Written by We’ve already written about casino etiquette elsewhere on this site. We’ve also written
Blackjack Etiquette
about more specific games such as poker and roulette, each of which are played with a certain style and rules. Blackjack is one more game which deserves its own guide to etiquette. One of the original casino games, its long history has given it ample opportunity to refine itself into a very singular game with very singular behavioural expectations. Here’s a quick guide to Blackjack etiquette:
- Always be polite, for example when approaching the table ask the dealer if it’s OK to sit down. Politeness costs nothing.
- Don’t touch the cards. The cards in Blackjack are dealt face up so there is no need to touch them. It can also look suspicious to onlookers. Of course you can touch any further cards dealt to you face down.
- After your wager has been placed, don’t be tempted to fiddle with the chips. Historically, a common method of cheating was to try and surreptitiously add more chips to your pile after being dealt a strong hand so pit bosses are understandably suspicious if anyone is seen tampering with the chips.
- Don’t be rude to other players. Blackjack is a game in which there is a feeling that a poor player can steal good cards from a following player by playing poorly (for example hitting when they should be standing). This is completely bogus however, they may be wasting a bad card. Anyway, however bad a player is, berating them is completely unacceptable. You won’t be popular.
- Always respect the staff – they are almost certainly on a fairly low wage and will not appreciate being treated disrespectfully by any players. However they will appreciate a tip, especially if you’re on a winning streak. Tipping will also be appreciated by the waiting staff.
- Keep up with play. No one appreciates an inattentive player and the dealer doesn’t want to have to keep reminding you when it’s your play.
