Blackjack, sometimes referred to as 21 (Twenty-One), is one of the most popular games on casino floors and online casinos. It is both fun to play and easy to learn, which makes it perfect for beginners.
Blackjack also has the best odds, with players having around a 45% chance of winning each hand.
Before playing blackjack (or games like poker, craps, and roulette) at a physical casino, it is vitally important to understand the meaning of hand signals and gestures used by dealers and players.
If you don’t understand how to correctly use all the blackjack hand signals you can slow down the game, cause confusion and even lose money.
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What Are The Most Common Blackjack Hand Signals?
First, you must know if you are playing a Face Up or Face Down blackjack game because the hand signals differ depending on the game type.
Before we describe the signals in more detail, here is a quick summary of the most common blackjack hand signals:
- Open Bets: the dealer swipes his hand across the table from left to right
- Close Bets: the dealer swipes his hand across the table from right to left
- Hit: when you request another card from the dealer
- Stand: when you stick with the cards you have
- Double Down: when you request another card & double your initial bet
- Split A Pair: when you double your bet if your first two cards have the same value as each other
- Surrender: when you decide to stop playing and give up your whole bet
The video below goes into the blackjack hand signals in more detail:
Open & Close Bets
In a game of blackjack, the dealer will open bets by swiping his hand across the table from left to right. Then the dealer will close bets by swiping his hand across the table from right to left.
Hit
In blackjack, a hit means that you want to request another card from the dealer.
In Face Up games, the most common hand signals used to indicate a hit are:
- tap or touch your finger(s) on the table
- 1 tap on table = 1 card
- 2 taps on table = 2 cards (double hit)
In Face Up games, you can also indicate a hit by doing the following:
- point at your cards
- use your hand to wave towards yourself
If you’re holding your cards (Face Down game), to hit, you can gently scratch your cards across the felt.
Stand or Stay
When you stand in blackjack, that means you want to stick with the cards you have and don’t need more.
In Face Up games, the hand signals used to indicate when you want to stand are:
- wave your hand over your cards
- shake your head
- place your hands side by side
In Face Down games (when you’re holding your cards), you can indicate when you want to stand by sliding your cards under your chips.
Double Down
When you double down in blackjack, it means that you double your initial bet, and the dealer will deal you one more card. In other words, by doubling down you’ll have your first two cards plus one extra card.
In Face Up games, you can double down by doing the following:
- voice your intentions
- place another stack of chips (equal to your original bet) next to your initial bet (outside the betting box)
- point with one finger, or hold one finger up (optional)
If you are playing a Face Down game, hand signals are the same except that you’ll need to turn your cards face-up before placing the bet.
Split A Pair
When you split a pair in blackjack, this means you can double your bet if your first two cards have the same value as each other. To split a pair all you have to do is place another bet of the same value (remember not to touch your cards!)
In Face Up games, put your chips down (outside the betting box) and hold out your index and middle fingers in the shape of a “V”.
In Face Down games, do the same but also turn your cards face-up before placing the bet.
Surrender
When you surrender in blackjack, this means that you decide to stop playing and give up your whole bet. Some casinos allow you to get half your wager back if you forfeit your hand after receiving your first two cards.
Here is how you surrender in blackjack:
- Voice your intentions first because there is no standard hand signal for surrendering.
- If you wish to surrender in a face-up game of blackjack, you can draw an imaginary horizontal line with your index finger.
- If you surrender in a face-down game of blackjack, then put down your cards face up beside your bet.
- We recommend that you ask the dealer for the casino’s preferred surrender policy before you start playing.
Below is a table summary of the hand signals you should use when playing blackjack.
| Move | Face Up Blackjack | Face Down Blackjack |
|---|---|---|
| Hit | Tap or touch your finger on the table. • 1 tap on table = 1 card • 2 taps on table = 2 cards (double hit) | Gently scrape your cards across the felt towards yourself. |
| Stand | • Wave your hand over your cards. • Shake your head. • Place your hands side by side. | Slide your cards under your chips (try not to move your chips). |
| Double Down | • Place another stack of chips (equal to your original bet) next to your initial bet (outside the betting box). • Point with one finger, or hold one finger up (optional). | Same except that you’ll need to turn your cards face-up before placing the bet. |
| Split | Put your chips down (outside the betting box) and hold up your index and middle fingers in the shape of a “V”. | Same but also turn your cards face-up before placing the bet. |
| Surrender | Draw an imaginary horizontal line with your index finger. | Put down your cards face up beside your bet. |
Why Are Hand Signals Important In Blackjack?
Live casinos are very noisy, and often there are tables with patrons who have enjoyed several drinks. The noise makes it difficult for the dealer to hear clearly.
As a result, a universal system of blackjack hand signals has been developed for more precise and clear communication.
Keeps the game honest and fair
You can use hand gestures in blackjack to make your intentions clear to the dealer, which helps keep the games fair and honest.
Most land-based casinos have CCTV video cameras, known as “eyes in the sky”, positioned above the tables to monitor the games. Casinos use cameras to identify cheaters and resolve disputes.
Ensures that casino and player interests are protected
If there is a dispute, the casino can replay a video to show what gesture was (or wasn’t) made.
For example, let’s say you intended to stand, but the dealer mistakenly thought you wanted to hit.
The casino can then check the camera to see if it was the dealer’s error.
Similarly, if a player tries to gain an unfair advantage by denying a dealer’s claim, then hand signals can be used to prove who is in the right.
Casino dealers also use various hand gestures to show that they are not cheating or stealing any chips from the table.
Allows beginners to get help
Dealers (and other players) can quickly see if you’re a beginner who is not using the hand signals correctly.
Someone more experienced can then step in and provide help if you mix up your hand signals or misunderstand a rule.
Also, if you’re unsure, you can always verbally request that the dealer checks your actions while doing the hand signals.
Remember that needing constant assistance and reminders on how to play can slow down the game.
Other players may become impatient, and the dealer should be attending to more important matters.
So remember to brush up on your hand signals before hitting the blackjack tables!
Related Blackjack & Casino FAQs
What is the difference between face up and face down blackjack?
Face Up Blackjack
In the most popular blackjack variation, players receive two cards facing up while the dealer gets one card facing up and another facing down. The hidden card is called the dealer’s “hole card”.
In Face Up 21 (also known as Dealer Disclosure and Double Exposure) both you and the dealer are dealt two cards facing up.
While having double the information is an advantage to the player, other changes are made to the rules to compensate the house.
As a result of the rule changes Face Up 21 has a greater house edge than other forms of blackjack, however, it still represents one of the best bets in the casino, if played properly.
Read more about the rules and strategy for double exposure here: https://wizardofodds.com/games/double-exposure/
Face Down Blackjack
In Face Down blackjack, players are dealt both cards face-down, and the player picks up both cards to see them. All cards are face-down except for the dealer’s face-up card.