The Blackjack Table

The blackjack table doesn’t have the complex layout of the tables used for games such as craps and roulette, but it can still feel a bit overwhelming to the novice player. By learning about the table layout in advance, you can avoid making mistakes at the casino.

Blackjack table

Blackjack is normally played at a semi-circular table. The dealer is standing or sitting behind the flat side of the table, while the players gather around the curved side. Virtually all commercial blackjack tables have room for a chip rack right in front of the dealer. The shoe (the box holding the decks) is typically placed to the left of the dealer, while the discard pile is located to the right. Automatic shuffling machines remove the need for any discard pile.

When playing blackjack, it is important not to touch or even venture close to the chip rack, shoe, discard pile or automatic shuffling machine since this will be viewed as an attempt to cheat or steal and you may be asked to leave the casino.

Blackjack table layout

Before you sit down to play at a table, take some time to glance at the text printed on the table layout. This text is not merely decorative – it actually gives you a lot of information about the rules of the table, rules that will have an effect on optimal blackjack strategy. Pay special attention to the following:

• When must the dealer stand and when must she hit? Must she for instance hit on a soft 17?
• What is the payment for blackjack? Is it the standard 3:2 or the lower 6:5?
• What is the payment for insurance? Is it the standard 2:1 or something else?
• Do you have the option of surrendering?

The minimum and maximum bet is normally not printed on the layout, since the casino wants to be able to easily change these numbers. Look for a sign at the back of the table or ask the dealer or pit boss.