Blackjack is one of the oldest games around. Get as close to 21 as possible and best the dealer in the process. What you may not have realized is that there are a number of hand signals meant to be used to make gameplay smoother. They are quick and easy to learn, making you a more efficient player in the process.
Blackjack is arguably the most popular casino game in the world after slots. Millions of people play blackjack around the world each day, hoping to best the dealer and win their hand. The great thing is that virtually anyone can pick it up and start playing.
Whether you have been playing for a while or plan on getting started, it is critical to know about hand signals in blackjack. They are relatively simple to execute and can make the game smoother as a result. Here’s what you need to know about hand signals when playing blackjack.
Hand Signals in Face-Up Blackjack
Hand signals are mostly the same but there can be some variance depending on how you play. Face-up blackjack, also known as double exposure blackjack, sees both of the player’s cards dealt face-up. Here are the signals to know in this version of blackjack.
Hit
If you want to draw another card, you can gently tap on the table or point to your cards using an index finger. This signifies to the dealer that you want to hit, and another card will be dealt to your hand accordingly.
Stand
Should you want to keep your hand as it is, you need to let the dealer know that you wish to stand. In order to do that, place your hand over your cards palm down, and wave back and forth. The dealer will then move to the next player to act, allowing you to keep your hand as it is.
Double Down
There are situations where doubling down makes sense, but that’s another article. If you want to double down and pick up another card, then pick up the same total of chips as your original bet and place it next to your existing bet. Then, take the table using one finger to signify that you are doubling down.
Split
When you have a pair, you can split your cards into two hands and double your bet. In order to do this, take a matching pile of chips and put them next to your original bet. From there, take two fingers and tape them on the table without touching the cards.
Hand Signals in Face-Down Blackjack
A less traditional way to play is where the player’s cards are dealt face-down. In this version, players pick them up and hold them which isn’t something that is generally acceptable in the aforementioned version. Since there is a distinct difference in the way the game is played, there are differences in hand signals.
Hit
In order to hit and add another card in face-down blackjack, you need to scrape the table using your cards. Pull them in toward yourself will complete the action.
Stand
It is important not to touch or move your chips during the process of standing. Slide your cards under your chips to declare that you are standing and not adding any more cards to your hand.
Double Down/Split
Doubling down and splitting is done the same way in this version of blackjack. Put another pile of chips next to the original bet and hold up one finger if you want to double down, and two fingers if you want to split.
Why it is Important to Use Hand Signals When Playing Blackjack
It might seem a bit arbitrary to have to use hand signals. Having said that, there are actually more than a few good reasons to do so. Plus, those are generally the rules of the game and it is best to follow the rules out of simple respect to other players and the dealer as well.
Faster Gameplay
When you go to a casino, there is a good chance that the blackjack tables will get quite busy before you know it. Since they get crowded and it can get pretty noisy, it means being able to carry on the game efficiently without the dealer having to ask players to repeat themselves.
With universal hand signals in place, there is no mistake about what action is being taken. Besides, the last thing you need as a player is to make one move only for the dealer to mishear and treat it as the complete opposite action.
Easier to Solve Disputes
There will be disputes from time to time about what the player’s action is during a round of blackjack. Given how many hands are played on a daily basis, it’s going to happen even with the best and most experienced players in the mix.
By using hand signals, solving those disputes can be done far faster and more easily. With hand signals, the casino has the ability to review security footage to see what happened. With verbal signals, there is no way to be 100% certain about what happened, especially because each player can hear something different depending on the circumstances of the game.
Avoid Confusion
With the noise level of a casino, it is all too easy for things to get confusing quickly. That will grind the game to a halt, frustrating players and dealers alike. The best way to avoid that confusion and keep things moving briskly is by using the universal hand signals.
Dealers recognize those signals instantly and they can be processed in no time. Remember, the goal is to keep the game moving so that you can play as many hands as possible in a short period of time. Without hand signals, there will be delays abound.
Rules for Proper Blackjack Etiquette
As is the case with just about any game you find in a casino, there is proper etiquette to be followed in addition to the house rules. By following proper blackjack etiquette, you can avoid disputes with other players and keep the dealer from becoming frustrated by your actions.
Keep Your Chips Organized
There is perhaps nothing more annoying than a player who seems aloof and unprepared. It might seem like a simple thing to do, but keep your chips organized by denomination in order to keep bets smooth and fluid, avoiding confusion in the process.
Depending on how much you are playing with, there is a general system to follow Take your largest denomination chips and put them on the bottom. The lower you go, the closer they should be to the top. It is just an easy way to count out chips and place bets rather than having to search through the stack.
Keep Your Money on the Table
It might sound simple, but keeping your money on the table is a must. There are far too many players who hand their money directly to the dealer when they sit down to buy chips. Security cameras are in place to record these transactions but can’t do so effectively with hand-to-hand exchanges.
When you sit down, say how much you want and place your money directly on the table. The dealer will then take the money, announce that exchange, and distribute your chips accordingly. It is a simple, smooth process when rules are followed.
Be Aware of Your Hands
What you do with your hands is critical throughout the process of playing blackjack. What you think are unimportant motions can earn you a negative reputation. Make sure that you never, ever touch your cards when playing the face-up version of blackjack. There is simply no reason to touch them during the course of the hand.
The idea is to keep players from tampering with the cards. There is also the matter of security cameras picking the hands, key for solving disputes as they arise. You might not get yelled at, but you will be told to refrain from touching your cards. Also, don’t touch your chips after placing a bet because it could send an incorrect message to the dealer about your intentions during that hand.
Respect Other Players
Above all else, it is critical that you respect the other players seated at the table. Remember that everyone has their own way of playing and you all share the goal of trying to best the dealer. The last thing you need to be doing is yelling, swearing, or offering opinions on the strategy a player is employing.
Failing to respect other players is one of the quickest ways to be shown the door. Enjoy your time there, be courteous to others, and simply play your hand. Anything more and you could become persona non grata at the blackjack tables in no time.
Tip Your Dealer
Though it is easy to see the dealer as the enemy, they are not. In the right setting, a dealer can be someone who becomes almost a friend. They deal the cards, share banter, and have the ability to impact how your time at the table goes.
You aren’t obligated to tip them by any means, especially when you lose. That said, if you get up from the table with quite a few bucks in winnings, feel free to throw them a tip. Most of their earnings come from tips and they will most definitely appreciate the love.
Forgetting Hand Signals
This generally isn’t a problem at online casinos because you’re not dealing with a real dealer. In that format, hands are generated by a program and dealt to players without any interaction with the dealer necessary. When you play in person, however, it is entirely possible to forget to use hand signals and instead opt for verbal signals.
Participating in a live game, whether it is your first time or your 500th, can lead to mistakes. The good thing is that there aren’t any hard and fast rules when it comes to hand signals. Most casinos will allow verbal signals. At worst, a dealer will gently remind you to use them, and all will be forgiven. There is nothing to fret about and you can work to remember to use your hand signals instead.
The Proper Way to Play
There are plenty of ways to play blackjack. Whether you choose to do so online or in person is up to you, but it is always important to follow the rules. It makes it easier to get along with other players and you are far less likely to be reprimanded by your dealer. You can also focus on winning the hand, which is the most important part.
