Blackjack Table Etiquette

All standard Blackjack tables are shaped as a semicircle. The dealer stands on one side, and up to 7 players on the other. The first base seat is the one to the far right, and the third base seat is the one to the far left. Picking the right seat can mean an advantage or disadvantage for you. The "pit" is the place were there are several Blackjack tables. All pits are watched over by a "pit boss".

There are several things that you will find on a Blackjack table. In front of the dealer you will see the chips, placed in special racks. The rules of the game and pay ratios are also displayed on the table. Before placing a bet look at the table minimum and maximum. You will find them posted on the table, but be careful as they do change from time to time.

The "shoe" is the box in which the decks of cards are kept. The shoe is a must have in multi deck games and is usually placed to the side of the dealer. In single deck games shoes are not used as they are not necessary. Since card counting is a serious problem for casinos multi deck games help stop this problem. Players will place their bets in the small rectangle right in front of them.

Table Etiquette
In order to make your game as fun and enjoyable as possible, there are a few unspoken rules that you must follow. This is called the table etiquette and must be followed by all players if they want to enjoy themselves and avoid being accused of cheating.

After placing your wager, keep your hands away from the money. The dealer will get suspicious and may accuse you of cheating if you touch the money.

The chips used to double your hand must be placed next to your initial wager. Placing them on top of the initial bet is not a good idea, as you might be accused of trying to increase the initial wager.

You must not touch your cards if they are dealt to you face up. Touching them may result in the dealer accusing you of trying to mark the cards.

When the dealer gives you your cards face down be sure to touch them with only one hand. Do not touch them if you don't have to, and always keep them above the table.

Casinos are usually crowded and noisy places. Because of this you should learn to signal your intentions to the dealer without speaking. Hand gestures are important at the Blackjack table, and their meaning is as follows:

• A brushing gesture behind you cards or with the cards in hand means that you want a hit;
• A simple wave motion on top of your cards means that you want to stand;

Always collect your winnings from the table. If you leave them on the table the dealer will consider them to be a bet and will deal you cards.

Make sure to leave a tip. Place the chips you want to leave as a tip on the edge of the betting area. If you win, then the dealer will get double the tip chips. But if you lose, he will get no chips at all.

Most casinos allow the players to use cash, but it is better to play with chips. You can get chips from the cage or directly from the dealer. All wins will be paid in chips. You can exchange chips back into money at the casino cage.