When you’re new to any casino table game, it’s natural to be unaware of many aspects of the experience. Even playing live dealer casino games or online versions of blackjack for the first time might make some feel a bit out of their depth.
As with any other activity, the best way to gain experience and knowledge is simply to ask questions and do your best. One important aspect of blackjack for all players to be aware of is blackjack etiquette.
These written and unwritten blackjack rules guide players’ interactions with the dealer and each other, as well as preserve fairness and keep the game moving. In most cases, observing the rules comes down to common sense and courtesy.
Why Does Blackjack Etiquette Matter?
If you want to play blackjack with confidence, you need to learn the ins and outs of blackjack table etiquette. Everyone needs to follow the rules so that everyone has a great experience.
Proper blackjack etiquette prevents disputes at the table over cards, chips, and player wagers. Even though money is at stake, the blackjack casino rules of etiquette are designed to keep the atmosphere fun and the pace vibrant.
When all players observe the standard practices, blackjack can be a fast-paced game that offers players great value for their money and chances at healthy payouts. The casino rules and expectations begin with how players handle cards and chips.
Handling Your Chips and Cards
In most games of blackjack, the less you handle your chips and the cards dealt to you, the better. In some blackjack variants, it’s actually a faux paus to touch the cards at all and once you’ve established your initial bet, there’s no reason to touch your chips again until the game ends.
Many blackjack games allow players to touch their pile of chips if they decide to buy blackjack insurance, double down, or split. However, even in these cases, there’s no need to touch the chips representing your original bet.
Any cards that are dealt face-up to you should not be touched. If you play a version of blackjack where you get cards dealt to you face-down, then you should only use one hand to pick them up and try to avoid doing so as much as possible.
If you do need to pick up a card that was dealt to you face-down, make sure that you keep it within plain view of the dealer. That’s one way to keep everything above board with the dealer.
Engaging With the Dealer
In blackjack, the dealer represents the house’s interests in the game and serves as the game’s administrator. If you have questions about what to do at a casino that offers blackjack, the dealer is your greatest ally.
Dealers are there to answer any questions you might have and facilitate your blackjack experience. At the same time, they are also your opponent in the game.
If you’re playing at a physical casino instead of online, you should use blackjack hand signals, or blackjack hand signals and verbal statements, to indicate your actions in the game. This ensures clear communication between you and the dealer regarding the moves you make, like double down, hit, surrender, or stand.
You should always respectfully address the dealer, acknowledging that they’re there to perform a service. Courteousness goes a long way to ensuring a fun time for all, including the dealer.
Player Interaction
When you’re playing blackjack in a land-based casino or via a live dealer game, one rude comment or gesture in poor taste can ruin the fun for everyone. It might also get you escorted from the gaming floor or kicked out of the live game.
While there’s nothing wrong with banter between players about the game in offline and online games, it’s best to keep it light-hearted and respectful. Another cardinal rule is never to offer advice on the game to another player unless that person asks. While your blackjack strategies might help another player, you don’t know how another person will respond to unrequested guidance. It’s best to let them learn in their own time and way.
Playing Online Blackjack
BetMGM is the best online casino for blackjack fans because it offers a lot of blackjack titles in its huge games library. That selection includes both digital versions of the game and live dealer blackjack options.
Playing blackjack online can simplify some aspects of blackjack etiquette. For example, you don’t have to worry about breaking the rules on handling cards or chips because all those functions occur in the app or on the website.
Many players who are new to online casinos have questions about blackjack tipping etiquette in the live dealer format. The expectations are the same as you’d find in a brick-and-mortar casino. When you play live dealer blackjack, dealers deserve compensation for their performance and the entertainment value they provide to players. Most live dealer online versions of blackjack will feature a tip button on the user interface.
While tipping your dealer is a great example of what you should do, there are some similarly strong references for things to avoid.
What Not to Do When Playing Blackjack
Rudeness and behavior that make the dealer or other players suspicious of you are always unwelcome in any casino or live dealer game. Touching your chips after the dealer closes the betting is bad form.
Even in face-down versions of blackjack, using both of your hands to pick up your cards or picking them up frequently will arouse suspicion. If you’re unfamiliar with hand signals, the dealer is happy to demonstrate so that there are no delays once the game has started.
If you have questions, try to ask them between blackjack hands. Players should respect your novice status but too many questions can be an annoyance once the game has started because these queries can cause delays.
If you prefer to sit at a specific position at the blackjack table, wait until that position opens up or see if you can find another table that accommodates you. It’s rude to ask another player to move to allow for your preference.
Of paramount importance, regardless of how the game goes for you, is responsible gambling. You should never chase losses or exceed your budget as you try your luck at blackjack.
Play With BetMGM Wherever You Are
Putting the dos and don’ts of blackjack etiquette into practice is easy at BetMGM. When you register for BetMGM and make a qualifying deposit, you’ll enjoy a great casino welcome bonus that can help you get comfortable with these rules in live dealer games.
Your blackjack etiquette skills will go a long way toward helping you earn BetMGM Rewards points and with those rewards, even more excitement is at your fingertips. BetMGM wants to be home to the best blackjack experiences in the world and players who observe proper etiquette aid tremendously in that endeavor.
