Reference

Table rules.

The rules and manners people actually ask about: bets and limits, doubling and splitting, insurance, surrender, the dealer's rules, and the rule changes that cost you. Look something up, then get back to playing.

← The lessons

Betting and table limits

Every table has a sign with its minimum and maximum bet. Bets go out before the cards, and you can change your bet between rounds.

When do I bet?
Before each round, put your chips in the betting circle in front of your seat. Once the first card is dealt, the bet is locked.
What does a $10–$500 table mean?
Every bet must be at least $10 (the ) and at most $500. Doubling and splitting can take you over the maximum.
Can I play two spots?
At most casinos, yes, if the seats are free, but you usually have to bet twice the minimum on each. Here you play one seat.
Can I join in the middle of a shoe?
Usually yes, between rounds. Some high-limit tables are "no mid-shoe entry", to discourage card counters from waiting for a good count.

Doubling and splitting

Doubling and splitting are the two ways to put more chips out after you see your cards. Both come with small rules that change from casino to casino.

When can I double?
On your first two cards only. You add a bet equal to your first and get exactly one more card. Some casinos only allow doubles on 9, 10 or 11.
What can I split?
Any two cards of the same rank. Most casinos also let you split any two ten-value cards (like a king and a queen), though you shouldn't.
Can I double after splitting?
At most tables, yes: that rule is called and it helps you. The coach assumes it unless you turn it off.
Can I split again?
Usually up to four hands (). Aces are special: split aces get one card each and can't be hit or resplit.
Is 21 after a split a blackjack?
No. An ace and a ten after a split is just 21 and pays 1 to 1.

Insurance and even money

When the dealer shows an ace, they offer insurance before checking for blackjack. It's a side bet, and a bad one.

Insurance: $5 on a $10 betPays 2 to 1
Dealer has blackjack4 in 1331%: you win $10
Dealer doesn't9 in 1369%: you lose $5
On average−$0.38about 8% of the $5

Surrender is the opposite: a move that saves chips in a few bad spots. 16 against a 10 loses about $54 per $100 if you play it out; surrender loses exactly $50.

How does insurance work?
You put up to half your bet on the side. If the dealer has blackjack, it pays 2 to 1, which covers your lost bet. If not, you lose it and play on.
What is even money?
If you have blackjack and the dealer shows an ace, the dealer offers : a sure 1 to 1 now instead of 3 to 2 or a push. It's insurance in disguise and worth less on average.

Surrender

Surrender lets you give up a bad hand and keep half your bet. Not every casino offers it; look for it on the table sign or ask.

When can I surrender?
Only as your first move on your first two cards, and not after splitting. Say "surrender"; there's no hand signal.
Late or early?
Almost every casino uses late surrender: only after the dealer has checked for blackjack. Early surrender (before the check) is rare and worth much more.
Which hands?
With the usual rules, surrender 16 against 9, 10 or ace, and 15 against 10. When the dealer hits soft 17, also 15 against an ace, 17 against an ace and 8,8 against an ace.

The dealer's rules and the peek

The dealer plays by fixed rules, with no choices. The details on the table felt tell you which rules this table uses.

Dealer shows 6Busts 42%
1717%
1811%
1911%
2010%
2110%
Bust42%
Where the dealer ends up (after checking for blackjack)

A 6 is a weak card: the dealer busts about 42% of the time. That's why you stand on more hands against it.

When does the dealer hit?
Always on 16 or less; always stands on hard 17 or more. On soft 17 it depends on the table: "dealer stands on all 17s" () or "dealer hits soft 17" ().
What is the peek?
With an ace or a ten showing, the dealer checks the for blackjack before anyone plays. If they have it, the round ends at once and you lose only your first bet, not doubles or splits. That's the .
When is the hole card turned over?
After every player has finished. If everyone busted or surrendered, the dealer just turns it over and collects.

Rule variations

Small rule changes add up. This table shows what each one does to the house edge, starting from a good 6-deck game (dealer stands on soft 17, double after split, late surrender, blackjack pays 3 to 2).

RuleHouse edgeChange
The good 6-deck game above0.43%—
Dealer hits soft 170.64%+0.20%
No double after split0.57%+0.14%
No surrender0.52%+0.09%
Blackjack pays 6 to 51.79%+1.35%
All four of the above2.23%+1.80%

Table manners and hand signals

At a real table, hand signals matter: the cameras need to see your choice, and words alone may not count.

How do I hit or stand?
In a shoe game (cards face up), tap the table to hit and wave your hand flat over your cards to stand. Say it out loud too.
How do I double or split?
Put your extra chips beside your bet, not on top of it, and hold up one finger to double or two to split if the dealer asks.
Can I touch the cards?
Not in a shoe game: the dealer handles everything. In single- or double-deck games dealt face down, you hold your cards with one hand.
Should I tell others how to play?
Only if they ask. Other players' moves don't change your odds, however strange they look.
Do I tip the dealer?
It's optional and common in the US. Many players bet a small chip for the dealer beside their own bet now and then.