Blackjack is as popular as Angelina Jolie – if we speak in human terms: So casinos devote a considerable amount of space to this iconic game. A novice will easily see the blackjack tables which sit together in a space referred to, in casino speak, as the Blackjack Pit.
As you approach a Blackjack table, you'll notice that the dealer stands and the players sit opposite him – in a cool curved line. Some casinos sit up to 5 players per table – others welcome 7. Let's delve into what you must know, before cooly placing a bet and going bust...ah, getting Blackjack.
Not all Blackjack tables are created equally
Most Blackjack tables will have their rules posted. You should read these – the Boy Scouts were right about being prepared. A minimum bet should be listed as well. (Perhaps this is the bet the novice wants to begin with?)
Hey, where did that money go?
The dealer will have impressive stacks of chips directly in front of him. More impressive is the slot, to his left, that he will deftly push bills through – it is a smooth move. If there are more than 2 decks of cards being used for the game, there will be a shoe to hold the decks. (Not a real shoe.)
The felt
The felt that sits on top of a Blackjack table is not just a pretty material; you'll see rules printed on it – rules that the dealer will follow. Rules vary slightly from casino to casino: we offer three examples here: 1. The dealer must stand on 17. (The dealer isn't going to go to take another card when she has hit 17.) 2. The dealer must draw on 16 (The dealer isn't going to sit pretty with 16 points in her hand.) 3. Blackjack plays 3 to 2. (A regular winning hand will pay 1 to 1 but Blackjack pays out way better.)
Oh, two more felt facts. You will see a circle or box in front of you where you can place your wager. And if you should feel moved to tip your dealer, you can place your money in the section marked "insurance".
Open games
Uncertainty may accompany you into the Blackjack pit. Choosing a table is easy. Just look for an empty betting space on the felt. (Seasoned players may be playing more than one hand, so look for free felt betting spaces and not just free chairs.)
Are all spaces equal?
In theory. Vague, inaccurate theory. The dealer will always deal clockwise, so the player to her left will receive cards first. Seasoned players like to sit as far as possible to the dealer's right, so that they can suss out what is happening before they have to make a call. Oh, baseball terms are used to describe the positions. The first player to receive cards is "first basemen" and the last is the "third basemen" or the anchor.
A word to the wise. If you are a new player, you best avoid the anchor seat. If you make a rookie mistake, you may have to endure the glares of other players who feel that you have done them wrong. Sit at first base. Your time will come.