Almost every popular casino game has its own jargon. Learning the lingo is key to feeling comfortable playing casino table games.
In blackjack, there isn’t unique terminology but also hand signals that any serious player needs to understand. Because of the options available to players, clear and effective table communication is essential.
Fortunately, this table communication isn’t complicated. Even someone who has never played the game before should be able to pick up on the meanings of the signals and words quickly.
Why Do We Use Hand Signals in Blackjack?
Blackjack hand signals, like blackjack dealers swiping the table, fulfill several simple needs in the game. One is the need for a verifiable visual record if there are disagreements about what a player wanted at a particular point in the game.
Casinos can review the video footage and verify intent if dealers and players use hand signals. Hand signals also can save time and allow people with hearing issues to participate.
But perhaps the most important reason is that casino floors can get busy and loud. With hand signals, there’s no need for dealers to guess at what players want or for players to add to the noise by raising their voices.
What Are the Blackjack Hand Signals?
Becoming familiar with the hand signals is a crucial part of learning to play blackjack with confidence. Hand signals in blackjack can differ regionally and between blackjack variants.
For example, the blackjack split hand signal is traditionally placing chips equal to your initial bet next to the chips from your original wager, then holding up two fingers. Hand signals for the surrender move in blackjack, however, are less standard, with most players communicating that decision verbally to ensure they are understood.
Some players will move their finger in a horizontal line behind their chips to signal surrender. Other signals include:
- Double down: Simply place more chips equal to your original wager next to your initial bet.
- Hit: Scrape your index finger on the table in face-down versions of blackjack or in face-up versions, tap the table with your index finger.
- Stand: Place your cards underneath your chips without moving the chips in face-down versions or in face-up versions, wave your hand palm-down over your cards.
Some players will accompany their secondary chips with an index finger tap on the table or holding up their index fingers as a hand signal for double down in blackjack. However, simply doubling up your chips should suffice.
These hand signals are just a few of the standards you should be familiar with if you want to play blackjack in a casino.
Is It Compulsory To Use Hand Signals in Blackjack?
While there are many advantages to using hand signals as you play blackjack, doing so isn’t usually a requirement to play the game. You might get a friendly reminder from the dealer if you forget to do so, but you won’t be escorted from the gaming floor in this instance.
At the same time, it’s courteous to be aware of the standard procedures and it will increase your enjoyment of the game. Playing blackjack online and making the gestures as you progress in the game is a great way to practice for beginners at casino gambling.
Do You Use Hand Signals In Live Dealer Blackjack?
When you play live dealer blackjack, you can see every move the dealer makes in real time. The dealer can’t see you, however, making blackjack casino hand signals useless in this context.
You’ll instead communicate your wishes using the player interface, which includes all the potential moves and a feature that allows you to chat with the dealer. While you don’t have to use hand signals in live blackjack, there are other rules that are important to keep the game fun for everyone in a live setting.
Other Etiquette Rules for Live Blackjack
Blackjack etiquette governs how players interact with dealers and each other to provide an entertaining and positive experience for all. While some ignorance of these norms is understandable for new players, most of the rules come down to being respectful of other people.
To make sure everything is fair and transparent, players should avoid touching the cards in face-up versions of blackjack. Even in face-down versions, players should only use one hand to handle their cards.
Another important consideration in the interest of fairness and transparency is to not touch your chips after you’ve placed them on the table and the dealer has closed bets. It’s also helpful if you stack your chips with the lowest denominations on top.
Other points of etiquette involve your interactions with dealers and other players. Courteousness is always welcome and players should refrain from giving advice or coaching each other.
That courteousness extends to tipping the dealer when you’re ready to end your session. They have provided you with a service that was integral to your enjoyment of the game and deserve the compensation.
Keep It Simple With Online Blackjack
Online blackjack digitizes the communication aspect of blackjack, even in live dealer versions, further simplifying the game. BetMGM Casino is the best online casino for online blackjack because it emphasizes the benefits of technology further.
Within its Android app, iOS app, and website, BetMGM offers players the greatest variety of blackjack games, the most valuable promotions, and the best casino rewards program. All these benefits are available to players who register for BetMGM.
Even if you play online regularly, blackjack hand signals add to the knowledge you need to master casino gambling. With that expertise, you’re ready to play anywhere.
