online black jack gambling

Casino Table Manners: Blackjack and Roulette

Strange as it may seem, there is a certain decorum that permeates the rough and tumble of casino play. Take note of these sensible rules or else you could be ostracized if not led bodily out of the premises.

First of all, try to stick to your own chair and avoid spreading yourself over adjacent ones for an armrest or footrest. This is elementary courtesy since casinos are very often crowded (unless you are a habitué of the dead hours during the day). Everybody deserves a place at the table. Whether in blackjack or roulette, there should be space for six or seven players.

If you are flush with winnings or are simply feeling generous and wish to tip the dealer by making a side bet, it is always a good idea to make your intentions clear. In blackjack, place the chip(s) for the tip bet outside your winning circle. If you must place the chips atop your betting pile, make sure the dealer knows which chips are for him.

The latter can be more gratifying for the dealer because if your side bet wins, you retain control of the money and everyone understands that you will wish to parlay the winning chips into possibly even greater winnings in subsequent hands. The equivalent at roulette is to place a bet for the dealer on his "lucky" number or wherever you wish. Whatever the chip denomination, a win at 35-to-1 odds will guarantee good will.

Herewith some other pointers specific to blackjack:

1. Live and let live. Even if the other players are friends of yours, this is not the place to deride their playing or betting strategy. If you see you are really a cut above the rest, do move on to another, higher-stakes table.

2. Always make sure you communicate your playing decisions clearly. Remember, casino practice is different. When cards are dealt face-up from the shoe, waving palm down over your cards means you stand and scratching the felt in your direction with your index finger means you want a hit.

3. Wait for the shuffle before indicating that you wish to "color up" your chips or that you wish to leave. It is the height of rudeness to interrupt the flow of the game.

At roulette:

1. Avoid the most common violation of the novice: do not pick up winning bets or make new ones on the next spin until the dealer settles all wins and removes the marker from the winning number.

2. At a crowded table, avoid jostling in your hurry to place your wager. It makes sense to wait anyway when a great many placements are being made because the dealer is sensitive to tempo and will drop the ball only when everyone is done.

3. Use roulette chips only at roulette. You should not use them to tip waitresses or ask the cashier to exchange them for greenbacks.

If you must remember just three things, the first is that common courtesy is required in a public gambling venue. In blackjack, signal your playing decisions clearly. When playing roulette, wait for the dealer to resolve all winning bets and remove the winning marker before picking up your winnings or placing bets on the next spin.