Table manners for the curious: a calm introduction to casino play

You need not be a regular to take a seat at a private gaming table. You do need five modest points about how the room operates.

Wait until the dealer waves you in

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

Buy chips with cash on the table, never handed

Lay the bills on the felt; the dealer counts them before the camera and slides chips across. Cash is never passed hand to hand. That is procedure, not coldness.

Touch your cards only with one hand

At baccarat and blackjack, when cards land face down, lift them with one hand only and keep them above the felt. It is the oldest rule in the room and the simplest to overlook.

Tip when you win, never when you lose

A small chip pushed to the dealer after a winning hand is customary; tipping after a loss looks theatrical. If unsure, watch the table for a few minutes — regulars will show you everything.

Leave when you are ready, not when you are losing

Knowing when to stop matters more than any system. We have watched guests double a bankroll on a Tuesday and then lose three months of careful play chasing the same result on a Friday. Choose a number, and honour it.

Prepared by the editorial team at Royallagoonpavilion. Last updated 2026-07-20.