Blackjack has been one of the most popular casino games in the world for years. Now, that the online gaming market is on the rise, the game has proven to be as popular online, as it is popular in land casinos. Blackjack is fun to play, and the rules are easy to pick up. However, before sitting down at the table, it is a good idea to learn some basic strategies as well as blackjack hand signals essential at this card game table.
Speaking of the game, its rules, and hand signals for blackjack, they are all equally important if your goal is to win more often than lose. Blackjack hand signals are important, especially at brick-and-mortar casinos. At physical casinos, not knowing the basic hand gestures can cause many problems, as well as cause great losses. In this article, we will try to explain the basics of hand signals as they pertain to different variations of the game.
Common Blackjack Hand Signals
If you are a complete novice at the blackjack table, you should read up on the most common actions possible during a round. Here, we will list these actions, as well as the hand signals that go along with each of them.
- Hit – this means that you are requesting another card from the dealer. The hand signal for this action when you are holding your cards is to simply scrape them on the table. However, if you are playing the face up blackjack variation, the hand signal will be to touch your finger on the table or wave your hand towards yourself.
- Stand – this action means that you wish to stick to the cards you already have, without requesting additional cards. If you wish to stand, simply wave your hand over the cards you already have.
- Double Down – if you wish to double your initial bet and receive one more card from the dealer, simply place the extra chips next to your initial bet. Make sure that the extra chips are outside the betting box, and point with one finger.
- Split – this action is when you split two cards of the same value you are dealt. Simply place another bet that is the same amount as the initial one, but away from the initial betting box. The dealer will then split the cards thus creating two different hands for you to play. The blackjack split hand signal is to simply put more chips next to your initial bet, but from outside of the betting area.
Face Up Blackjack Hand Signals
Face Up Blackjack or Double Exposure Blackjack is another variation of this popular card game. While in the classic game you and the dealer are dealt two cards, one facing up and one facing down. However, in this version, both you and the dealer are dealt two face up cards. In Face Up Blackjack players are also able to double their bet after splits or ties. The dealer will also hit on a soft 17 and a blackjack will top any other hand of 21. If you and the dealer have 21, here you win, instead of the dealer. Here are some common Face Up Blackjack hand signals:
- Hit – in order to hit, just tap on the table or point at your cards.
- Stand – to stand, simply wave one of your hands over your cards only.
- Double Down or Split – it is important not to touch your cards here, just place another separated bet. After put up one finger if you want to double, or hold up two fingers if you wish to split your cards.
Face Down Blackjack Hand Signals
In this blackjack variation, you and the dealer will also be dealt two cards, only they will be facing down. The player has an advantage over the dealer only when there is a tie from blackjack, where the player will take the win instead of the dealer. Also, in Face Down Blackjack you can only double with two of the same cards that are either a 9, 10, or 11. Here are some common Face Down Blackjack hand signals:
- Hit – if you wish to hit, you simply need to scrape the table.
- Stand – here you will move your cards underneath your chips, without moving them.
- Double Down or Split – just like before, place a second bet. Only here, you will have to turn your cards face up. Then, either hold up one finger to double or hold up to fingers to split the cards.
Final Word
Overall, these were all of the common blackjack hand signals every player should know, before sitting down at any blackjack table. You might need some time and practice to remember all the different hand signals for each of the variations. However, in time, these blackjack hand signals will become second nature to you. Remember, practice makes perfect.