Blackjack Terms

Blackjack TermsBlackjack is one of the most played casino games of all time and as such, it is no wonder that it can be found in most brick and mortar casinos as well as online. Its interesting nature and gameplay are among the things that attract a number of players globally. It is a game of skills and luck, meaning that in order to win it, gamblers need to apply a reliable strategy and follow it throughout the game.

Blackjack, just like most casino games, has its own unique terms that are used during the course of the game. In order to be able to play it properly, players need to get familiar with them. Knowing the most commonly used terms is just as important as having a reliable strategy or money management skills. It is essential to be acquainted with the game’s glossary in order to be able to fully understand it and follow the gaming process properly. Therefore, let’s have a look at some of the most important terms which every player should learn before playing.

Blackjack Glossary

Blackjack GlossaryWhen it comes to blackjack, one of the first things that players should get familiar with is the possible moves they can make for each hand. It is also essential to know all of the additional terms that are used during the gaming process as this way, players will be able to fully understand the rest of the participants and all of the things they are referring to. By knowing the proper name for a particular situation or hand, players also show that they are truly dedicated to playing blackjack.

Hit

Blackjack Player Move Hitting

To draw an extra card.

Draw

Another way to indicate the move hit.

Twist

Another name for the move hit in one of the famous variations of blackjack Pontoon.

Double Down

Blackjack Player Move Doubling Down

To make the original bet twice as much.

Stand

Blackjack Player Move Standing

To continue the game without drawing any extra cards.

Split

Blackjack Player Move Splitting

To split a pair that consists of two equally ranked cards in order to make two separate hands.

Insurance

Blackjack Player Move Insurance

To place a side bet that will pay out in case the dealer has blackjack.

Surrender

Blackjack Player Move Surrender

To give up a losing hand in order to retain half of the original bet.

Early Surrender

To give up a hand before the dealer checks for blackjack

Late Surrender

To give up a hand after the dealer checked for blackjack

Dealer

The person who represents the casino and who is responsible for dealing the cards and conducting the game

House Edge

It is measured in percentage and it is used to indicate the built-in advantage the casinos have

House

Another word for a casino

Pit Boss

A representative of the casino who strictly monitors the tables for any forbidden activity

Hole Card

This is the face down card of the dealer which players cannot see

Up Card

This is the up card of the dealer which can be seen from all of the players

Face Cards

The cards that have pictures on them -Jacks, Kings and Queens.

Suit is irrelevant in Blackjack

Soft Total

A hand that consists of an Ace that is valued as eleven.

Soft 19

Hard Total

The opposite of a soft total – a hard total is a hand that contains no Ace or a hand in which the Ace is counted as one.

Hard 16

Stiff Hand

A hand whose total value is between 12 to 16 and that will exceed 21 if players decide to hit.

Stiff 14

Push

Also commonly known among blackjack players as tie – it is a situation in which the dealer and the players have the same total and in such cases there is no winner

Blackjack

The highest winning hand in the game which is comprised of an Ace and a 10-valued card.

Classic Blackjack

Twenty-One

Another name for blackjack

Deck

Fifty-two playing cards form one deck

Deck Penetration

This term refers to the number of packs used in the game before the cards are shuffled together

Multiple Deck Game

A game that features several packs of cards, in most cases six or eight

Shuffle

The random manner in which the cards are mixed by the dealer

Shoe

A box on the table in which are placed the decks

Shoe Game

A game in which the cards are dealt from a shoe

Discard Tray

This is the place where the discarded cards are placed

Bust

Also known as break, is when the total value of players’ hand goes over 21 and the result is a bust or in other words, an instant loss

Basic Strategy

An efficient way for players to improve their game as this strategy suggests the best possible move that can be made in a certain situation

Card Counter

A player who keeps track of the cards in the game in order to gain advantage over the casino

Card Counting

This term refers to the process or the strategy that involves keeping track of the cards in the game in order to be able to determine the ratio of the high value cards to low value ones and this way gain advantage over the casino

Hi-Lo

One of the most popular balanced card counting systems

Cut Card

A plastic card that is used to indicate the point at which the dealer have to reshuffle the cards

First Base

The first place that is located on the left side of the dealer and the player who is sitting on that spot is the first one to receive the first two cards and to act

Third Base

The place that is located on the right side of the dealer and the player who is sitting on that spot is the last one to act

Flat Betting

When players wager the same amount on every hand, without changing this pattern

Unit

The size of bet that is established as a standard

Bankroll

The funds that players have decided to play with

Betting Limit

The minimum and maximum amounts that a particular blackjack table allows to be placed for each hand

Wager

Another word for bet which is used in real-money blackjack games when players would like to place a bet

Checks

Another word for chips

High Roller

A player who tends to place large bets

Hand-Held Games

Blackjack games in which the dealer holds the cards in his hand

Conclusion

ConclusionIt is extremely essential to be familiar with the blackjack glossary in order to be able to fully enjoy and understand the game. This way players will be able to play properly and participate in the gaming process freely. Even though the above-mentioned terms may seem quite a lot, they are very easy to remember and once read, it is hard to forget them. One of the reasons why the casinos came up with them was to make the game even more unique and help players feel a part of it even more.