What Are the Rules at a Blackjack Table?

Blackjack is a popular casino game that is enjoyed by many people around the world. It is a game of skill and strategy, but it also has rules that all players must follow in order to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for everyone at the table. In this article, we will discuss the rules that are typically followed at a blackjack table.

The Basics of Blackjack

Before we dive into the rules of blackjack, let’s start with the basics. At its core, blackjack is a card game in which players try to get as close to 21 points as possible without going over.

The game is played with a deck or decks of cards, depending on the casino’s policies. Each card has a point value: numbered cards are worth their face value, face cards (kings, queens, and jacks) are worth 10 points each, and aces can be worth either 1 or 11 points.

The objective of the game is for each player to beat the dealer’s hand by having a higher point total without going over 21. If any player goes over 21, they lose automatically.

The Rules at a Blackjack Table

Now that we understand the basics of blackjack let’s dive into some common rules that are followed at most blackjack tables:

1. Cards Are Dealt Face Up or Face Down

In most casinos, each player receives two cards face up while the dealer takes one card face up and one card face down. However, some casinos may deal all cards face down so that players cannot touch them.

2. Only Touch Your Cards with One Hand

When you receive your cards at the table, you should only touch them with one hand. This rule ensures that no one can cheat by adding or removing cards from their hand.

3. Don’t Touch Your Bet Once It’s Placed

Once you place your bet on the table, you should not touch it again until the hand is over. This rule ensures that no one can cheat by adding or removing chips from their bet.

4. Don’t Touch the Cards Once You’ve Decided to Stand

Once you have decided to stand (i.e., keep your hand as is), you should not touch your cards again. This rule ensures that no one can cheat by adding cards to their hand after they have decided to stand.

5. Don’t Touch the Cards Once You’ve Decided to Double Down

If you decide to double down (i., double your bet and receive one more card), you should not touch your cards again until the dealer has completed dealing all of the cards. This rule ensures that no one can cheat by adding or removing cards from their hand after they have decided to double down.

6. Don’t Touch Other Players’ Cards

You should never touch another player’s cards at the table. This rule ensures that there is no cheating or collusion between players.

7. Don’t Take Phone Calls at the Table

Cell phones are generally not allowed at blackjack tables, and if they are allowed, players should refrain from taking phone calls or texting while at the table. This rule ensures that there are no distractions during gameplay and that everyone can focus on the game.

8. Don’t Give Advice Unless Asked

It’s generally considered bad etiquette to give unsolicited advice to other players at the table. However, if another player asks for advice, it’s okay to provide it as long as it doesn’t slow down gameplay.

9. Don’t Drink Too Much Alcohol

Drinking alcohol is allowed at most casinos, but excessive drinking can lead to bad decisions and a lack of focus during gameplay. It’s important to drink responsibly and know your limits.

10. Respect the Dealer and Other Players

Finally, it’s important to respect the dealer and other players at the table. This means not getting angry or upset if you lose a hand, not blaming others for your losses, and generally being courteous and polite.

Conclusion

In conclusion, blackjack is a game that requires skill and strategy but also has rules that must be followed by all players at the table. These rules ensure fairness, prevent cheating, and create a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. So next time you sit down at a blackjack table, remember to follow these rules and have fun!