Blackjack is one of the most well-known card games found in both online and land-based casinos. If you’re new to it, some of the terminology used during play might seem unfamiliar at first. Learning what these terms mean may make it easier to follow the game and help you feel more comfortable at the table if you decide to play.

This guide aims to help you get to grips with some of the most common terms used in blackjack. By understanding the language of the game, you’ll be better prepared to make informed decisions and enjoy the experience more fully—whether you’re playing casually or trying it for the first time.

Blackjack Terms To Know

Before stepping into a game of blackjack, it may be helpful for players to familiarise themselves with key terms that are often used at the table. Knowing these terms may make it easier to understand the flow of the game and the decisions that players might face.

These terms will cover a range of actions and scenarios that are common in blackjack. Each term represents an important aspect of the game, potentially affecting how a player chooses to proceed with their hand.

By understanding these words, players can better follow the game and make informed choices during play. Familiarity with blackjack terms also contributes to a more enjoyable experience, as players will be more aware of what’s happening at each stage of the game.

21+3

A popular side bet in blackjack where players combine their two initial cards with the dealer’s upcard to form a three-card poker hand.

86’d

This is when a player is asked to leave the casino and not return, often due to breaking rules or behaving inappropriately.

Ace

A flexible card that may be valued as either 1 or 11, depending on which value benefits the player’s hand more.

Anchorman

The player sitting at the far right of the dealer, also known as the last position. This player acts last during each round.

Bankroll

The amount of money a player has set aside specifically for gambling. Managing a bankroll thoughtfully is crucial for maintaining responsible gambling practices.

Basic Strategy

In blackjack, basic strategy provides a set of guidelines that suggests the best possible action for any given hand based on the player’s cards and the dealer’s upcard.

Blackjack

In the game of blackjack, a “blackjack” is the best possible hand, achieved with an ace and a 10-point card. This hand totals 21 and typically wins the round.

Box

The space on the table where a player’s bets are placed.

Burn Card

The top card that is removed from the deck and placed aside before the start of a new game or shoe.

Bust

In blackjack, a bust occurs when a player’s hand exceeds 21, resulting in an automatic loss for that round.

Chips

In blackjack, chips are used as a substitute for cash, allowing players to place bets on the table.

Colour Up

In blackjack, to “colour up” means exchanging smaller denomination chips for larger ones, which may help a player manage their stack more easily.

Continuous Shuffle Machine (CSM)

A device that shuffles the cards automatically and continuously during the game, which helps maintain the randomness of the deck.

Cut Card

In blackjack, a cut card is a plastic card used to divide the deck after shuffling.

Dealer

The person who manages the game, dealing cards to the players and themselves according to set rules.

Discard

In blackjack, “discard” refers to the pile of cards that have been played and are set aside until the next shuffle.

Double After Split (DAS)

An option in some games that allows players to double their bet after splitting a pair.

Double Down

In blackjack, to “double down” means the player doubles their initial bet after receiving their first two cards and commits to receiving only one more card.

Even Money

An option offered when a player has blackjack, and the dealer’s upcard is an ace. It allows the player to be paid 1:1 immediately, rather than waiting to see if the dealer also has blackjack.

Face Cards

Face cards include the jack, queen, and king, each valued at 10 points.

Flat Betting

Flat betting means a player places the same wager amount on each hand, regardless of the outcome of previous rounds.

Hand

The cards that a player or dealer holds during the game.

Hard Hand

A hand that does not contain an ace, or where the ace counts as 1.

Hit

In blackjack, “hit” means a player requests an additional card to increase their hand total.

Hit 17

This refers to a rule where the dealer must take an additional card if their hand totals a soft 17, which includes an ace counted as 11.

Hole Card

The dealer’s face-down card that remains hidden until it’s time for the dealer to play their hand.

House Edge

The advantage that the casino has over the players in the long run.

Insurance

A side bet offered when the dealer’s upcard is an ace, allowing players to wager that the dealer has a blackjack.

Multi Deck

In blackjack, a multi-deck game uses multiple decks of cards, often ranging from two to eight.

Natural

Another term for a blackjack, achieved with an ace and a 10-point card as the player’s initial two cards.

No Double After Split (NDAS)

A rule implemented in some games that prevents players from doubling their bet after splitting a pair.

Peek

This is when the dealer checks their face-down card to see if they have a blackjack when an ace or a 10-point card is their upcard.

Penetration

This refers to the percentage of the deck that has been dealt before the cards are reshuffled.

Perfect Pairs

A side bet where players wager that their first two cards will form a pair, such as two kings.

Push

This occurs when both the player and the dealer have hands of equal value, resulting in a tie. In this situation, the player’s bet is returned, and the round ends without a win or loss.

Shoe

A device that holds multiple decks of cards, allowing the dealer to deal cards more efficiently.

Shuffle

This involves mixing the cards thoroughly to ensure randomness before dealing them out.

Side Bet

An additional wager placed alongside the main bet, offering players extra chances to win based on specific card combinations.

Soft Hand

In blackjack, a soft hand includes an ace valued as 11, providing flexibility as the ace can also count as 1 if needed.

Split

An option that allows players to divide a pair of identical cards into two separate hands, each with its own bet.

Stand

This means the player chooses not to take any more cards and keeps their current hand.

Surrender

This allows a player to forfeit their hand and reclaim half of their bet instead of continuing with unfavourable odds.

Upcard

The dealer’s card that is dealt face-up, which all players can see.

Wonging

This refers to a technique where a player observes the game without playing, waiting for a favourable moment to join.

Is It Important To Know The Various Blackjack Terms?

If you intend to play blackjack, knowing the various blackjack terms may be beneficial. Players tend to find that understanding commonly used words in the game allows them to follow the action of the gameplay more effectively. It may also help them make decisions with greater confidence, supporting a more informed approach to the game.

Being familiar with these terms might assist players in communicating clearly with the dealer and other players at the table. This may even contribute to a more enjoyable playing experience.

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_{*The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.}