As with any casino game, a defined etiquette governs players’ behaviour that clearly outlines what not to do at a blackjack table.
Knowing what not to do at a blackjack table is as essential as being aware of what you are allowed to do. While some rules might appear logical to more experienced players, newbies might find some of these suggestions valuable.
No one can blame you for being a little confused about how blackjack is played if it’s your first time at a casino. However, even if you are a veteran of the game, you might be unawarely committing some grave errors.
If you plan to pop into a land-based casino and try your luck with a card game, always be mindful of what not to do at a blackjack table.
1. Don’t instruct others how they should play their game
Blackjack is intended to be enjoyable. Therefore, correcting other players’ gameplay is a sure way to ruin their pleasure. Irrespective of what others do, your odds remain the same. Most of the unlikable players at the table who correct others’ decisions are operating under the assumption that their odds will change depending on their opponents’ play, which is as far from reality as possible.
2. Don’t Give Money Directly to Dealers
This is a prime example of what not to do at a blackjack table. Simply put your wager money on the table rather than in a dealer’s hand. This is better for your security should a dealer deliver you an erroneous quantity of chips, and it also enhances the casino’s overall security.
3. Follow the Table Limits
Blackjack limitations will be clearly displayed on a table. Ensure that you adhere to the minimum and maximum table limits. When betting with chips, the lower denominations are placed on top, with the higher-value chips stacked at the bottom.
Once the dealing begins, wagered chips can’t be handled again until all bets are settled. When splitting, doubling, or taking insurance, push the chips towards the dealer rather than pilling extra chips on top of the initial stake.
4. Don’t Get Emotional
Because blackjack is a dynamic, fast-paced game, it’s easy to become emotional at the table. Still, if you lose multiple hands in a row, try not to become too demonstrative or upset. When you make emotional decisions, nothing positive ever comes out, especially when gambling. Keep your emotions in check, whether you’re winning or losing, as it may irritate other players and impact you adversely.
5. Avoid 6-5 Blackjack Table
If you get a blackjack during gameplay, you will be rewarded CA$3 for every CA$2 on the table. However, if you sit at a 6-5 blackjack table, you only get CA$6 for every CA$5, which means you win less. If you put CA$100 for a 3-2 game, you stand a chance to win CA$150, whereas, in a 6-5 game, you walk away with only CA$120.
6. Don’t Touch the Chips Once the first Card is Dealt
Whatever the reason, don’t touch any chips once the first card is dealt. The casino will likely suspect you of wrongdoing and nullify your bet. If you do this often, they might even kick you out of the casino! Whether you realised that the stack you set down is uneven, or you just wanted to recount how much you put down, don’t ever touch the chips!
7. Refrain from Cheating
Cheating is defined as underhandedly changing a game’s circumstances. For example, you would be cheating if you used a device to count cards. Also, you’re double-dealing if you alter the size of your bets after seeing your cards.
The issue with cheating in casinos is that it is illegal and is a textbook example of what not to do at a blackjack table. If you are prepared to risk going to jail and getting slapped with a criminal record because you tried getting an unlawful advantage over a casino, go right ahead. But our advice would be never to cheat.
