Experience Blackjack in a Land Based Casino

Playing online is the easy part. The tricky part is playing at an actual land based casino. Here is what you have to do when playing in traditional land based casino.

When playing Blackjack the cards can be dealt either face up or face down. Cards must be handled differently, according to how they are dealt.

The game begins in the same manner for both face up or face down games. First you must make sure you have with what to gamble. Casino chips are usually used, but you may also use cash sometimes. You can buy chips from the cashier or from the dealer. Just wait until the round ends and ask to "buy in". Make sure to place your cash outside the betting area if you want to buy chips. Placing your money inside the betting area may be interpreted as wanting to play and you will be dealt cards. The dealer will take your cash, spread it on the table so that the surveillance cameras can see, and then will give you the chips.

Blackjack players usually keep their chips right in front of them. This is a good idea since you will be using them a lot. In order to start a round, simply place some chips in the betting area. Start with the table minimum, and work your way up from there. When unsure, do as the other players do.

Some casinos practice card cutting. This is a simple procedure. If asked to cut the cards, pick up the card shaped plastic piece and insert it in the deck, somewhere in the middle.

The dealer will give you two cards. If the cards are dealt to you face up you mustn't touch them. You can use hand gestures to signal the dealer your intentions. Scratching or taping the felt means you want a hit. A simple wave motion on top of your cards means that you want to stand. All hand gestures must also be accompanied by voice signals. When you want a hit you should also say "hit". The same applies too when you want to stand.

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. Your other hand must not be on the table. These precautions have been taken by the casinos to prevent cheating. The hand gestures when playing a face down game are similar to a face up one. Scratching the corner or taping the felt with the cards means you want a hit. If you want to stand, lay your cards on the table face up.

Make sure to leave a tip. It is always a good idea to do so. You have the option of giving the tip directly to the dealer or you can place the chips you want to leave as a tip on the edge of the betting area and saying "for the dealer". This is considered a bet that you have placed for the dealer. If you win, then the dealer will get the winnings on that bet. If you lose, he will get nothing.