What behaviour is and isn't accepted at a blackjack table -For Begginers-

**Daithy** · 03-05-2013, 10:41 AM

I have never been to a casino so I wanna brush up on what is allowed and what isn't especially from a counter's point of view.

- Can I sit a the table and bet only when I fancy ? (re: wonging)
- How fast is the flow at the table, is it a rush or do I have time to think, am I being rushed to put out my bets?
- Is it ok to leave a table and come back after 5 mins?

Thanks

I'm sure I'll come up with some more questions later, but that's all I could think off right now.

**zengrifter** · 03-05-2013, 10:45 AM

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**Smartpart** · 03-05-2013, 10:46 AM

Getting away with the first one is possible is sometimes possible.
Dealer can only deal as fast as you play.
Yes.

A few hours of live play will answer most of these questions.

**Daithy** · 03-05-2013, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by zengrifter

Rule #1: Don't count outloud.

Yep that's for sure, I'll have it down like riding a bike before I'm ready to head out.

**Daithy** · 03-05-2013, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by Smartpart

Getting away with the first one is possible is sometimes possible.

A few hours of live play will answer most of these questions.

Yeah I was wondering rather not if it's allowed but if it's a natural behaviour, like playing 3 hands and then do't bet anything for about 2 hands and again play another 2 hands. Do all the players do that at the table? or is it a definite giveaway that you're a counter?

**Shoofly** · 03-05-2013, 11:00 AM

Originally Posted by Daithy

Yeah I was wondering rather not if it's allowed but if it's a natural behaviour, like playing 3 hands and then do't bet anything for about 2 hands and again play another 2 hands. Do all the players do that at the table? or is it a definite giveaway that you're a counter?

Don't start out doing fancy stuff like going from 3 hands to no hands to 2 hands. Just play one hand for awhile until you get the feel for it.

**21forme** · 03-05-2013, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by zengrifter

Rule #1: Don't count outloud.

rules #2: Don't move your lips as you count.

**Intermediate** · 03-05-2013, 02:18 PM

Question 1: I would say most places in the US would have other players at the table that would frown on you playing whenever you "fancy". They would be annoyed at your interrupting the flow of the cards. In my locale, if you really piss someone off, like someone betting green/black while you jump in and out with Red bets, you're liable to get injured. Not so true in The UK where I see people do it all the time.

Question 2: You'll be able to take as much time as you want, so long as the others at the table don't get impatient. They might also just get mad if it appears you are contemplating a move that departs from what they deem is the "right play".

Question 3: Should be OK, but depending on rules, you might not be able to start playing again until the start of the next shoe. Again, it depends on the local crowd and how intense they are, and how annoyed they get by the constant change in # hands.

**lurppis** · 03-05-2013, 02:19 PM

Casinos are full of tourists and beginners. If there is one you can conveniently visit, nobody will stop you from just watching some BJ tables to get a sense of how they operate.

**Solo player** · 03-06-2013, 12:38 AM

Originally Posted by zengrifter

Rule #1: Don't count outloud.

LOL. More than once I have have blurted out the count aloud when someone started up a conversation.

**zengrifter** · 03-06-2013, 12:39 AM

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**dharmaprija** · 03-06-2013, 05:41 AM

Me too back in the early days solo, amazing how many of the "newb" mistakes we ALL make. To answer the questions w/ some advice...1: it is NOT natural to sit out, then play, then spread to 2, then sit out, very UNnatural for a "gambler". They get in, give it all away and then open the wallet to donate some more. ADVICE for #1: stand a little way away from the table, count the cards til you are comfortable, and wong in at a good count, IF the dealer or players give you heat be HONEST and say you are new and learning...(this even works as a pro, but only once or twice), this will break the ice with the dealer who will SLOW down for you, and players will sometimes loosen up as well. IF they try to chat you up to sit and join in(before your count is good) tell them you're trying to learn and not quite ready. 2: standing away and backcounting will enable you to get a feel for the speed of the dealer as well, if you can count a deck at around 20sec. you should do ok with most dealers. I have met a few (who had to know i ws counting) who purposely tried to go as fast as possible to f&*BT% with me, didnt work, ha. 3: IF you leave a table try to make it only on a hand that loses, i.e. you wouldnt leave right after hitting a BJ, or winning a big bet. I have my stores trained to my "quirky" play and they believe i'm superstitious and tolerate me. SUPERSTITION is your friend, IF you are getting the "eye" from the Pit or from dealers, players, make some superstitious reference before you leave, "its 7 after 10! lucky time to go play KENO", "I'm finally back to EVEN, man i'm quitting, dont want to press my luck!" Most can understand that feeling and i've got my dealers so sympathetic to my being a "loser" they never notice that i'm winning, i pocket chips as well.