Blackjack Hand Signals and Gestures for Player & Dealer Moves

Picture this: You have 17 vs. the dealer’s 5 and say, “Stand.” But the dealer gives you another card (6) because they didn’t hear you properly. Ideally, your hand will bust, and you lose your bet. But you won’t have any of it since you made a different call.

The confusing occurrence above may seem unlikely, but it was more common not so long ago, until the advent of hand signals.

Blackjack hand signals are a set of hand motions or non-verbal ways of expressing your intention to the dealer. They prevent miscommunication at a noisy table and reduce confusion at blackjack casinos.

This guide will show you hand signals for basic and advanced moves in different blackjack variations. Stick to the end to discover dealer hand signals and basic blackjack table etiquette to improve your gameplay.

Why Blackjack Hand Signals Matter

Blackjack hand signals are not just another casino funfare. Instead, they are crucial hand motion that serves incredible purposes such as:

• Security and Surveillance: Unlike verbal cues, security cameras can easily capture blackjack hand signals. This gives operators video evidence of every decision and move at the table, allowing them to detect cheating and run the table smoothly.
• Dispute Resolution: Although less frequent, dealers often misinterpret players’ commands. Blackjack hand signals solve this problem by providing operators with video footage they can rewatch to detect the cause of a problem and fix it accordingly.
• Prevention of Verbal Miscommunication: While dealers hearing may be obstructed by noise and accent, blackjack hand signals are vividly visible and understandable, therefore preventing miscommunication between dealer and players:
• Efficient Game Flow: The clarity of blackjack hand signals prevents time delays and ensures smooth game flow as dealers do not need to strain their ears to pick players’ words at a crowded floor. Similarly, hand gestures allow players to simultaneously play and chat with friends, especially at casual blackjack tournaments and low-stakes games.

Basic Blackjack Hand Signals for Face-Up Games

Face-up games are blackjack games where your first two cards lie face up. As a result, you cannot touch your cards or bet under any circumstances. The blackjack hand signal for basic moves in a face-up game is:

Hit Signal

Hit is the blackjack term for asking the dealer for another card. To know exactly when to hit in 21, you’ll need adequate knowledge of blackjack basic strategy. Alternatively, you can use our blackjack basic strategy calculator to determine the right decision to make in every player vs dealer scenario. Once you enter the deck number and the game rule, it tells you the exact move to make.

If you’re sure that a hit is indeed the right move, the universal hand signal for a hit in face-up games is tapping the table lightly with your fingers or hand. Another less common signal for a hit is to point at the cards. Whichever option you choose, never touch your card in face-up blackjack.

Stand Signal

Standing in blackjack is telling the dealer you don’t want another card. The hand signal for stand in face up blackjack is waving your hands over the card (palm down) from side to side. Alternatively, you can wave your hand, palm down, back and forth over the cards. Avoid touching the card while waving your hand.

Double Down Signal

Double down in blackjack means placing an additional bet to pick an extra card. This move gives you 2x returns when you win. However, since you’re risking more chips, you should learn when to double down in blackjack to avoid wasting money. The blackjack hand signal for double down is to place another bet next to your original chips and then point one finger at the bet. Alternatively, you can raise one finger after placing an extra bet. Note that your extra wager must be the same as your initial bet.

Split Signal

When you have a pair in blackjack (e.g, 2, 2 or 8,8), you can split it into two to double your hand and winning chances.

But fair warning: There are some pairs you mustn’t split. Check out our guide to know when and how to split in blackjack. And once you’ve mastered how splitting works, test your knowledge at our free blackjack sites to hone your skill with risk-free games.

The blackjack hand signal for split is placing an extra bet beside your first bet outside the betting box, then pointing your index and middle fingers at the chips in a V-shape. Alternatively, you can place an extra bet and point one or two fingers in the air depending on if you want to double down or split. Ensure you arrange your chips properly, with the low denominations at the top and higher value ones at the bottom.

