Here’s a piece of casino advice that might sound like common sense, but I’ll explain why it makes a big difference. It’s customary for players to tip their dealers, be it any form of cards. However, in blackjack, it’s not only sound etiquette, it’s smart strategy, as well.
How? Here’s how.
First of all, and this can be disputed but I’ve witnessed it on more than a few occasions, a well-tipped dealer might shuffle later on in the game than he or she might do if they were just dealing for their hourly salary. This creates a helpful if not intentional advantage for any card-counter at the table. So if you’re there to put some of your card-counting tactics to the test or hone your skills to bring in some cash, keep this in mind.
Second, and this part is common sense, it puts a smile on the blackjack online dealer’s face. And, say it with me, a happy dealer makes for a happy table. Everyone wants to win, and everyone wants to have fun, but remembering to give the dealer their due (you might not think they deserve it, but believe me it makes your life easier at the table if you go with the flow and tip the dealer when you win). Really, though, there’s more to it than just getting to see Mr. Dealer’s pearly whites…odds are they’re yellow from years of second-hand cigarette smoke stains anyway. A happy, well-tipped dealer is also going to be a looser dealer, one that might not be as on guard with hiding his tells than one in a fouler mood. The dealer with a nice tip stack has a little less to worry about, and might just reveal a little more than the casino would prefer, to your advantage.
Many would say blackjack is different from poker. In poker, you’re playing against the other players, not the bank. Whereas in blackjack, you’re squaring off against the dealer. In fact, there are two schools of thought here. For blackjack, why would you tip the very person you’re technically playing against? Of course, in poker, the dealer takes a rake from every hand, so why give extra back to the casino?
In the end, it’s best not to let GoldenPalace logic get in the way of tradition. Especially if you have a girl hanging off your arm. You don’t want to look cheap and you don’t want scowls from the dealer, regardless of the game you’re playing.