Manners at the gaming table: a gentle introduction for newcomers

You need not be a familiar face to join a private gaming table. You should know five simple customs that govern how the room operates.

Hold back until the dealer signals you forward

A dealer mid-shoe will not pause to seat someone new. Stand about a metre back, meet their eyes, and wait for the nod. It arrives.

Exchange cash for chips on the felt, never from hand to hand

Lay bills on the table; the dealer counts them before the camera and pushes chips across. Cash never passes palm to palm. That is procedure, not discourtesy.

Handle dealt cards with a single hand only

In baccarat and blackjack, when cards arrive face down, lift them with one hand and keep them clear of the felt. It is the room's oldest rule — and the one most often overlooked.

Tip after wins, not after losses

Sliding a small chip to the dealer following a winning hand is customary; tipping after a loss looks like performance. Unsure? Watch the table for a few hands — regulars teach by example.

Depart on your own terms, not in frustration

Knowing when to stop beats any betting system. We have watched guests double a bankroll on a Tuesday, then squander three months of disciplined play chasing the same rush on a Friday. Set a limit and honour it.

Authored by the Rubybeachshores editorial team. Last revised 2026-07-20.