Face-Down Game Hand Signals (Different Rules)

In face-down games, the dealer places your card face down. Unlike face-up 21, you can also touch the cards, making their hand signals different. Endeavor to hold your card discreetly in face-down games, to prevent other players from peeking at your hand. The blackjack hand signal in face-down games is as follows:

✅ Hit Signal for Face-Down Games

Scrape the table with your card while drawing them a bit towards you. Picture this move as if you’re clearing debris with a rake for better understanding.

✅ Stand Signal for Face-Down Games

The hand signal for standing in a face-down game is gently sliding your card under your bet without the chips falling over. If a chip falls, you’re still not allowed to touch it. The dealer will pack them and arrange them accordingly.

✅ Double Down in Face-Down Games

To double down in a face-down game, place the same amount of bet as your first wager. Next, turn your cards face up. The dealer checks it and gives you another card.

✅ Split in Face-Down Games

The hand signal for split in face-down games is the same as double down. Place a new bet outside the betting box near your first bet and reveal your hand. Next, the dealer confirms if you’re holding a pair and gives you two extra cards.

Advanced Signals and Special Situations

Beyond hit, stand, double down, and split, other advanced moves also exist in blackjack. The hand signals for advanced blackjack moves are:

✅ Blackjack Hand Signals Surrender

Surrender is a blackjack move where you forfeit your hand and get back half of your bet. This is one of the most player-friendly blackjack moves as it significantly reduces the casino’s house edge. As a result, the surrender strategy is not allowed in most live casinos. Where permitted, the blackjack surrender rule can come in multiple variants.

For example, South American casinos often host early surrender blackjack (where you forfeit your hand even before the dealer checks their hole card). In contrast, late surrender blackjack (where you only get to forfeit your hand after the dealer checks their hole card and it’s not a natural 21) is most common in Atlantic City and Spanish 21. Luckily, our best blackjack online casinos feature several early and late surrender games under one roof, allowing you to quickly find the right title to play.

While the surrender strategy is advanced, the blackjack hand signals Surrender are simple. To surrender, you only need to draw an imaginary horizontal line behind your cards with your index finger. Some casinos usually require you to say Surrender alongside the hand signal. So, always ask the dealer the correct surrender signal before the game starts.

✅ Blackjack Hand Signal for Insurance

Insurance is a blackjack side bet where you bet on the dealer to have a natural 21 if their upcard is an Ace. Insurance bet pays 2:1 for only half of your original bet when you win.

The blackjack hand signal for an insurance bet is straightforward. First, confirm that the dealer’s upcard is Ace (11). Next, stake half of your initial bet near your original chips without touching them. Finally, trace a line from the end of the betting semi-circle towards you to place an insurance bet.

While insurance bets are quite rewarding, they have a high house edge (7%) and low blackjack odds, making them risky.

Dealer Hand Signals in Blackjack

Blackjack hand signals are not limited to players; dealers also use hand gestures. These enable them to communicate with pit bosses and players, announce various game situations, and run the table smoothly. Notable blackjack dealer hand signals for different game situations include

• Hit Signal: To acknowledge that they receive your signal, dealers tap the table gently
• Stand Signal: The blackjack dealer’s hand signal for stand is a nod or horizontal waving of hands across the cards.
• Double Down and Split Signal: To double down or split, the dealer first announces the action to the table. Next, they pick another card face down and raise their hand to show it’s new.
• Push: To signal push or tie, the dealer suspends their hand in the air and waves it side to side over the player’s chips.
• Bust: The dealer simply reveals the bust card to the whole table, sliding the hand and bet into the tray.
• Blackjack: To signify blackjack, the dealer spreads the cards across the table so that all players and the camera can see them, and then says, “Blackjack.”

✅ Dealer Checking For Blackjack Signals

Checking for a natural 21 is a special moment in blackjack with a dedicated signal. Here is the how the dealer signals blackjack checking::

• Upcard is Ace: If the dealer’s upcard is Ace or 11, they must check the hole card for natural blackjack before the game continues. To do this, dealers simply place the upcard before a special mirror or sensor in the blackjack table. If they see a natural 21, they turn up the hole card (second card lying face down), and announce “Blackjack”. If they don’t see 21, they say “No Blackjack,” and the game continues.
• Upcard is 10: If the dealer’s upcard is 10, they also check the hole card for a natural 21 before continuing the game. To do this, dealers slightly lift the hole card and peek through for a blackjack. If it’s natural 21, they turn the card up and announce blackjack. Otherwise, they say ‘No Blackjack’ and continue the game.

