Old Reno Gambling!

Like any casino game, Blackjack or 21 has a number of unwritten rules which when learned and followed will help the player enjoy the game to the fullest.

The list of do's and don'ts below should help the first-time player, and perhaps add to the knowledge of the veteran. Let us know if you'd like to see something added or changed.

* Look at the signs on the table before sitting down to play. Make sure the limits are within your budget. Make sure the game pays 3 to 2 for blackjack, and NOT 6 to 5, and that the rules are what you are looking for. If in doubt ask the dealer about the game before sitting.
* If there is another person playing, ask if it's ok if you sit in. They may ask you to wait a while until the deck is shuffled. It does no harm to wait until the deck is shuffled to play in.
* Don't sit at a table where you feel crowded, or will make someone else feel crowded.
* Sit anywhere you wish. There is no best seat. The player to the dealer's left is called "first base" and the player to the dealers right is called "third base". There is superstition about these sittings, and some rude players may attribute a dealer's cards to what happens at third base. Ignore these morons.
* When you sit down, wait for a break in the game, and present your player's card and buy-in cash on the table top to the dealer and say "change please". The dealer may ask what denominations you want, and be prepared to make that decision. Remember that red = $5, green = $25 denominations.
* If you haven't memorized Blackjack basic strategy, lay your basic strategy card next to you where you can refer to it when you wish. You don't want to have to dig it out for a handy decision.
* Use just one hand to make your bet, and to hold the cards. It's a security thing.
* In games which are not dealt face up (most all good games) you will hold your two cards until the dealer comes to you waiting for your decision. To stay with your cards, slide them face down under your bet. To request a hit, scrape the table top lightly towards yourself. Again, when ready to stay, tuck your cards face-down under your bet. If you bust, turn your cards over.
* As soon as you get your cards, check the total and if you will not be hitting, tuck them under your bet, face down even before the dealer gets to you.
* If you have a Blackjack, turn the cards over right away for the dealer to see.
* In a face-up dealt game, you will indicate a hit or stay with your hands, and you don't ever need to pick up the cards. Indicate a hit with a scraping motion of your fingers towards yourself, or tapping your fingers at your cards. Indicate a stay with a side-to-side motion of you hand over the cards.
* You can tip the dealer in two ways. During play, you can make a bet for the dealer by placing the tip outside the betting circle on the side of the dealer. If you double down, you may also double the tip. You can also tip when play is completed, by tapping the tip on the table two times and saying "thank you".
* When leaving the table, you should exchange your lower denomination chips for the largest ones possible by "coloring up". This is indicated by pushing your chips to the dealer, avoiding the bet circle, and saying "color me up please". This will help the dealer to keep adequate change on hand for other players, and it will be easier for you when you go to exchange your chips for cash at the cashier cage.
* Don't ask other players for advice. If in doubt, you may ask the dealer, but many will not want to reply. Be ready to make your own decisions.
* Don't complain about other players decisions or habits. If you are bothered, leave that table.
* When advice is offered from other players just say thanks, and continue to play according to good basic strategy.
* When another player asks for advice, decline as politely as possible.
* It is fine to clap, cheer, or otherwise celebrate when dealt a Blackjack.
* It's not terribly rude for another player to ask to see your hand on occasion. However it should not be a habit.
* If you find that all the other players are a little quicker than you in adding up your cards, just do the best you can. Don't feel pressured to go faster than you are comfortable, and if you do you may want to join another table.
* If you have to take a bathroom break, tell the dealer and ask them to watch your chips while you run to the restroom.
* You can practice blackjack and get used to the pace of the game by playing online. Online casino reviews and other information about online blackjack can be found at online blackjack.
* Enjoy your time playing!


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