Search IconXs

Blackjack Table Layouts
“Excuse Me Mr. Security Officer.  I've Lost My Blackjack Table!!” 

Felt Is For Blackjack Tables 

If you have played Blackjack before, you already know and understand everything we are about to say.  We just felt (get it?) that some new players might like to understand the layout of the table (a hell of a lot easier than the layout of the MGM Grand in Vegas!).  There are about 17,000 Blackjack tables in North America, easily the number one money-making table game.

The word Blackjack may appear on signs overhead, or somewhere near the table.  It also usually appears on the table as well.  If you are not sure, just ask before you sit down, “Is this regular Blackjack?”  Most dealers and players who are not having a tough day will give you a straight answer.  A very important thing, even for veteran players, is to know or ask what the table minimums/maximums are.  This is usually found to the dealer’s right, posted on a sign sitting on the table.  There is nothing dealers hate more than you sitting down, and having them shuffle up 4 or 8 decks of cards, getting all ready to go, and then have you realize you’re sitting at a $25 table.  Chances are, if the other tables in the room are busy, the empty one may have a higher minimum bet.  Just look, or ask.  You will notice that good dealers take the sign and place it right in the middle of the table when there is no action, which helps prevent this from occurring. 

The table felts are usually dark green in color, but more and more casinos are changing the colors to the general theme of their individual casinos.  The table will have some writing on it, either, “The Dealer Stands on All 17s”, or the less common option, “The Dealer Hits Soft 17.”  The Playing 21 Program allows you to test which of these versions is better.  Also on the table is another line that usually says, “Insurance Pays 2 to 1”

The table will have room for 5 to 7 players, 7 being the most common.  Other table features include wagering areas for the players.  This is usually a square or a circle and sometimes even a symbol (or even both a square and a symbol). The Flamingo in Vegas has a picture of one of their “lovable” pit bosses, no wait…come to think of it, it’s a Pink Flamingo (I apologize.  I confused the $5 chips with the table wager area.  The $5 chips have a picture of Bugsy Siegel, whose resemblance to the aforementioned lovable (and totally competent) Flamingo pit boss is uncanny).  This area is where you place your wager for each hand.  The dealer is the sharp dressed person, usually standing across from you and runs the show at the table.  They work for a low wage and tips, so don’t be shy about giving them a tip if they treat you as I find most do, very well.  In front of the Dealer is a money tray full of casino chips.  The chips usually range from $0.50 chips to $500.  The dollars are usually a metal token, which players can use in slot machines.  To the dealers left is usually the shuffling machine (if used) and the shoe the dealer deals the cards from.  To the dealers right is a drop box, where the money goes when you cash in for chips, as well as a discard rack where played cards are stored after completed hands, and where they will remain until the shoe is empty. Then the cards are reshuffled. 

There are non-smoking tables if that is a concern (Even non-smoking casinos).  Also, there may be chip holders or drink holders in front of you on the table.  Try not to spill drinks on the table, and for you smokers; ashes on the table are a pain in the ass.  Be courteous at all times. 

Finally, if you are maybe drinking a little heavy or have a directional problem, get in the habit of just taking your chips to the washroom with you.

For more on how to play Blackjack, click here.