Why etiquette exists
Table etiquette is not about being formal. It keeps the game moving, keeps the money and cards clear to everyone, and lets the dealer and the surveillance cameras follow what happens. Practices vary a little between casinos and regions, so treat the points below as common customs and follow the dealer’s lead when they differ.
Buying in
Wait for a gap between hands, then place your cash on the felt, not in the dealer’s hand. Dealers do not take money directly from a player’s hand. The dealer will count the cash aloud, pass it to the cash slot or box, and give you chips. The chips you receive are usually in mixed denominations; you can ask for particular denominations if you prefer. Do not buy in during a hand in progress.
When you leave, you can exchange your chips for larger denominations at the table, a process often called colouring up, then cash them at the cage. Cash in your chips before leaving the building, as casino chips are generally not usable elsewhere.
Placing bets
Place your chips in your betting spot before the first card is dealt, within the posted limits. Stack them neatly with larger chips at the bottom. Once the round has started, do not touch or add to the bet unless you are doubling or splitting. If you want to change the bet, wait until the next hand.
Handling the cards
How you treat the cards depends on the game.
- Face-up games. Players are not supposed to touch the cards. The cards are dealt face up from a shoe, and the dealer handles them.
- Hand-held games. Typically a single-deck or double-deck game dealt face down. You may pick the cards up with one hand only, keep them above the table, and not bend, mark or take them away from the table. If you pick up one card, you use the same hand for all. Using two hands is typically discouraged.
In both cases, do not show your cards to other players or discuss them in ways that interfere with the game.
Hand signals
Because there are cameras above the table and a noisy room, players signal their decisions in standard ways. The separate piece on hand signals goes through each gesture, but briefly:
- To hit, tap the felt with a finger, or in a hand-held game, scrape the cards lightly towards you.
- To stand, wave a flat hand over the cards, or slide the cards under your bet in a hand-held game.
- To double or split, place an additional bet next to the original and show one finger or two as needed.
A spoken decision may not be enough on its own, and signalling helps avoid disputes. If you are unsure, ask the dealer before acting.
Chips and the betting area
Keep your chips in front of you. Do not hold them over the betting area while a hand is being dealt, since that can be mistaken for a late bet. If you use chips of different values, stack them clearly so the dealer can see the total. When you win, the dealer adds chips to your stack; do not touch them until the hand is settled.
Interacting with others
- Avoid giving advice to other players unless asked. Each player’s decisions affect only their own hand, and the idea that a particular player ruins a table for others is a misconception.
- Keep your phone off the table. Many casinos limit use during play.
- Tip according to your own choice and local custom, though it is never compulsory.
- Be mindful of drinks and spills near the felt and the cards.
When something goes wrong
If you believe there has been a dealing error, do not take action yourself. Tell the dealer, who can call a floor supervisor to resolve it.
A reminder on pace
Etiquette includes taking care of yourself. You can pass on a hand, leave the table, or stop whenever you like. Treat the money you play with as an entertainment cost, set a limit before you start, and speak to a local support service if you feel your gambling is becoming a problem.