You gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, and know when to run.
-Kenny Rogers (The Gambler).
- Understand the rules before you sit down.
- Only buy or cash in chips between hands.
- When you buy in, the dealer may ask what denomination of chips you prefer. You should know that red chips are $5, greens are $25, and blacks are $100. Some high limit tables have additional colors.
- When you cash out, the dealer's preference is for you to trade in smaller denominations of chips for large ones.
- If the cards are dealt face up, never touch your cards.
- If the cards are dealt face down then only touch your cards with one hand.
- Never touch your bet once the first card has been dealt. Wait until the hand is over.
- Do not drink excessively, it is wise to be sober when money is at stake!
- Do not ask the dealer for advice. Remember they work for the "House" not you!
- Do not solicit pity if you have a bad hand, everyone has experienced this at one time or another. (Practice your "poker face" ahead of time as you don't want to give yourself away every time being the obvious sourpuss!)
- The tipping rule is more up to your judgement than the other rules of etiquette. A good tip should be 2/3 based on how friendly and helpful the dealer is and 1/3 on how much your wins/losses are. Even if you lose, still tip if the dealer has been trying to make the experience enjoyable.
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Some games, especially blackjack, involve hand signals to signify how you want to play your cards. You must use hand signals, verbal instructions are not enough. Please know them before you sit down. The hand signals in blackjack when the cards are dealt face up:
- Hit: Tap the table.
- Stand: Wave your hand, palm open, parallel to the table.
- Double/Split: Place your matching bet next to, never on top of, your original bet. If you have two fours or two fives, you should hold up one finger if you are doubling, and two fingers if you are splitting.
The hand signals in blackjack when the cards are dealt face down:- Hit: Lightly scrape the corner of the cards against the felt.
- Stand: Slide your cards under your bet. Do not lift your chips in the process.
- Double/Split: Place your cards face up on the table, just above your bet. Then place your matching bet next to, never on top of, your original bet. If you have two fours or two fives, you should hold up one finger if you are doubling, and two fingers if you are splitting.
If you lose then lay down your cards face up by your bet. Do not throw them in disgust, it is very rude and distracting. If you can’t handle losing, then it would be wise to find another activity that is more enjoyable and does not involve losing money!
