Blackjack Etiquette
If you’re sitting down to play some blackjack, either by yourself or with some friends, have you ever been pondering your move only to have the fellow (or gal) next to you kindly offer what they think you should do? You could be nose deep in a vodka tonic, just minding your own business, and they’ll just come out with a recommendation like it’s their second job.
Almost makes me choke on my ice.
This harmless little situation brings up the very real question of what’s proper table etiquette when playing blackjack? As you probably already know from being a new player at some point in your life, the majority of amateurs out there think it’s perfectly reasonable to toss out snide remarks and facial expressions if you make a decision they don’t agree with. How helpful of them. That type of intimidation (and that IS what is is – a veiled and frustrated attempt to get you to leave) is not proper etiquette as far as I’m concerned. It’s hypocritical at best and rude and nonsensical at worst.
But what about on the other side of the friendliness spectrum? Should Larry over there in the cowboy hat be offering his thoughts on your hand if you’re just trying to play your game? The answer is no, he shouldn’t. It’s not proper etiquette.
If you, however, throw out an open invitation to the table, scratching your head and casually saying, “Man, I’m stuck on this one,” then there’s no problem with the “expert” giving his advice. If you ask for it, it’s fine for someone to chime in. And I don’t believe you’d bet any brush back whatsoever from the dealer or pit bosses. If they let you sit there with a strategy card in your hand, they’ll certainly let you receive advice from someone who likely doesn’t really know any more than you do, and by taking his advice it won’t hurt or help the blackjack online casino to any noticeable statistical degree in the long run anyway.
And finally, proper etiquette should also dictate that if you are going to sit down, you brush up on the basics, and at least memorize a few bits of strategy so you’re not delaying the game each time it’s your turn. That’s only polite to the other players, as well. And don’t hit on hard 17 unless you have to, that’s not polite, either.