Casino Blackjack Rules and Etiquette
Many of us have played blackjack it home with family and friends. It is also common to play blackjack over the Internet. But not everybody has had the experience of blackjack in its true environment - the live casino. If you have never tried playing casino blackjack before but want to try, read on and learn how.
Casino blackjack is played with cards on a table. This is why it falls under the class of "table games" along with poker and baccarat. A dealer supervises play in casino blackjack and he or she represents the house. Players buy into a blackjack table by placing their monies on the side of the table; the dealer will then exchange them for betting chips.
The dealer will shuffle the cards on a regular basis. One of the players will be asked to "cut" the cards using a non-playable card. Wherever the player inserts the cut card is where the dealer will make the final cut. The cut card itself is put somewhere along 2/3 to 3/4 deep in the decks. As more blackjack hands are played, the dealer takes from the top of the deck until he or she arrives at the cut card, when he or she will shuffle again.
The dealer will then place the decks in a box called a "shoe" or hold them in his or her hand if it's a single deck or double deck game. The dealer will deal one card to each player in turn, usually facing up, until all have two cards. In most casinos players are not allowed to handle the cards. The dealer also gets two cards, one up and one down. Dealing begins with the player to the dealer's left and moves to the right.
Do not speak commands in casino blackjack. This is useless since they need you to make signs that are recorded in surveillance cameras. Scratch the table lightly with your finger if it's a face up game (cards are dealt facing up) or scratch with your cards (if it's face down).
To double down, take playing chips equivalent to the double bet and push them gently beside your original bet. The dealer will give you one last card laid horizontally over your two starting cards. Wait for all hands to be settled and let the dealer reveal the card for you.
To split pairs in face down casino blackjack, turn the cards up and put them slightly apart. In a face up game, wait for your turn and say "split" while gesturing toward your cards. The dealer will take your original bet and put it together with one of the pairs; you must make the extra bet (equal to the first one) on the betting circle with the other card.
To make a stand in casino blackjack, wave your hand with your palm down.
Do not forget to tip the dealer every once in a while. You can either tip them directly or place a bet for them. Dealers almost always prefer a bet since if you win, they get the bet plus the prize, and if you lose they keep the bet anyway. A happy dealer can be very helpful as they often give players hints when they know what their hole card (down card) is. Besides, it's always better to play casino blackjack when you're in happy spirits with your opponent!