TABLE GAMES By TJ Jorgensen
BLACKJACK ETTIQUETTE REVISITED As The Heat Cranks Up, Remember These Courtesies At The Tables
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lackjack etiquette, by definition, is an unwritten code of common courtesies for blackjack players. Gamblers as a general rule are extremely superstitious, and if there is a sudden change in their luck for the worse, any new element will get the blame. There are no mathematical statistics to back up any claims that a certain event will change the flow of cards from good to bad. However, if you want to avoid being blamed for other players’ bad luck, just follow these simple practices and you will always be a welcome addition to any blackjack game. Ask Permission When approaching a game already in progress, ask the other players seated at the table if they mind if you join. This is the polite way to enter a game. That way if the cards take a turn for the worse, the other players can only blame themselves. If players have been winning prior to your arrival, and you fail to ask permission, be ready for some nasty glares and evil looks if the cards turn bad. The other players may not say anything but trust me they are not thinking happy thoughts about you. If you sit down and the very first hand the dealer receives blackjack, I would hate to be you. With the addition of a new player mid shoe the others players will blame you if the flow of cards changes for the worse. Don't Split Tens Without Asking There are very few things that you can do as a blackjack player that will draw such an adverse reaction from the other players at the table as splitting a pair of tens. If you feel the need to do so, ask the other players if they mind. That way, if you get their consent and it does cause them to lose, at least they all won't join together and form a mob against you. Remember 70% of all the money you will win playing blackjack comes from the hand of twenty and blackjack. That's why you should never split tens, unless of course you enjoy losing. If you have a strong desire to split a winning hand of twenty, you might want to wait until you are the only player at the table. I personally am of the opinion that it is your money, play however you want. However, the majority of blackjack players
18 Arizona Gaming Guide | June 2021 | azgamingguide.com
don't share my view. Don't Be Rude In the very few casinos in Arizona that currently allow smoking, if you have the desire to smoke at the table at least ask the other players if they mind. In all the other non-smoking casinos in Arizona, follow the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Don’t be a jerk and please use some common sense. Tip The Dealer The blackjack dealers are paid minimum hourly wage, so the majority of their income is from tips. If you have a winning session, take care of the dealer. They will be much more friendly the next time you see them. Playing Two Hands If there is a spot open next to your seat and you decide to play two hands, it is always polite to ask the other players if they mind. Again, this is a good idea in case the dealer turns up a blackjack after you add the additional hand. If you play two hands, continue playing two until the end of the shoe. If you go back and forth between one and two you will be blamed for changing the cards if they turn ugly. If you adhere to these common courtesies when you play blackjack it will create a friendly atmosphere at your table which always makes the game more enjoyable. If you would like to be the one that has the winning edge over the casino, my new book, How To Become A Blackjack Jedi by TJ Jorgensen, is available on Amazon in both hard copy and eBook format. I teach how to overcome the house advantage. After all, it’s much more fun to win than it is to lose. Who knows, you might even improve your overall blackjack playing skills too! $ Writer TJ Jorgensen has been a professional Blackjack player for over 20 years. He is well known for his tournament play and has beaten some of the top tournament players in the world. He has also won the World Series Of Blackjack. His newest book “How To Become A Blackjack Jedi” is available online at Amazon.com.
