Don't get into a fight! 5 Tips for Better Blackjack Etiquette

It's a common occurrence, and it happens to the best of us. When you make a "wrong" move at the Blackjack table, you can expect to get negative reactions from the players around you.

And when I say, "wrong" move, I don't just mean hitting on a 19.

5 Tips for Better Blackjack Etiquette

1. Do your research. Know the rules: http://tinyurl.com/nnqx7d

3. Know your options and how to appropriately express them.

• Hit: Take another card.

  signal: (handheld) scrape cards against table; (face up) touch finger to table

• Stand: Take no more cards, also "stick" or "stay".

  signal: (handheld) slide cards under bet; (face up) move hand horizontally

• Double down: On his first two cards, the player may "double down," i.e., "double" his bet and receive only one card face "down." To do this he moves a second bet equal to the first into the betting box next to his original bet. (If desired, the player is usually allowed to "double down for less," although this is generally not a good idea as the player should only double in favorable situations but should then increase the bet as much as possible.)

  signal: place additional chips next to (not on top of) original bet, make "one finger" sign

• Split a pair: If his first two cards are a "pair," meaning two cards of the same value, the player can "split the pair." To do this, he moves a second bet equal to the first into the betting box next to his original bet. The dealer splits the cards to create two hands, placing one bet with each hand. The player then plays two separate hands.

  signal: place additional chips next to (not on top of) original bet, make "two fingers" sign

• Surrender: Some casinos offer a fifth option called "Surrender." After the dealer has checked for blackjack, the player may "surrender" by giving up half his bet and not playing out the hand.

  signal: There is no commonly accepted hand signal; it is just done verbally

3. Find an appropriate table for your budget. There are maximum and minimum betting limits, and you certainly don't want to be betting $5 at a $25 minimum table. Be sure to read the signs located at each table and play accordingly. Nothing is more embarrassing - or annoying - than a player who appears, loses their money in one hand, and disrupts the flow of the table.

4. Know that everyone plays in their own unique way. There are thousands of books on shelves about the "right" way to play. The best thing is to understand your own patterns and strategies, and know that there is always room to grow as a player. See the above video for more information.

5. Respect the flow of other players as you make your move. For example, only enter a table if the dealer is shuffling or in the midst of a break. Other instances will come up as you experience the game in play.

With this knowledge, you can approach the table with confidence!