Blackjack hand signals are the easiest way to communicate your intentions to the dealer. These non-verbal clues can be especially useful when you are playing at tables on crowded, loud casino floors.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about hand signals for blackjack. I will cover the five most common hand signals used at casinos by blackjack players. Furthermore, I will tell you when to use each signal and how to master these signals by playing at online blackjack casinos.
What Are Hand Signals in Blackjack?
First and foremost, what are hand signals in blackjack? Simply put, these signals are hand motions that the player can use to communicate with the dealer. These signals are universal, so players and dealers do not even need to speak the same language to play.
Common Blackjack Hand Signals
The most common decision the player has to make in blackjack is when to hit or stand. Depending on the cards in your hand, you will also face questions about whether you should double down, split a pair, or surrender.
You could face all of these decisions multiple times in any given session. To make things easier, and speed up the pace of play, blackjack players invented hand signals for all these actions.
When to Use Blackjack Hand Signals
Knowing when to use a blackjack hand signal is half the battle. Depending on your strategy, the decision may be out of your hands. However, you should wait to use these signals in real money blackjack games until you have practiced them.
Once you master hand signals in blackjack, it is important to only use them at appropriate times. Incorrectly using hand signals could disrupt the game and cost you money. For instance, signaling a hit when you wanted to stand could make you lose the hand.
Hit
A hit is the most basic move in blackjack. When you ask the dealer for a hit, you will be given another card to add to your hand. Rather than saying “hit” hundreds of times each session, you can signal the dealer for another card with a simple hand gesture.
Blackjack Hand Signal for Hit
There are two hand signals you can use to ask for a hit. The first is to simply wave your hand toward yourself. When the dealer sees this, they will know that you want another card.
Alternatively, you can simply tap your finger on the table in front of your hand. One or two taps on the table will be enough to let the dealer know that you are asking for a hit from the deck. It is easy to do either of these signals accidentally, so make sure you do not signal for a hit without meaning to.
Stand
Choosing to stand is another basic move in blackjack. Standing means that you do not want any more cards from the deck that round. You should only stand when you are confident your hand’s value is high enough to beat the dealer’s.
Hand Signal in Blackjack for Stand
The signal for standing in blackjack is straightforward to do. To start, you need to make your hand flat and put it over your cards. Then, you simply wave your hand across your cards, signaling to the dealer that you do not want any more cards added to your hand during that round.
Double Down
Doubling down is one of the most well-known moves in blackjack. When you use this move, you immediately double your stake on that hand. It also means that you will receive one more, and only one more, card for that round.
Blackjack Hand Signal to Double Down
The hand signal for doubling down in blackjack is a two-step process. First, you must place a stack of chips equal to your original ante wager on the table next to your current bet. Then, you take a single finger and point or tap once on the table in front of your cards.
Split Pair
Splitting in blackjack allows you to play two hands against the dealer in one round. You have to bet on each hand independently, though, so make sure your bankroll can hold up under the added expenses. Moreover, each hand wins or loses independently, so you can even if one loses, the other still has a chance to beat the dealer.
Blackjack Signal for Splitting a Pair
To split a hand, you first need to make sure that you have a pair. Then you need to place another ante wager next to your original bet. Finally, show two fingers to the dealer to inform them that you are a splitting your hand.
Facedown Blackjack Hand Signals
Facedown blackjack is a popular variation of the table game that you can find at land-based casinos. In this version, both of your cards are dealt face down, instead of just one. You are allowed to hold your cards in your hand in this style of blackjack.
This version also uses different blackjack hand signals.
- Hit: Scrape the table by pulling your cards toward yourself
- Stand: Place your cards under your chips, being careful not to move the chips
- Double down: Place another stack of chips next to your original bet and hold up one finger
- Split pair: Set a second stack of chips next to your original wager and hold up two fingers
Uncommon Hand Signals in Blackjack
If you play enough blackjack at brick-and-mortar casinos, then you will eventually come across uncommon hand signals for blackjack. Be careful when using these signals, as inexperienced dealers may not be as familiar with them.
- Surrender: Not every blackjack game allows for the player to surrender. If the casino does allow surrendering in blackjack, you can utilize this option by drawing an imaginary line behind your stake amount with your finger.
- Bust: You bust in blackjack when you go over 21 and lose the hand. You can tell the dealer you have busted by waving your hand over your cards with your palm down, similar to the signal for standing.
- Insurance: this side bet is only available when the dealer is showing an ace. You can tell the dealer you want to take this bet by sliding your index finger from the edge of the betting circle back toward you.
There are other uncommon blackjack hand signals, but they are even less commonly used than the ones above. If a signal is too uncommon, then the dealer will not know what you are trying to communicate. At a certain point, it is easy to verbally express your next move to the dealer.
Tips for Using Blackjack Hand Signals
Blackjack signals allow experienced players to communicate with the dealer without uttering a word. Here are three tips to help you learn how to use hand signals when playing blackjack:
Watch Experienced Players
One of the best ways to learn card games is to study experienced players. Watching video clips of veteran players can be a great way to study the hand signals they use. You can also observe other players while you are at the casino.
Blackjack can be a social game, and friendly players may even be willing to explain signals to you. The dealer can also answer any questions you have about hand signals.
Rehearse at Home
It may sound unusual to practice hand signals outside a game, but practicing hand signals at home can pay major dividends. Rehearsing blackjack signals at home is one of the best ways to become comfortable with the movements themselves.
You do not need to devote hours of your life to learning common hand signals used in blackjack games. On the other hand, a few minutes here and there can help you master the above hand signals in no time.
Practice Blackjack Online
Learning the hand signals that you can use in blackjack is only half the battle. You also need to know when to use each signal based on the cards already in your hand. The best way to master blackjack is to actually play it.
Luckily, sites like DuckyLuck Casino offer blackjack online. You can practice the game for free to strengthen your blackjack skills. The better you are as a player, the easier it will be for you to recognize what your next step should be and what hand signal you should use.
Have You Tried Blackjack Hand Signals?
Blackjack is one of the most popular card games available at modern casinos. Even inexperienced players can succeed at this table game with the right strategy. One way to help take your skills to the next level is to learn blackjack hand signals.
Check out the guide above to learn how to use hand signals in blackjack at land-based casinos. I break down the most common hand signals and tell you how to use them.
