Hand Signals That Are Essential At The Blackjack Table

Though blackjack is an easy game to learn, watching the players at the blackjack table might cause some novice players to feel a little ignorant. That's because land-based casinos require blackjack players to make use of hand signals. This is understandable as it means there's a security camera record of the game play. If at a later stage the gambler feel he was cheated, then the casino can simply play back the tape and see exactly what the gambler requested. But, there are only a few to learn.

Though blackjack is an easy game to learn, watching the players at the blackjack table might cause some novice players to feel a little ignorant. That’s because land-based casinos require blackjack players to make use of hand signals. This is understandable as it means there’s a security camera record of the gameplay. If at a later stage the gambler feels he was cheated, then the casino can simply playback the tape and see exactly what the gambler requested. But, there are only a few to learn.

Actions and Hand Signals In Blackjack Explained

In order to make money when playing blackjack, you need to play at a fairly rapid rate. In fact, one of the biggest downsides for playing blackjack professionally is to find a real casino that’s playing fast enough. Somewhere you’ll be able to play the same number of hands per hour as you can at the online casino. Nevertheless, it’s possible to accelerate the gameplay if you make use of blackjack hand signals.

Hand Signals Are Mandatory

Now, if you’re playing in a brick-and-mortar casino, then these are actually a requirement of the casino. This is because everything you do sitting at the blackjack table is being recorded by the eye in the sky. One of the points is that you should never be afraid to ask the dealer to explain to you how the hand signals in blackjack work, especially if you’re unsure of them. We should point out, that if you’re playing blackjack online, at King Billy Casino for example, then there’s no need for hand signals at all.

Today at Blackjackchamp.com we thought we’d give you a rundown on the function of hand signals used with the main blackjack variations when you’re playing the best blackjack card game types. We’ve also added some other tips that will help you settle in better at the casino.

Hand Signals In Classic Blackjack

We should start by pointing out that there are a huge number of blackjack variations based on the basic blackjack rules. But on the whole, with most of them, your starting cards will be face-up on the table. As you all know, the dealer will include one card that’s faced down and another that’s face up. So if you start playing this version of the game, then you should follow the rules below. And use the hand signals to clearly indicate your actions.

Hit

If you want the dealer to give you another card then tap the table with your finger. This is the most common signal for hitting.

Stand

If you’re happy with your hand and don’t want more cards, you should wave your hand over the cards you have.

Double Down

Now if you want to double the stakes, take the required number of chips, and put them next to your initial wager. The point with one finger. Do make sure that the extra chips are outside the betting box.

Split Pair

If you want to split a pair, the hand signal would be to once again place chips for a second stake and use two fingers to show a V shape. That last part is mandatory to avoid any misunderstandings.

Blackjack Surrender

This option is available for many versions of the game. As far as we know, there’s no universal action or gesture for this.

By the way, we should point out that if the table is offering surrender and you want to take advantage of this then simply ask the group here about it.

Now the blackjack hand signals that we’ve mentioned above will be appropriate for virtually all tables in land-based casinos. So if you’re playing a version of the game where you receive your face cards up, then these hand signals will apply. Nevertheless, there is another version of blackjack which has different hand signals.

Face Down Blackjack Hand Signals

A game that’s becoming increasingly popular is known as the “face down” blackjack game. In this version, both of your cards will be dealt face down on the table. You’ll need to check them yourself. It’s not surprising that the casinos prefer this version of blackjack.

Simply because it makes card counting much more difficult. Keep in mind that the core rules will remain the same. This also applies to the actions and gameplay. But the hand signals for face-down blackjack are slightly different. Let’s have a look.

Hit

If you want another card, then scrape the table in face-down blackjack.

Stand

To indicate you don’t want more cards, move your cards underneath your chips. But don’t move your chips in that blackjack hand signal.

Double Down

To double your wager, turn your cards face up and then put a second bet on the table. Hold one finger up to show the dealer you want to double down.

Split Pair

Splitting pairs in face-down blackjack is similar to doubling down. Repeat the same process, but hold two fingers up.

OK, so now you know how to request a certain action using blackjack hand signals. So let’s take a look at other common actions at the tables.

Other Blackjack Actions In The Casino

If you’re going to be playing at the brick-and-mortar casino, you’ll see now that there are some other factors you should take into account when playing blackjack.

One example might be that you need to get more chips. So it’s important to know how to go about performing these actions. After all, there’s proper casino etiquette when it comes to how to behave when playing casino table games. To help you, we’ve compiled a simple list of the do’s and don’ts when you’re playing live blackjack at the casino.

You’re not allowed to touch cards dealt face up.
You can touch cards dealt face down if they’re yours, but you have to use one hand only.
Don’t try to change or remove your wagers after the new hand has started.
If you want to buy more chips, wait for the hand to finish.
Don’t give the money straight to the dealer when buying chips. Leave them on the table, so he can count them and give you the chips.
If you want to split or double, always place the chips for the new wager next to your initial bet, not on top of it.
Don’t ever remove cards from the table.
Don’t touch the chips you’ve wagered after the hand has started.

Remember that you can always ask the dealer for advice during the hand.

Only the above-hand signals will stand you in good stead, depending on the type of blackjack you’re playing. We suggest that you learn, and then stick to the universal casino etiquette when it comes to blackjack. This will give you the best playing experience.

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Playing Blackjack Online

Playing online blackjack for fun is a totally different affair. All those hand signals will be totally redundant. Even live dealer online casino sites, like those offered by King Billy Casino, will simply offer you some nice shiny buttons on your screen for each action. And this way it’s impossible to get it wrong. The great thing about playing blackjack online is that there will be any number of tasty bonuses and generous comps available. Furthermore, and even better for your bankroll, there are much lower minimum table wages than found in real land-based casinos.

Make Use Of Free Play

Finally, we should mention that all online casinos like King Billy Casino, will let you play for free. This is great free blackjack practice to improve your blackjack strategies. As well as improving your gameplay. Though you can’t win any cash prizes when utilizing free play, you can gain essential knowledge that will help you move forward when you finally decide to break your bankroll and start to make some real cash bets.