Blackjack Hand Signals: What to Know and When to Use Them

Blackjack Hand Signals: What You’ll Learn

• Why Hand Signals Matter: Hand signals are used in blackjack to communicate players’ decisions to the dealer clearly and prevent misunderstandings, especially in noisy casino environments.

• Common Hand Signals: Players use specific gestures for actions like Hit (tapping the table with a finger), Stand (waving a hand over the cards), Double Down (placing an additional wager next to the original bet and pointing with one finger), and Split (making a peace sign or jumping a second bet next to the original bet).

• Etiquette and Security: Using hand signals is also a matter of etiquette in the casino, as they help maintain the pace of the game and are recorded by security cameras to protect both the players and the casino.

• Variations for Face-Up and Face-Down Games: In face-up games, where cards are visible, signals are straightforward. In face-down games, players must use one hand only to handle cards, and signals include sliding cards under the chips for “Stand.”

• Tips for New Players: New players should watch others at the table to learn the standard signals, ask dealers for guidance if unsure, and practice the gestures to gain confidence before playing.

Imagine you’re sitting at a Blackjack table inside a real casino – the Dealer’s face up card is a 5 and you have 16. Your best move is to Stand so you verbally indicate your intention…and the Dealer gives you a Hit card. You bust! What happened?

Blackjack hand signals are important because they tell the Dealer exactly what you want to do. It’s important to use hand signals because, if the physical casino is loud, there are distractions or there is a language barrier, you’ll want to make sure you’re conveying the right message.

Many casinos even require or insist on hand signals for blackjack as a security measure and a means to preventing a conflict between the player and the Dealer should any disagreements arise. A simple check of the security cameras can confirm which hand signal was used.

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Introduction to Blackjack Hand Signals

This introduction to Blackjack hand signals guide will take you through some of the dos and don’ts when using hand signals at a Blackjack table, how you can use signals to manage disputes and basic etiquette when playing.

Importance and Benefits of Using Hand Signals

Blackjack hand signals are the easiest way to communicate with the dealer and the better you can signal your intentions and minimize confusion.

There are other benefits as well including enhancing your gameplay and keeping you more involved in the experience. Hand signals are also used by more professional players which can indicate to other players at the table that you’re well-versed in playing Blackjack.

It can also help in ensuring efficient gameplay, especially if you might be with friends. You can keep the conversation going but signal to the Blackjack Dealer what you want without confusion.

Resolving Disputes Effectively

Although disputes are rare, they do arise. While a disagreement on a $10 hand of Blackjack might not be a big deal, you’ll want to be able to dispute effectively if you’re playing with large amounts of money.

Here are a few ways Blackjack hand signals can resolve or minimize disputes:

Visual Proof of Intentions

Dealers are trained to recognize Blackjack hand signals. In a loud environment, if a player has an accent or doesn’t speak loud enough, a Dealer might have a hard time hearing whether a player decides to Hit or Stand. Hand signals will clearly tell the Dealer how you want to play your hand.

Reduce Verbal Mistakes

In a high stakes game or Blackjack tournament, a nervous or emotional player might say the wrong thing or indicate a move without thinking through it. Hand signals act as a double authentication of player intention.

Accusations of Cheating

Being accused of cheating can be scary, but players do use signals with other players when they aren’t playing honestly. If you use hand signals appropriately, you will minimize the chance of being accused. This is rare, but it’s better to play with the correct hand signals than be suspected of something you didn’t do.

Surveillance Support

Should a major dispute arise about an incorrect call, casinos can look at the security camera footage to confirm that you did indeed make the call you wanted.

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What are the hand signals in blackjack?

The good news is there are only so many plays you can make in Blackjack so there aren’t many Blackjack hand signals to learn.

Although most Blackjack table games will deal player cards face up, note that if you find yourself at a Blackjack table with cards face down (generally with single deck Blackjack), the hand signals may differ.

Differences in Single-Deck vs Multi-Deck Games

A single-deck Blackjack game is played with one 52-card deck. Single deck Blackjack can be dealt face up or face down, which allows the player to hold the cards.

The downside with face-down Blackjack is that you can’t see the other players cards – this makes it difficult if you’re counting cards or even want to know what types of cards are in action. Only when a player busts or the hand ends will the cards be revealed.

Multi-deck games can include two or more decks of cards. Cards will be dealt face-up to the players and one face-up card and one face down to the Dealer.

Essential Hand Signals in Blackjack

Let’s explore the essential hand signals you need to know to confidently communicate your decisions at both single-deck and multi-deck Blackjack tables.

Face-Up Game Signals

• Hit: When you want another card, simply tap the table with your finger.

• Stand: If you don’t want another card, wave your hand over your card like you’re slicing the air horizontally.

• Double Down: If you want to double down, place a second, equal-sized bet alongside your original wager. Then hold up 1 finger. This means you are doubling down and knowing you only get 1 card.

• Split: If you have Aces, 8s or any other any other pair you want to split, split your index and middle finger like a V then place an equal sized bet down. Do not touch your cards or the original bet, this will be handled by the Dealer.

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Face-Down Game Signals

• Hit: Without revealing your hand, scrape the table with the cards toward you – this is close to the tap motion for face-up cards.