✅ Dealer to Pit Boss Communication Signal

Croupiers use several blackjack dealer hand signals to communicate table situations with the pit boss or floor supervisor. Examples include:

• Signal for Calling Pit Boss: Dealers approach the pit or raise their hand to call the pit boss’s attention.
• Signal for Announcing Big Payout: Dealers arrange chips and spread them towards the winner while nodding to the pit boss to get approval.
• Signal for Announcing Cheating Suspicion: If the dealer suspects cheating or other suspicious activity, they tap the table in a specific style to call on the pit boss and floor supervisor, without alarming players.

Regional Variations and Casino Differences

Although blackjack hand signals are universal, they can vary slightly across states and countries. Understanding blackjack hand signal variation for different regions enables you to play like a pro wherever you find yourself. Below are some examples of blackjack hand signal variations across states and countries:

✅ Las Vegas Vs Atlantic City Blackjack Signal Differences

Las Vegas and Atlantic City are major gambling hotspots in the USA with different blackjack variations that impact the hand signals. For instance, multi-deck face-up games (involving 6 to 8 decks) are prevalent in Las Vegas, while facedown games with fewer decks are the trend in Atlantic City. With that out of the way, here is how blackjack hand signals in Las Vegas compare to those in Atlantic City

NB: You cannot touch your card in Las Vegas blackjack. But you may touch the cards in Atlantic City variants.

✅ Regional Blackjack Hand Signal Variation

Various gambling capitals worldwide have different cultures, which impact the type of game played and the common hand signals. Here is how blackjack house rules and hand signals vary around the world:

✅ Online Blackjack Adaptations of Hand Signals

Hand gestures are less relevant in online blackjack since it’s virtual and you don’t interact with dealers. Instead, all moves are controlled with buttons on the playtable. Locate the hit, stand, double down, or split button to play your hand.

Online blackjack gaming gets even more interesting when you play at live dealer casinos like Wazamba, where you play against a real croupier you can see and hear. As a result, while you still play your hand via the play table, you can listen to the dealer’s commentary in real-time and keep up with other players’ actions.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Applying Blackjack hand signals comes with certain pitfalls. Of course, these errors will likely not get you kicked out of the casino. But you must nip them fast to avoid looking like a newbie. The following are rookie mistakes to be wary of when using blackjack hand gestures and tips to prevent or fix them:

✅ Inconsistent Signaling

One of the most common mistakes newbies make in blackjack is using different hand signals in the same hand or game round. This inconsistency may confuse the dealer, causing an error. To avoid this mistake, maintain the same hand signal for each move across all the hands.

✅ Mixing Verbal and Hand Signals

Mixing verbal and hand signals is not an offence. However, combining both can lead to costly mistakes when your words and intentions clash. To avoid this error, make hand signals your primary method of communication. If you must talk, ensure that your hand gesture matches your word to prevent confusion. If you make a mistake, quickly correct yourself before the dealer executes your command.

✅ Inappropriate Card Touching

Touching cards when not allowed is a forgivable offence for the most part. However, constantly violating this rule can make you lose respect at the table. That’s if you are not kicked out for attempted cheating. To salvage this issue, keep your hands away from the cards and bet in face-up games. And if you must touch the card in face-down games, do so discreetly after getting the dealer’s approval.

✅ Impatient or Unclear Signals

Lack of patience can cause you to play too fast or vaguely, which can confuse the dealer and cause mistakes. To prevent this issue, wait for your turn to play at live and play clearly, never too fast or too slow.

