightly to the left of the betting square. Odds are the dealer will leave it there as you play your hand. That's a sign that the dealer is playing with you. If you win, he gets the original bet plus any winnings; if you lose, he gets no tip at all. Do not touch the dealer’s tip after the hand is played, as that money belongs to him. Tip the dealer if they are helpful or friendly, but don't overdo it.

6. Always tip your waitress. Although the drinks in Las Vegas are complimentary, it is recommended to tip the waitress for each one.

7. If the dealer drops a card or a chip on the ground, don’t touch it.

8. When drinking at the table, place your drink in the drink well. If there is none provided, place it so that it cannot spill over on the table.

9. Don't scream when you win, and don't curse when you lose.

10. If you want to smoke at the table, ask for permission first.

11. When doubling down or splitting, wait until it's your turn to place your extra bet.

12. When doubling on a hand that can also be split, clearly announce to the dealer whether you wish to double or split.

13. Keep your cards over the playing surface, and don’t bring anything into the playing field.

Informal Etiquette

• Dress up when going to the casino.
• Don't drink too much.
• Make sure you stop off at the cashier first.
• Don't ask for cards.
• Set a limit for your losses that night.
• Don't sit at third base unless you are a Blackjack pro.

Playing a "Face Down" Game

In most casinos, the game is played face up, meaning that you get to see your cards, as well as every other player’s.
Most face down Blackjack games are single or double deck, and that is a huge advantages for card counters.
In addition, holding your cards will force you to concentrate harder, so you are less prone to silly mistakes. So take your time and weigh your options before making your decision. Remember – no one can give you advice if they can’t see your cards.
In addition to standard Blackjack etiquette rules, face down games carry their own set of informal rules:

1. Pick up the cards only after all players receive theirs.
2. Keep your cards over the playing surface.
3. Hold your cards with only one hand.
4. When you are satisfied with your cards, just fold them and place them face down on the table, sliding one corner underneath your chips, so as to inform the dealer that you want no more.
5. If you do want a hit, scratch one corner of the cards on the table towards you.
6. If you wish to split, turn your cards over and wheel out your additional bet, thus turning the game into a standard face up game.
7. When doubling, turn over your cards, wheel out your additional bet and ask for one card.
8. If you are playing two hands in a face down game, play the first hand before picking up your second cards.
9. Make sure you don’t bend the cards when you pick them up, as this could cause a delay in the game, as the cards will have to be replaced.