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Table Games Newb etiquette mistakes not to make at BJ table

Discussion in 'Table Games' started by Mr. F, Dec 28, 2013.

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  1. Mr. F

    Mr. F Tourist

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    Hey all. I'm usually a strictly slots guy but I want to dip my toes into the water at BJ. I don't plan on playing too much BJ. I go to Vegas in a few weeks for the AEE and will stay at Bally's. Been doing a lot of research on the BJ etiquette. I have a couple of questions:

    1. Everything I read says it's OK to keep a basic strategy card next to your chips on the table. Are casinos in Vegas OK with this?

    2. As far as tipping the dealer, what do you guys mostly do? Place a bet for the dealer every few hands or every hand or just when you feel like it? Do dealers prefer when players make bets for them or would they prefer just a straight tip since it's a sure thing?

    3. Will fellow players get pissed off if I take an extra few seconds to decide whether to hit/stand?

    4. Would it be a good or bad idea to tell the dealer upfront that I'm a new player?

    5. I've read it's probably not best for a newbie to sit at third base and probably not first base either. Is this accurate?

    Thanks for the advice. :)
     
  2. paperposter

    paperposter MIA

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    doing a lot of research on the BJ etiquette. I have a couple of questions:

    1. Everything I read says it's OK to keep a basic strategy card next to your chips on the table. Are casinos in Vegas OK with this?
    yes or on your lap

    2. As far as tipping the dealer, what do you guys mostly do? Place a bet for the dealer every few hands or every hand or just when you feel like it? Do dealers prefer when players make bets for them or would they prefer just a straight tip since it's a sure thing?
    your choice and you can always what they perfer

    3. Will fellow players get pissed off if I take an extra few seconds to decide whether to hit/stand? nooooooooooo

    4. Would it be a good or bad idea to tell the dealer upfront that I'm a new player? doesnt matter but they might be able to help a newbie

    5. I've read it's probably not best for a newbie to sit at third base and probably not first base either. Is this accurate?nooooooooooo

    Thanks for the advice.

    i assume your playing a low level table under 25$ if so just go have fun its an easy game to learn:thumbsup:
     
  3. Mr. F

    Mr. F Tourist

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    Yup, will definitely start off at under $25 tables.
     
  4. paperposter

    paperposter MIA

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    just enjoy your self once you learn the game you will be fine.

    tip the waitress a dollar a drink

    and you can always ask for help.

    dont split tens:thumbsup:

    try to sit a table thats doesnt have a cs machine. that what you should look for.
     
  5. Mr. F

    Mr. F Tourist

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    What is a cs machine? Is that different than a shoe?
     
  6. Auggie

    Auggie Dovahkiin

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    If you've never played blackjack before most casinos offer free lessons (usually in the morning) where you can sit down and play and the dealer will instruct you on how to play and you will be with other new players.

    Note that these lessons are on how to play blackjack in a casino, not how to win or whats the best play to make: they will show you how to buy in, how to bet, what you can/can't do, how to color up, etc.

    Yes, they even sell them at the gift shop.

    I've seen a lot of people make bets for the dealer, personally I just tip them when I feel like it - like after a particularly good run and at the end of the session depending on how the overall game went (not necessarily "if I won" but if the game was well run, entertaining, etc).

    You do have to remember that if you are playing any chips for the dealer and you do something like double, then you need to double the dealer's chip too.

    Most won't care, but it really depends on the table. If you got a real jerk at the table or somebody who is losing pretty badly they'll want you to speed it up. But on the same note some players actually prefer it when the game runs a little slow.

    I would go with the lessons first instead, but if you decide to skip that then I would tell the dealer you are a new player: telling them won't have any negative impact on your game and if they watch out for you or help you out from time to time it could have a positive impact - so its pretty much a no lose situation to tell them.

    But also I wouldn't just run up to the first open seat you can find. When you decide to play go to the blackjack tables and stand around and watch the dealers and players: Try to find a dealer who is friendly and engaging and players who look like they are having a good time - if you go up to a table where the dealer is a stone face and not saying a word to the players outside of what little they have to then you aren't likely to find much help or sympathy there, likewise if the players are all grumpy or angry looking or slouched down in their seats like they just want to play or are drunk off their ass then most likely they'll just want you to play fast and might ride you a bit if you are a new player and the dealer probably wants them to lose as fast as possible so they can get new players at the table.

    Again this is part of table selection: somebody has to sit in these seats and if you are at a table with a bunch of people losing they will look for any reason or excuse, other than themselves, as to why they are losing. So you can take a bit of heat while sitting at third base if you take the dealer's bust card. IE: if you have a 12 against the dealer's 10 and you hit and its a King and the dealer flips over a 6 and then draws a 5... it doesn't matter if you show the guy next to you that your basic strategy card says you should have hit, if he is on a losing streak he'll probably blame you for "taking the dealer's bust card"
     
  7. paperposter

    paperposter MIA

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  8. Auggie

    Auggie Dovahkiin

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    That would be a "continuous shuffler"

    If you are playing basic strategy the continuous shuffler actually gives the player a slight advantage, the down side is that the game goes faster.
     
  9. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

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    If he doesn't plan to count, why does it matter? If it is the only 3 to 2 option, it's better than sitting at a 6 to 5 shoe game.

