A PLAYER’S CODE OF CONDUCT
Some guidelines on behavior at the tables
By Al O’Grady
Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. Yes, we live in a free society, and you’re entitled to spend your money however you like—but ask yourself: Do you really want to come across as naive, unprofessional, or lacking class in the eyes of the dealer or fellow players?
There’s plenty of information out there—books, websites, videos—on how to play basic strategy. What’s harder to find is guidance on how to conduct yourself at the table with professionalism and respect.
That’s why I’ve put together a Players’ Code of Conduct. Think of it as a dealer’s guide to earning respect at the tables, no matter your skill level. These points aren’t listed in order of importance—each one contributes equally to the bigger picture of how you’re perceived.
Stop Table Hopping
This is a major annoyance to everyone. Stop bouncing around from table to table. For some reason, some players feel a table is cold after losing three hands in a row, and they leave for the next table. They continue this pattern until they find the so-called “hot table” and go on a run. Losing three hands in a row is common and does not justify leaving the table.
Ask For Permission to Join In
When sitting down, ask the players if you can join in or if they want you to wait for a few hands. This is a common courtesy to others at the table and you will get immediate respect. The original players may be on a winning streak, and they do not want someone to upset that rhythm. Respect that. Think of the Golden Rule: If you were on a winning streak, do you want someone to join in without asking? If the players were on a winning streak and you jumped in without asking and the table started losing, rightly or wrongly, you will get the blame. It is common courtesy, but for some reason, it is not that common.
Do Not Tell Others How to Play
If you do not play perfect strategy, do not tell others how to play. You will be seen as a hypocrite and a bully by the dealer and other advanced players. In my experience, less than 2% of all players I encounter play perfect strategy. Even the big-money players make strategy errors all the time. If you are the type that sticks on 16 all the time and does not double down against a dealer’s 10, you are violating perfect strategy. If you are knowingly or unknowingly violating basic strategy, do not tell others how to play. There is a way to encourage basic play for novice players. Respectfully tell them that it is their money, and they can do whatever they want, but they are not playing the percentages and explain the rationale. By being respectful and not condescending to weaker players generates harmony at the table. You will find they will be asking for your opinion on future hands as well.
NEVER Berate the Dealer for a Mistake
Of course, this one is near and dear to my heart, but never give the dealer a tough time for making an honest mistake. The job is hard enough at times. Dealers are human too. Nobody is perfect. I could deal 1,000 hands in a day. If I am 99.9% accurate, that means I will make 10 mistakes over eight hours. The laws of probability will show my imperfections. It is not a matter of if, but when, a dealer makes a mistake. When that does happen, it is not the end of the world. Respectfully point out the error. A supervisor will be called in and the error is corrected. No harm, no foul. Do not compound the problem with hostility. It solves nothing. This brings me to my next point.
NEVER Blame the Dealer for a Losing Hand
For some reason, people think dealers have some sort of magical power and we can control the cards that come out of the shoe. News flash: we cannot. If we did have that magical power, we would be sitting on the other side of the table and become independently wealthy taking down the casino. You are not going to win every hand. Over the course of time, you will win slightly less than 50% of all hands dealt. If you cannot accept that, then you should not be playing. Dealers can understand if you lose a tough hand. We can understand that you are upset with the situation. Just do not make it personal.
Do Not Buy In With Low Denominations or Crumpled Up Bills
You never get a second chance for a first impression. If you are sitting down at a $25 blackjack table, most players buy in with $100s, $50s or $20s. What do you think the dealer and the rest of the table think of you if you bring in $10s or $5s? The word “unprofessional” come to mind. Buying in with low denominations is a clear signal that you do not belong at this table. Secondly, do not buy in with crumpled-up bills regardless of the denomination. While the bills do not have to be fresh off the presses, they should not have been in your dirty jeans pocket for the last three months either.
Tip the Dealer
Last and certainly not least, if you have a nice win, tip the dealer. If you got kicked in the teeth and nothing went your way, no tip is necessary and none is expected, but if you come away with $500, $1,000, $1,500 or more, some gratitude for the dealer is appreciated.
These points make up my Players’ Code of Conduct. It is not always what you do, but how you do it. At the end of the day, the how truly shows your character, professionalism and class. Good luck at the tables and do not forget to tip the dealer.
Al O’Grady has been a blackjack dealer for over seven years. He is a freelance writer with an economics degree and is currently pursuing a degree in mathematics.
