Blackjack Hand Signals
Blackjack hand signals are a perfect set up for slapstick comedies so to ensure that you hit the tables like a hero instead of a zero, take careful note of the differences in hand gestures for hands up versus hands down games.
Hands Up
- Hit: point at your cards or tap the table
- Stand: wave. The appropriate way to do this doesn't look like you're waving to friends from the deck of a boat. Try moving your hand from left to right over the cards without moving your arm. Or check out other players first.
- Double down or Splitting: add a second bet in a separate pile next to your first wager. Do not touch the cards as touching the cards is only done on games played with the hands down.
- Hold up one finger to double and two to split.
Hands Down
- Hit: scrape. This is a light gesture usually with the index finger.
- Stand: move your cards under your chips. The most efficient way to do this is to "slide" the chips under the bet without actually moving the chips.
- Double down or Splitting: turn your cards over so that they are face up while adding a second bet to the first stack of chips
- Hold up one finger to double and two to split.
If all of this leaves you feeling somewhat exhausted you can also decide to play blackjack online. The big benefit there is that you can flaunt almost any kind of bad behavior or manners with only the computer or any nearby friends or family to bother. But for those willing to put in the effort, simple courtesy along with following the above guidelines will help you to enjoy a smooth and likely a more profitable experience.