Blackjack Etiquette Beyond Hand Signals

Beyond hand signals, here are other etiquette and protocols you must observe when playing at live blackjack casinos:

✅ Chip Handling Protocol

Chip handling requires specific techniques you must familiarize yourself with to avoid looking like a rookie. First, always arrange your chips neatly and orderly, with the lowest denomination at the top and the most valuable chip at the base. In addition, always slide your chips to the betting box in one motion. Avoid touching chips once the dealer announces no more bets. Chip handling requires some learning. Hence, you must practice before playing at live casinos.

✅ Table Position Consideration

Blackjack is a highly organized game where every action follows a sequence, including table position, which dictates when you’ll play. If you find yourself in a position to play first, decide swiftly to avoid stalling gameplay. If you’re playing last, you get to watch over other players’ hands before making your play. Wait for your time and avoid rushing others.

✅ Interacting With Dealers and Other Players

Act cautiously and treat everyone politely. Don’t make snide remarks about other players’ decisions, even if they contradict basic blackjack strategy. Don’t look over other players’ shoulders in a face-down game. Finally, speak to the dealer politely; tipping them when you win big is legal.

✅ Mobile Phones and Drinks Etiquette

While mobile phones and drinks are allowed at the casinos, you must handle them cautiously. Don’t use your phone or camera when a game is in progress. Also, keep your drinks in the holder to prevent spillage and keep the table orderly. Endeavor to also drink responsibly to remain sober and in control of your gambling habit.

Conclusion

Hand signals are not just fancy allures in blackjack. They are crucial communication techniques that enable you to relate to dealers and encode their interaction with other casino staff. Luckily, a few hand signals are in blackjack and are easy to understand.

The blackjack hand signal for hit and stand in face-up games is tapping the table and waving your hand over the cards, respectively. However, double your bet and point one or two fingers to double down and split cards. As for face down games, you can scrape the table, slide cards beneath chips, or double bet and turn up cards to hit, stand, double down, and split respectively.

Mastering blackjack hand signals like a pro requires a learning curve. Ensure you practice the basic hand signals for each blackjack move at home before playing at the casino. You can easily buy your chips and cards to practice with. Also, don’t hesitate to leverage online blackjack sites like Karamba to play live game replicas that prepares you for actual physical casino experience. While at the casino, watch other players and ask questions to pick up advanced blackjack hand signals.

Now that you understand blackjack hand signals, the next step is to master basic blackjack strategy, which lets you know exactly when to hit, stand, double down, or split based on hand and dealer cards. Goodluck!

FAQ on Blackjack Hand Signals

What Are The Blackjack Hand Signals?

Blackjack hand signals are universal gestures for communicating your move to the dealer. You can also consider it a non-verbal cue to notify the dealer about your intention.

Are Blackjack Hand Signals The Same at Every Casino?

Blackjack hand signals are the same at all casinos but can vary slightly based on the nature of games hosted at the establishment. For example, every casino that serves the same game (face up vs. face down) has the same blackjack hand signals.

What Is the Rule for the Blackjack Hands?

The hand rule for a hit in face-up and face-down Blackjack is to tap the table and scratch the cards on the table, respectively. Similarly, the Blackjack hand signal for a stand in face-up and face-down games is waving your hand sideways or sliding a card below your chips, respectively.

What Is the Unluckiest Hand in Blackjack?

Player 16 vs. the dealer’s Ace or 10 is the unluckiest hand in blackjack. You risk busting if you hit, and are most likely to lose if you stand.

Why Do Blackjack Players Say “Monkey”?

Monkey popularly refers to face cards at Asian casinos. However, card game lovers now say monkey when they want a dealer to pull a 10-value card.

Do I Always Need to Use Hand Signals in Blackjack? 

You don’t need to use hand signals at all in online casinos. In live casinos, you have the option to communicate verbally or nonverbally. Nonetheless, hand signals are the preferred choice.

Can I Talk and Use Hand Signals Together in Blackjack?

Talking and using hand signals simultaneously in blackjack is a classic rookie behavior. We strongly advise against this act. Stick to either hand signal or verbal communication. But if you must use the two, ensure they match. It is worth noting that dealers often favor hand signals over speech where there is a mismatch between your words and the hand signal.