Making Blackjack Bets

Blackjack tables in casinos come in different varieties. The first step in playing blackjack successfully is finding the right table to suit your gambling and skill level.

Minimum and Maximum Allowable Bets

The minimum and maximum allowable bets will be clearly posted on a sign at the casino table. The lower limit tables are usually about £2 or £3, and will tend to be more crowded than the more expensive tables.

Buying Chips

To buy chips from the dealer, wait for the completion of the current round of betting and place the amount you wish to exchange on the table felt in front of you. An appropriate buy-in amount is anywhere from 10 to 20 times your average bet, so if you normally bet £3, then lay down £30 to £60.

Make sure you receive the correct amount and take a moment to become familiar with what each denomination chip looks like. If you have any questions, just ask the dealer.

Placing Bets

Start by placing your bet in the empty box nearest to where you are standing or sitting. Always stack your chips in a neat pile from largest denomination on the bottom to smallest on top. For example, if you're betting £17, place the £10 chip on the table then stack the £5 chip on top of this and finally the two £1 chips on top. For security reasons, you should never touch your bet once the cards have been dealt; if you want to be reminded how much you have wagered, just ask the dealer and they will be happy to count your chips for you.

You can also bet without playing; place your bet behind another player's, and win or lose depending upon their hand.

Completion of the Hand

When the hand is completed, the dealer will collect the losing chips and pay the winners. If you have won, you can collect your chips and use them to place a new bet on the table. Alternatively, you can let the dealer know you would like to cash in your chips. You can then take these chips to a cashier for cash or move on to another table for more gambling fun.

If you have too many smaller denomination chips, the dealer can exchange them for larger denomination chips - known as 'colouring up', as they exchange low colour chips for higher.