    Which reminds me to reiterate, don't play 6 to 5 blackjack!
     
  10. SW

    SW Well-Known Member

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    As others have stated, play at the under $25 tables and you may not be the only new player there. Enjoy!
     
  11. thecarve

    thecarve Misanthrope

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    1. They have no problem with you using a BS card. Though some casinos prefer that you keep it in your pocket and just take it out when you need it (as opposed to having it sitting on the table the whole time). Your dealer will let you know.

    2. Six of one...I do it both ways. I usually just bet for the dealer from time to time. But sometimes, I'll just toss her a few chips at the end of a shoe or as I'm leaving. You can ask the dealer what he would prefer. (In 18 years of asking this question, I have NEVER had a dealer say "just give me the tip". They have all wanted me to bet for them.)

    3. If they do, they're the one with the problem, not you. Don't worry about it (unless you are waffling over every single hand, in which case you need to learn the game a little better).

    4. I would tell the dealer you're a beginner. Make sure you tip occasionally and the dealer will look out for you and make sure you don't make any faux pas or expensive mistakes.

    5. Some people don't believe in math or reason...those people might have an issue with you sitting at first or third. Those of us who don't regularly practice voodoo couldn't care less where you sit. I suppose if it were me, I'd TRY not to sit at third base. But if it were the only seat available I wouldn't hesitate to sit there.


    Everyone was a noob at one time. So don't sweat it if you make a mistake or two. The overwhelming majority of people will understand and be more than willing to help you out if you ask them.

    Best of luck!
     
  12. Terry Benedict

    Terry Benedict VIP Whale

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    When you're sitting at the table and a fresh player walks up, tell him/her, with a smile, that you're new at the game and to cut you a little slack for your mistakes.

    We took our daughter for her 21er and I told a new guy that the game was going to be slow so if he cared for a faster game, this wasn't the table for him. Let them make the choice and alleviate the anxiety.

    And by the way, you're not responsible for anyone else's wins or losses, so don't feel guilty. If you take the dealer's bust card and the table loses, that's just bad luck and don't worry about it. No one will give you credit for taking the dealer's win card, so don't take the blame for a bust card.

    Get hammered. It makes the game more fun. Wins are more exciting and you don't care as much about the losses. But stick to the same drink.

    Good luck.
     
  13. merlin

    merlin MIA

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    You can keep the card at the table but it would be far preferable to just learn it.(I know it will take time)

    Tipping for the dealer is the least of your concern, as the other guy said, tip the waitress a buck a drink and if you are winning toss a buck or two extra on the edge of the betting circle for a dealer bet - no need to overdue it though.

    If you are following the card then you are not a beginner - you are an expert,, everyone thinks they know how to play but hardly any actually do it. if your bet is really small compared to another players(say your betting $5 and he's betting $50) then you may want to ask him what to do if you're unsure.(nothing is worse than being on a roll and making a big bet and having a rookie slip up and ruin everything)

    You dont need to say anything to the dealer about being a rookie, he can tell after a hand or two anyway.

    Bottom line is have fun, you will relax after a dozen or so hands, wanting to play correctly is a great thing.
     
  14. paperposter

    paperposter MIA

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    i would like to say this is one of the first post that we basicaly all agree on:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

    happy new years to all and a lot of winnings:beer:
     
  15. jamesxnj

    jamesxnj VIP Whale

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    Only take insurance on your own BlackJack,just tell the dealer even money or motion your fingers in to indicate pay me now.
     
  16. Kickin

    Kickin Flea

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    Since you want to follow correct basic strategy, do not do this.
     
  17. thecarve

    thecarve Misanthrope

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    +1

    There is no difference between insurance and "even money". They are equally terrible bets!
     
  18. Keyser Soze

    Keyser Soze Low-Roller

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    Mr. F- I will share a quote from a good friend of mine, who is also a very accomplished blackjack player....

    "There are other people at the table?????"
     
  19. LV_Bound

    LV_Bound VIP Whale

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    1. Everything I read says it's OK to keep a basic strategy card next to your chips on the table. Are casinos in Vegas OK with this? Have not encountered one where they did not allow it.

    2. As far as tipping the dealer, what do you guys mostly do? Place a bet for the dealer every few hands or every hand or just when you feel like it? Do dealers prefer when players make bets for them or would they prefer just a straight tip since it's a sure thing? If doing well I will make a bet for them. If just going up/down then I will usually tip when done playing.

    3. Will fellow players get pissed off if I take an extra few seconds to decide whether to hit/stand? It depends. BJ players can be very picky. Don't let that discourage you. If need be simply move to another table. When approaching a table to play and there are people already there just watch for a minute or two. After a few hands you can usually tell if they will be fun to play with it would be best to move to another table.

    4. Would it be a good or bad idea to tell the dealer upfront that I'm a new player? It is always a good idea.

    5. I've read it's probably not best for a newbie to sit at third base and probably not first base either. Is this accurate? The only reason they say this is due to my reply for #3.
     
  20. Tree DA

    Tree DA High-Roller

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    Well, that's because you're friend is an AP. Not really a relevant quote for brand new ploppies who have never even sat at a table before. It is a funny line when used appropriately on the AP boards.
     
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