• Stand: If you decide to Stand, slide your cards under your chips. Remember, don’t touch the chips. If they fall over as your sliding them under, let the Dealer pick them up.

• Double Down: To double down, place an equal amount of chips alongside your original wager then hold up 1 finger to indicate you want 1 card.

• Split: To split, place an equal amount of chips alongside your original wager then hold up your index and middle fingers in a V shape to indicate you want to split your pair.

Lesser-Known Hand Gestures

Although not used as frequently, here are hand signals that may still be useful when playing Blackjack.

• Surrender: To surrender in blackjack, take your finger and draw an imaginary line behind your bet.

• Insurance: If the Dealer has an Ace as their face-up card, you’ll have the opportunity to buy insurance. If you want insurance, slide your index finger along the side of the betting circle.

Proper Blackjack Etiquette

There are several etiquette rules for Blackjack you should follow when sitting at a real casino table.

• Be Respectful: Show respect for both the players and the Dealer, which means avoiding disruptive behavior or being loud. If you find yourself at a loud table, you’ll be glad you know your Blackjack hand signals.

• Don’t Touch the Cards: Unless it’s single deck Blackjack and you’re allowed to, do not touch your cards and, once placed, keep your hands off your chips.

• Don’t Criticize Other People: Sure, it might be frustrating when the player at third base hits and takes the Dealer’s bust card but you have to respect their decision.

And finally, use Blackjack hand signals – it’s the proper way to ensure you’re communicating the move you want to make.

Consequences of Forgetting or Misunderstanding Signals

Not knowing how to signal won’t get you kicked out of a casino so if you forget one, ask the Dealer. They’ll know what to tell you and the best way to communicate with them.

When you use a hand signal in Blackjack, it’s important you’re making the right gestures. There is no point to signaling if it doesn’t show your intentions or else you’ll risk the Dealer doing something you didn’t want them to do. If this happens and they consult the security cameras, they will scrutinize your hand signals.

Practicing hand signals will help you make the right choice when you’re at the Blackjack tables. It’s simple enough to do if you want to do some practice games. The two most you’ll use are Hit and Stand, so by knowing these, you’re covered on most hand signaling.

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How Hand Signals Vary by Region

Most regions have similar Blackjack hand signals. If you’re not sure of hand signals and you’re playing in a different region, the Dealer can explain what signals to use. Here is a breakdown of some of the Blackjack hand signals by region:

Europe

Many of the hand signals in Europe Blackjack are similar to those in North America.

• Hit: Make a tapping or scratching gesture with your fingers.

• Stand: Wave your hand over the cards horizontally or place a hand flat on the table.

• Double Down: Once you place your second wager next to your original wager, point to your cards.

• Split: Place a second wager and then motion your hands as if you’re “splitting” the cards apart.

Asia

• Hit: You’ll either want to tap the table or lightly wave your hand at the dealer for more cards.

• Stand: In some casinos in Asia, making no gesture is an indication of wanting to Stand as well as waving a hand over your cards.

• Double Down and Split: Gestures are similar to North America

Middle East

• Hit: Tap the table or motion your hand or finger toward yourself indicating you want another card.
• Stand: You can either place a hand flat on the table or wave over your cards.

• Double Down: After you place your additional wager next to your original wager, make a pushing motion with your hand.

• Split: Similar to other regions, place your additional wager next to your original bet then gesture a splitting motion with your hands.

Role of Verbal Cues in Online Blackjack

Hand signals in online Blackjack aren’t really a thing because there are buttons to press to signal what action you want to take. There are also chatting options with other players and even voicing your move when there is a live dealer.

Believe it or not, using Blackjack hand signals can increase the fun of the game. It’s a dynamic element to playing and, by moving the body more, even in small gestures, it can add to the excitement.

Hand signals will ensure there isn’t any miscommunication between you and the Dealer – and while those instances may be rare, it has happened before to this author so there is always the possibility.

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Common Questions About Blackjack Hand Signals

Questions about Blackjack hand signals? Here are some FAQs:

1. What if I forget a hand signal?

No worries. State firmly what you want to do (Hit, Stand, Double Down, etc.) and ask the Dealer the correct hand signal that corresponds with your action.

2. Can I use verbal cues instead of hand signals?

Yes. Make sure you state what you want clearly. However, if there is a dispute, the casino may favor the Dealer’s decision.

3. Are hand signals standardized across all casinos?

For the most part, the hand signals are similar. Hitting often includes tapping the table or making a scratching movement with your fingers, similar to how you would signal a Hit with face down cards.

4. How do hand signals vary in multi-deck versus single-deck games?

The difference between multi-deck and single-deck Blackjack will depend on whether or not the single-deck game is face down.

5. Why use blackjack hand signals?

Blackjack hand signals help ensure proper communication between the player and the Dealer.

6. What happens if you forget to use a hand signal?

If you forget to use one then hopefully the Dealer will understand your verbal communication – most of the time they will.

7. Does live dealer online blackjack use signals?

Hand signals aren’t necessary when playing online casino Blackjack. You would simply press the button for the move you want to make.

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